Data and technology trends set to impact business in 2025 and beyond, PBT Group
The New Year has dawned and with artificial intelligence (AI) still dominating chatter about the future, the data and analytics landscape is poised for more transformative growth. Experts from PBT Group highlight several of the data and technology trends that they expect will define the year ahead.
“Even though it may seem an oversimplification, the most accurate answer for what lies ahead in the world of data in 2025 would be access to more quality data and an ongoing emphasis on AI,” says Andreas Bartsch, Head of Innovation and Services at PBT Group. “Many of the data related trends highlighted in 2024 are still relevant. These include building a data literacy culture, prioritising data governance, the increasing adoption of DataOps, streaming data processing from the edge, and of course AI everywhere. However, there are some nuances to be mindful of for 2025.”
Enhancing data literacy
Bartsch underscores the importance of fostering a data-literate workforce to remain competitive in a data-driven world.
“Data literacy is critical for organisations to unlock the real value of their data, make more informed decisions quickly, and foster collaboration between technical and non-technical teams,” he explains. “By embedding data literacy into their cultures, companies can improve both data quality and analytical capabilities, ultimately gaining a competitive edge.”
This sentiment is echoed by Jeanne-Louise Viljoen, Data Engineer at PBT Group.
“Improving data quality and implementing robust observability strategies will be vital in 2025. Data literacy will be important as companies look to ensure that data products align with business standards and expectations while fostering continuous improvement.”
Focusing on ethical and responsible AI
As AI becomes more pervasive, Bartsch emphasises the ongoing need for ethical and responsible AI practices.
“Organisations are still grappling with governance challenges, from compliance and transparency to sustainability and bias mitigation. Responsible AI development will be central to gaining trust and ensuring long-term viability,” he says.
Nathi Dube, Director of PBT Innovation, says: “AI-powered tools will help improve regulatory compliance and data quality while providing actionable insights that enhance customer service and unlock new revenue streams.”
Leveraging AI for automation
Bartsch identifies AI-driven automation as a game-changer for industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.
“The ability to automate tasks using AI will significantly enhance efficiency and decision-making,” he says. “From disease detection in healthcare to predictive maintenance in manufacturing, the potential applications are vast.”
Nicky Pantland, Data Analyst at PBT Group, adds that part of this is the intelligent automation that AI offers.
“AI has reached a stage where broader adoption is possible, allowing automation efforts to become more intelligent and adaptable. This evolution will open new opportunities for businesses to optimise processes and improve outcomes,” says Pantland.
Enabling real-time data and analytics
Real-time data capabilities are becoming a reality. According to Bartsch, advancements in IoT, 5G, cloud computing, and edge technologies are driving this shift.
“Real-time analytics will enable immediate insights and operational efficiencies,” he says. “Complementing these capabilities with advanced data visualisation tools will further empower organisations to make informed decisions.”
Viljoen agrees, highlighting the importance of AI guardrails in ensuring data quality and reliability in real-time applications.
“Guardrails will address key challenges like compliance, transparency, and human oversight, ensuring that AI models deliver trustworthy outcomes,” says Viljoen.
Improving productivity with generative AI
Generative AI, if used responsibly, holds immense potential for boosting productivity. Bartsch advises a balanced approach.
“These technologies should serve as assistants, not replacements. By educating employees to be AI-literate, organisations can harness the benefits of generative AI without compromising quality.”
Dube agrees, citing the practical applications of generative AI.
“AI-driven code generation and report authoring will streamline workflows and free up resources for more strategic tasks,” says Dube.
Quality data remains the cornerstone of any AI initiative.
“However, this can only be enabled with the necessary expertise of AI literate data specialists who can define the supporting data architecture and execute data pipelines based on best practice data engineering,” concludes Bartsch.
