AI intensifies the need for aligned data

Analytics already needs common definitions for customer, revenue or service. AI adds unstructured documents, vector indexes, conversation logs and response evaluation. Without a platform, every pilot creates another copy and rule set.

A warehouse or lakehouse is not an end in itself. Its role is to make trusted data, access rules and metrics reusable across products.

The semantic layer becomes critical

A model can produce valid SQL and still return a wrong management answer when a metric is ambiguous. The semantic layer records business meaning, formulas and usage context.

  • Aligned metrics
  • Catalogue and data owners
  • Lineage from source to answer
  • Shared access rules

Build the platform from use cases

Do not wait for a multiyear data programme. Choose one AI or BI use case, identify the required domains and build the smallest reusable foundation. New use cases should extend it rather than create islands.

The platform then grows with value and reduces the marginal cost of each new AI solution.