© 2025 MIT Center for Information Systems Research, Wixom, Rodriguez, Piccoli, and Beath. MIT CISR Research Briefings are published monthly to update the center’s member organizations on current research projects.
Audio
Data Liquidity Levers at Caterpillar
In this audio version of the November 2025 briefing, learn how you can realize strategic ambitions with data by using three managerial levers to liquefy it.
Abstract
Organizations with big aspirations for leveraging AI technology increasingly need data assets with high data liquidity (i.e., ease of data asset reuse and recombination) to achieve their aims. This briefing draws on the multiyear journey of global heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar to illustrate how companies can successfully execute foundational data liquidity tactics by managing three data domain practice areas we call data liquidity levers. These areas—data architecture, data preparation, and data permissioning—function as levers to increase or limit data liquidity.
Related Publications
About the Researchers
Barbara H. Wixom, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
Joaquin Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Grenoble Ecole de Management and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
Gabriele Piccoli, Professor, Louisiana State University and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
Cynthia M. Beath, Professor Emerita, University of Texas at Austin and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)
Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our research is funded by member organizations that support our work and participate in our consortium.
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Banco do Brasil S.A.
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Bupa
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Cemex (Mexico)
Cencora
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Commonwealth Superannuation Corp. (Australia)
Cuscal Limited (Australia)
Dawn Foods
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Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. Systems Consulting Division (Japan)
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Tabcorp Holdings (Australia)
Telstra Limited (Australia)
Terumo Corporation (Japan)
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