Prediction #4
The defragmentation of data tools increases ROI

Enterprises are experiencing tool fatigue. In fact, large organizations use an average of 367 different software tools, creating data silos and disrupting processes between teams, according to research by Airtable.* In 2026, consolidation will become the strategy of choice.

Fragmentation drives inefficiency, data silos and hidden costs. By contrast, unified governance platforms offer a single source of truth, enabling consistency across compliance, quality and usage.

The economic climate will reinforce this move. Every tool must justify its existence. Integrating governance, cataloging, quality, lineage and AI oversight into a unified platform will dramatically improve ROI and reduce operational overhead.

Source: Airtable. www.airtable.com/lp/resources/reports/crisis-of-the-fractured-organization

According to Gartner, “By 2026, 20% of large enterprises will use a single D&A governance platform to unify and automate discrete governance programs."

Source: Gartner, Critical Capabilities for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms, Anurag Raj, Melody Chien, Guido De Simoni, Stephen Kennedy, 7 January 2025. GARTNER is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Collibra POV:

Our platform unifies governance for data and AI across every system, source and user. It centralizes visibility and automates control, helping you defragment your tech stack while accelerating data value.