Yesterday we reported on a new study that shows top performers are typically the ones embracing data analytics. The study, from IBM Institute for Business Value and MIT Sloan Management Review, also offers up some insightful steps enterprises can take to get such a valuable IT-business focus up and running.

As promised here are the steps to take:

Take Big Steps: Meet the inherent challenges you know about head on and do it with the resources you have. Don't procrastinate. Do what you can with what you have and go forward. The study says organizations too often wait for complete data or perfect skills before they take on the opportunity to apply analytics to high-value opportunities. Consequently, they stay stalled in investment mode.

Identify The Needs Don't take the traditional, and usual, approach in gathering data and extracting insights. First identify what insights you need and then you'll know what data you need to focus on. This keeps the data deluge as low as possible and provides an efficient way to start moving forward and making decisions based on analysis.

Grab Technology That Works For Users: The good thing about the many business analytics technologies and tools is that there is likely one that works easily for your user base. So explore the various alternatives and keep the learning curve low. Techniques such as data visualization and simulation tools don't require niche skill sets so they can be put to use right away. The study says that organizations that use a "selective" approach can focus resources and efforts narrowly and this leads to generating insights and hurdling the business challenges.