In an earlier post, I've already written about how important it is to merge business units together to ensure a consistent customer experience. A common database for all areas is a huge advantage for different reasons. This not only helps to optimize workflows and customer experiences, but also guarantees the safe handling of sensitive data.

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DSGVO: Shared data sets do not make anyone happy

In May 2018, the time has come: the General Data Protection Regulation , which has actually been in force since 2016, will be punished for non-compliance from 25.5.2018. For many companies, May is therefore the key date in order to adapt all processes and strategies to DSGVO-compliant hitherto.

Above all, customers and users have a special right to know and to control how their data is used. You can therefore:
request at any time to delete their data
correct or edit your data at any time
Request access to all data in a common data format
restrict the use of their data at any time or prohibit it completely

Imagine a company that uses isolated databases for the CRM system, marketing automation, logistics software, and ticket and billing. And now imagine what this business is like when a customer asks for all of their data in a consistent format.

It is almost impossible to gather together all the information in decentralized databases and send them in a format without an immense effort.

Incidentally, Ines Alte explains in an interview what particularly high-tech companies need to know about the GDPR.
A central database gives an overview of all data

Even before the GDPR, but especially now is a central database basis, for example, to ensure customer-centric processes seamlessly. But it also helps to identify and structure collected data in a standardized way. This allows sensitive data to be properly labeled and processed. At the same time, all employees have a better overview of the various data and can thus also comply more easily with data protection laws.

In short: a database supports the control and overview of data on all contacts, work processes or customer groups.

And while privacy is often cited as a barrier to customer-centric and personalized targeting, the reverse is true. Those who process, collect and process their sensitive data in compliance with data protection laws can at the same time guarantee an optimal customer journey. A customer journey that responds to individual needs and not at the expense of customer confidence. Data protection strengthens digitization, just as a secure foundation strengthens the stability of a home.