DataOps Blog | HubSpot Consultant Advice

Breaking Down Data Silos: A Practical Approach

Written by Geoff Tucker | March 24, 2025

 

The Cost of Data Silos

Disconnected data sources hurt more than just reporting—they waste money. According to Forrester's Data Management Survey, data silos waste 21% of marketing budgets due to redundant efforts and inefficient workflows.

Signs You Have a Data Silo Problem:

  • Inconsistent Reporting – Teams present conflicting numbers from different sources.

  • Duplicate Systems – Multiple tools store the same information in different formats.

  • Communication Gaps – Teams can’t access or understand each other’s data.

  • Manual Data Transfers – Exporting and importing files across platforms is the norm.

  • Conflicting Metrics – KPIs vary across departments, making unified tracking impossible.

McKinsey's Digital Transformation Study reveals that integrated data systems improve decision-making speed by 35%.

How to Break Down Silos

  1. Map Data Flows – Understand where your data comes from and where it goes.

  2. Standardize Definitions – Agree on what each metric means across all teams.

  3. Implement Integrations – Connect tools and platforms to enable seamless data sharing.

  4. Create Shared Metrics – Align KPIs so everyone is working toward the same goals.

  5. Establish Ownership – Assign leaders responsible for data quality and governance.

HubSpot's Marketing Operations Report finds that unified data systems reduce reporting time by 62%. Gartner's Marketing Technology Research also shows that integrated systems improve campaign performance by 47%.

Adobe's Digital Marketing Survey confirms that companies with connected data achieve 53% better ROI.

Final Thoughts

Breaking down data silos isn’t just about tech—it’s about strategy, alignment, and communication. When your systems talk to each other, your team works smarter and faster.

Need help breaking down your data silos?

Schedule a consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/dataopsgroup/gtclient

Related Reading: The True Cost of Bad Data