Data Strategy & Advisory
Data Start Scan
From first insight to strategic data plan.
The Data Start Scan by Den Otter Solutions is a pragmatic analysis for SMEs taking the first step with data. Many organisations know there is value in their data, but decisions are still driven by gut feeling or fragmented spreadsheets. The scan determines where your organisation stands on the data maturity ladder and designs a path to the next stage — with a concrete strategic data plan, business case, and implementation roadmap. Choose a Snapshot for fast validation, or a Deep Dive for a complete strategic foundation. Both formats are delivered fully remote, wherever you operate.
Why invest in data?
Supply Chain
Visibility into dead stock typically reduces inventory value by 10-15%
Finance
Automating recurring reporting saves 2 to 4 days per month
Commercial
Visibility into true margin per customer (including hidden costs) increases profitability by 2-5%
Entry point
About to invest in data — but not sure if you are ready?
Data Snapshot
For organisations that want a low-threshold validation of whether they are on the right track
The Data Snapshot by Den Otter Solutions is a one-day thermometer for your organisation's data maturity. We conduct a management interview about strategic goals and frustrations, map the most important data sources, and deliver a concise report with a maturity score, the three most important quick wins, and advice on the logical next step. Fully remote — via video call, regardless of your location.
Management interview
Strategic goals, current frustrations, and data ambitions
Data source inventory
Which systems exist, how does data flow, where are the silos?
Maturity score
Indicative position on the Coleman Data Maturity Model
Deliverable
Concise report with maturity score, top-3 quick wins, and next-step advice
Turnaround
1 day (including reporting)
Delivery
Interview + data source analysis, fully remote worldwide
Full engagement
Where does your organisation stand on the data maturity ladder — and what is the next step?
Deep Dive
For organisations that want to lay a complete strategic foundation for their data investment
The Deep Dive by Den Otter Solutions is an intensive two-week engagement that assesses your organisation's data maturity on the Coleman Data Maturity Model — seven dimensions, five maturity stages. The result is a Strategic Data Plan: a concrete business case, an overview of quick wins, and an implementation roadmap tailored to your organisation's capacity and skill level. This prevents the most common mistakes during implementation. The entire engagement is delivered fully remote, wherever you operate.
The 7 dimensions of the Coleman model
Business Strategy & Data Integration
To what extent does data support the strategic goals?
Data Management & Quality
Is the data clean, complete, and available?
Human Capital & Skills
Do employees have the right data skills?
Technological Infrastructure
Is the IT environment scalable and secure?
Analysis Application & Insight
Are we looking back (descriptive) or forward (predictive)?
Governance & Security
Are ownership and privacy (GDPR) properly arranged?
Organisational Culture
Are decisions based on facts or gut feeling?
The 5 stages of data maturity
Data Unaware
Data Aware
Data Active
Data Driven
Data Optimised
The goal of the Data Start Scan is to facilitate the transition to the next stage.
The process
01
Intake & leadership interview
Map strategic priorities, frustrations, and data ambitions (video call)
02
Data sources & systems
Technical inventory of all relevant systems and data flows (remote)
03
Dimension analysis
Assessment across all 7 Coleman dimensions, score per dimension
04
Strategic Data Plan
Translate findings into business case, quick wins, and implementation roadmap
What you receive
Strategic Data Plan
Maturity score per dimension, gap analysis, and strategic recommendations
Quick Wins Overview
Concrete improvements that deliver fast results
Implementation Roadmap
Phased plan tailored to the capacity and skill level of your organisation
Turnaround
2 weeks
Delivery
Fully remote — via video calls and screen sharing. No on-site visits required, worldwide.
Requires Power BI?
No — the scan is designed as a starting point before implementation
Which format fits your situation?
| Data Snapshot | Deep Dive | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | 1 day | 2 weeks |
| Scope | Thermometer — indicative maturity score | Full Coleman model — 7 dimensions |
| Deliverable | Concise report + top-3 quick wins | Strategic Data Plan + business case + roadmap |
| Requires Power BI? | No | No |
| Delivery | Fully remote | Fully remote |
| Best for | "Are we ready?" | "What is the best approach for us?" |
Frequently asked questions about the Data Start Scan
What is the difference between a Data Start Scan and a Power BI Audit?
The Data Start Scan is for organisations that do not yet use Power BI and want to know where to start. The Power BI Audit is for organisations that already have a Power BI environment and want to know if it is performing optimally. The Start Scan assesses broader data maturity on the Coleman model with seven dimensions; the Audit focuses on five dimensions of an existing implementation.
Do I need an existing Power BI environment for a Data Start Scan?
No. The Data Start Scan is designed as a starting point — before you invest in Power BI or any other BI platform. We assess your current data sources, systems, and organisation to determine readiness and the best approach.
What if our data is not clean enough?
That is precisely one of the things the scan maps out. Most SMEs do not have perfect data — and that is not required to get started. We identify which data sources are usable, where the biggest quality issues are, and how to resolve them pragmatically.
Can the Data Start Scan be done remotely?
Yes. Both the Snapshot and the Deep Dive are designed for fully remote delivery. We conduct interviews via video call and analyse data sources and systems remotely. Den Otter Solutions serves organisations worldwide, regardless of location.
How does the Snapshot compare to the Deep Dive?
The Snapshot is a one-day thermometer: an indicative maturity score with the three most important quick wins. The Deep Dive is a two-week engagement that assesses all seven Coleman dimensions in depth and delivers a full Strategic Data Plan with business case and implementation roadmap.
What happens after the scan?
Den Otter Solutions can implement the recommended steps after the scan — from building a first dashboard to setting up a complete data environment. This can be a one-off project, through Analytics as a Service, or as a coaching engagement with your own team. All follow-up work is delivered fully remote.
Ready to take the first step?
Schedule a no-obligation call — we will help you determine which format fits your situation. Den Otter Solutions works fully remote and serves organisations worldwide.