Every business, regardless of size or industry, generates a significant amount of data. Yet, far too often, companies view data as a byproduct of operations rather than a critical asset that needs to be managed strategically. Ignoring a data strategy can seem harmless in the early stages of a business, but over time, the costs escalate in ways that directly impact growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. Understanding these risks is the first step toward building a data-driven organization.