Features

Features

• Businesses look at new data analytics methods for 2016

  With a focus on edging out their competition in 2016, businesses are looking at a variety of new approaches to advanced data analytics.  Continue Reading

• How a data-driven company was molded by asset protection

  A data-driven company tends to outperform its competitors, but the asset protection process rarely drives continued evolution of analytics capabilities. Grocery chain Weis Markets is the exception.  Continue Reading

• Hadoop BI effort gets more out of big data at Yellow Pages

  Hadoop data and traditional BI processes may seem worlds apart, but Yellow Pages Ltd. in Canada was able to successfully bridge the two and uncover new business insights in the process.  Continue Reading

• FullFunnel taps self-service analytics tools, ousts Excel

  Excel is still one of the most widely used BI tools, but marketing services firm FullFunnel found it limiting and switched to self-service analytics tools.  Continue Reading

• How BI development can support quick and nimble businesses

  In an excerpt from his book on BI development and delivery, author Greg Steffine explains why it's important to focus BI initiatives on enabling the business to respond quickly and nimbly to situations.  Continue Reading

• Need for speed in delivering BI capabilities, author says

  Organizational alignment and teams of BI evangelists who are hyper-responsive to user needs are key to improving business intelligence processes, according to author and BI manager Greg Steffine.  Continue Reading

• Top data analysis software and techniques stories of 2015

  As 2015 comes to an end, it's time to review some of the biggest developments and trends in the world of BI and big data, including how sports teams, hospitals and data-driven executives pushed ahead on analytics.  Continue Reading

• A look at SAP BusinessObjects BI suite

  SAP BusinessObjects BI platform provides users with self-service access to information to support the decision-making process. Find out what's different in version 4.1.  Continue Reading

• Insight into Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite

  Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite enables users to access information through interactive dashboards, search and mobile devices.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Microsoft Power BI SaaS analytics products

  Microsoft Power BI SaaS analytics lets users view their most critical data via a live dashboard, create interactive reports and access their data on the go.  Continue Reading

• End-user focus central to solid data visualization process

  BI teams often fail to deliver on the promise of data visualization applications, unless they combine effective visualization techniques with input from business users on what's really needed.  Continue Reading

• TIBCO Analytics targets data-driven users

  TIBCO Spotfire provides users with self-service analytics capabilities, while TIBCO Jaspersoft aims to enable developers to make faster decisions based on actionable data.  Continue Reading

• Shortage of data scientists, big data pros vexes IoT efforts

  There's an abundance of big data technologies that can support Internet of Things projects, but the pool of IT professionals with the advanced know-how to handle massive amounts of IoT data is limited.  Continue Reading

• Data storytelling, lauded for its potential, lags in practice

  Educators and experts tout data storytelling as a way to better engage business managers with data, but others caution about overcrowding visuals.  Continue Reading

• MicroStrategy 10 promotes self-service analytics

  The MicroStrategy 10 analytics and BI platform lets users tap into data from a variety of sources to create and distribute customized reports. Plug-ins can extend functionality.  Continue Reading

• Examining the Qlik data visualization platform

  The Qlik data visualization platform aims to help users access, present, explore and capitalize on their data.  Continue Reading

• Analytics team structure can work without data scientists

  Despite the value data scientists can bring to a big data analytics team, not every business requires them. Some are using a mix of technology and culture to avoid the need.  Continue Reading

• Logi Analytics provides self-service analytics

  Logi Vision and Logi Info self-service analytics products enable users to perform reporting and dashboarding, scorecarding, search, ad hoc queries, OLAP and data discovery.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Tableau visualization and analytics products

  Tableau helps users of all technical skill levels quickly analyze, visualize and share data with colleagues so they can make data-driven decisions.  Continue Reading

• IBM Cognos Business Intelligence offers self-service BI

  The latest version of IBM Cognos Business Intelligence is managed by IT but provides end users with a simplified setup and deployment.  Continue Reading

• SAS Visual Analytics software supports data discovery

  SAS Visual Analytics software provides self-service BI and reporting capabilities aimed at helping non-technical users identify meaningful patterns and relationships in data.  Continue Reading

• Information Builders WebFOCUS helps leverage BI analytics

  The Information Builders WebFOCUS platform includes several BI analytics tools that users can leverage to perform predictive analytics, statistical modeling and big data analytics.  Continue Reading

• Spark data processing helps ad company tune in on TV viewers

  BlackArrow CTO Joe Matarese says the Spark analytics and data processing engine has become a key part of the advertising optimization company's IT lineup, in spite of some immaturity issues.  Continue Reading

• Examining the Birst BI and predictive analytics tool

  Centralized BI and IT teams can use Birst to connect with decentralized teams on the business side. Learn more about the BI and predictive analytics tool.  Continue Reading

• Health systems get analytics implementation off the ground

  Hospitals and health systems may be somewhat behind the tech-adoption curve, but there are still things they can start doing today to implement analytics.  Continue Reading

