What Leaders Are Getting Right—and Wrong—About Data Strategy in 2025 

SAP Leaders Are Taking Data Seriously—But Is It Enough? 

The latest UKISUG x Syniti Data Survey 2025 reveals a clear truth: organizations are waking up to the reality that data isn’t just a technical asset—it’s a business-critical priority. But while progress is being made, many organizations still face major gaps when it comes to data quality, governance, and readiness for transformation. 

This annual survey of senior IT UK leaders at SAP-using organizations explores how companies are approaching their data strategies in an era of digital transformation, AI adoption, and widespread S/4HANA migration. 

What’s Holding Businesses Back from Data-Driven Transformation? 

Despite years of talking about data as a strategic asset, too many organizations are still struggling to realize its full value. Yes, more businesses have data strategies in place. Yes, analytics usage is up. But under the surface, many are operating with limited visibility, fragmented governance, and questionable data quality. 

The UKISUG x Syniti Data Survey 2025 shows a growing awareness of data’s importance — but also a growing frustration. Business leaders are still unable to make decisions in real time. Teams are working from outdated or siloed data. Migrations are delayed. And when AI is brought in to help, it often underdelivers due to poor data quality beneath the surface. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t make it less risky. 

•  Data Strategy Adoption Is Growing—But Maturity Still Lags: Poor data and lack of business resourcing are leading to migration delays, cost overruns, and unrealized benefits. 

• Confidence in Data Quality Is Alarmingly Low: Data strategies are no longer optional—but to drive real value, they must be enterprise-wide and embedded beyond IT. 

• Data Governance and Management Are Still Immature: Without trusted data, analytics outputs are flawed, AI adoption is hindered, and transformations stall. 

S/4HANA Migrations Are Ramping Up—but the Data Is Holding Them Back 

With the SAP S/4HANA deadline looming and AI no longer optional, the cost of inaction is rising. In fact, 86% of survey respondents report data management challenges are slowing AI adoption.  

Real-time decision-making and AI value creation depend on mature governance and high-quality, integrated data. The most successful businesses in the next 2–3 years won’t just be those who implement AI or move to S/4HANA. They’ll be the ones who treat data as a core business asset — and govern it accordingly. 

Data-Driven Transformation Requires More Than Just Tools 

Organizations are embracing analytics, with 70% reporting positive outcomes. But the skills gap looms large, with only 28% confident they have the expertise to manage and make sense of their data. 

What’s more, data remains siloed in 86% of organizations, preventing real-time decisions and limiting AI potential. Compliance concerns are growing, yet many lack archiving strategies to address them. 

It's uncomfortable reality: data maturity is improving, but not fast enough to keep pace with transformation goals — especially when it comes to SAP S/4HANA migrations and AI adoption. 

So, Where Do You Go from Here? 

Data is no longer just a backend issue. It’s the foundation of your AI strategy, your SAP S/4HANA migration, your compliance posture, and your ability to drive transformation. 

• Prioritize data quality early in the transformation lifecycle.
• Break down data silos for real-time decision-making.
• Build cross-functional ownership of data strategy.
• Invest in both skills and the right technology. 

The  UKISUG x Syniti Data Survey 2025 offers a rare look at how your peers are approaching data — what’s working, what’s not, and where the real challenges lie. But more than that, it helps you reflect on where your own organization stands and what steps you should be taking now. 

Want the full findings and expert analysis? 

 Download the 2025 UKISUG x Syniti Data Survey Report and discover how your organization compares—and where to take action.