How can you explain complex ERP data analysis to non-technical stakeholders?

1 Know your audience

Before you present your ERP data analysis, you need to understand who your audience is and what they need to know. Are they executives, managers, customers, or partners? What are their goals, challenges, and expectations? How familiar are they with ERP systems and data analysis concepts? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, tone, and level of detail to suit their needs and interests. You should also anticipate their questions and concerns and prepare relevant answers and examples.

2 Simplify your data

ERP data analysis can involve complex calculations, formulas, models, and algorithms. However, you don't need to show all the technical details to your non-technical stakeholders. Instead, you should simplify your data and focus on the key findings, trends, patterns, and insights that matter to them. You can use charts, graphs, tables, and dashboards to visualize your data and make it easier to understand. You should also use clear and consistent labels, legends, colors, and scales to avoid confusion and ambiguity.

3 Tell a story

One of the best ways to explain complex ERP data analysis to non-technical stakeholders is to tell a story. A story can help you connect your data to a real-world problem, solution, or opportunity that your audience cares about. It can also help you engage their emotions, attention, and curiosity. To tell a good story, you should have a clear structure, such as a beginning, a middle, and an end. You should also use simple and familiar language, metaphors, analogies, and examples to illustrate your points.

4 Provide context

Another tip to explain complex ERP data analysis to non-technical stakeholders is to provide context. Context can help you explain why your data analysis is important, relevant, and meaningful to your audience. It can also help you compare and contrast your data with other sources, benchmarks, or goals. To provide context, you should explain the purpose, scope, and limitations of your data analysis. You should also highlight the main takeaways, implications, and recommendations based on your data analysis.

5 Invite feedback

Finally, you should invite feedback from your non-technical stakeholders after you explain your ERP data analysis. Feedback can help you check their understanding, address their doubts, and clarify their queries. It can also help you improve your communication skills, build trust and rapport, and foster collaboration and learning. To invite feedback, you should ask open-ended questions, listen actively, acknowledge different perspectives, and thank your audience for their input.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?