• How predictive analytics in healthcare can lower readmissions

  UPMC and University of Tennessee Medical Center are benefitting from healthcare analytics to reduce their readmission rates. Here's how they're doing it.  Continue Reading

• Comparing BI analytics tools from the leading vendors

  Deciding which BI analytics tool to buy shouldn't be based on the product with the most features but on the tool that best supports the needs of your business users.  Continue Reading

• Subtle analytics decisions key to data privacy protection

  As companies increasingly deploy predictive analytics tools to model employee and customer behavior, they're having to set new data privacy policies to help build trust both internally and externally.  Continue Reading

• Industrial analytics delivering greater business value

  The barriers to collecting and analyzing log and sensor data are lower than ever. Businesses are now starting to capitalize on the emergence of industrial analytics.  Continue Reading

• Hospital's indoor tracking system improves patient care

  A real-time indoor tracking system and analytics software help Florida Hospital combine nurse location data with patient records for analysis.  Continue Reading

• Location-tracking system improves business efficiency

  For organizations in industries such as healthcare and trucking, analyzing data on the location and movements of employees is helping to streamline operations.  Continue Reading

• How The New York Times uses predictive analytics algorithms

  Most print media companies have struggled to make money in the 21st century, but The New York Times is using predictive analytics tools to gain a competitive edge.  Continue Reading

• Business focus is key when applying predictive analytics models

  Predictive analytics modeling requires statistical and technical prowess, but modelers shouldn't overlook the business problem they're trying to solve.  Continue Reading

• Why haven't SMEs cashed in on big data benefits yet?

  In a Q&A, author and consultant Dale Neef talks about how the shortage of big data skills is keeping small and midsize businesses from cashing in on new analytics technologies and applications.  Continue Reading

• Big data analytics architecture requires integration push

  Organizations looking to analyze big data typically have to pull it together from various systems, making data integration a fundamental component of a big data analytics platform.  Continue Reading

• Building predictive analytics models takes a team effort

  Predictive modeling shouldn't be a solo activity. Businesses looking to get the most out of their data scientists should ensure they're working collaboratively to build analytical models.  Continue Reading

• Effective big data visualization starts with simplicity

  Big data analytics offers lots of opportunities to visualize data for business users. But analysts have to be careful not to overload big data visualizations with too much information.  Continue Reading

• Doors opening for open source data visualization tools

  Open source data visualization technologies have matured to the point where users say the available tools can handle large amounts of their visualization workloads.  Continue Reading

• Analytics execs reveal how to hire data scientists

  Hiring a data scientist can be a big investment, so businesses need to know how to optimize the process. As a guide, some experienced analytics managers discuss their hiring strategies.  Continue Reading

• BI data dashboards help businesses focus on analytics ROI

  Advanced analytics tools have taken over the spotlight, but officials in some organizations say business intelligence dashboards are still where the money is on their BI investments.  Continue Reading

• How to get the most out of your data science program

  Interest in data science continues to grow among businesses. As companies put teams to work in a data science program, they need to know how to make the most of the investment.  Continue Reading

• Nate Silver lays out data-driven business strategy

  A lack of standards and best practices can hold back businesses from becoming more data-driven, says data science guru Nate Silver. But he offers tips on how to overcome analytics challenges.  Continue Reading

• New business intelligence skills in, BI developers out

  Consultant Lee Feinberg says organizations need to build up their data storytelling and visualization capabilities -- and details a competition for finding people with the right business intelligence skills.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based BI can be a good fit -- for data in the cloud

  Is a cloud BI and analytics strategy the right choice for your organization? That may depend on whether your data is on-premises or already in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Providers find routes to healthcare data analytics

  The record-keeping systems used by most healthcare providers don't make analyzing the data easy, but some providers are finding a way around these challenges.  Continue Reading

• Data mashup tools boost business intelligence, analytics efforts

  Customer data can be valuable on its own, but when it's combined with other internal information and outside sources in a data mashup, the business benefits of analytics apps can skyrocket.  Continue Reading

• How one company improved its data literacy

  All smart businesses these days want to be data-driven. With a shortage of knowledgeable workers, getting to that point can be hard -- but the head of BI at online lender Avant is helping it to do so.  Continue Reading

• Business use cases can determine the right BI analytics tool

  Before selecting a BI analytics tool, you should create BI use cases and then match those requirements with BI analytics tool categories and styles.  Continue Reading

• Business intelligence in the cloud gives boost to BI process

  Migrating BI to the cloud can help organizations simplify and streamline data analysis. But self-service BI doesn't equal DIY BI, warns expert David A. Teich.  Continue Reading

• Spark analytics applications boosted by built-in libraries

  Apache Spark is about more than just data processing. The software libraries included in the big data platform make it suitable for a variety of analytics applications.  Continue Reading

• Predictive analytics tools point to better business actions

  Using predictive analytics tools lets organizations look ahead in an effort to optimize business strategies. But there has to be a purpose to the analytics efforts, and a solid plan behind them.  Continue Reading

• How Boston embraced data analysis methods

  The current mayor of Boston is moving to make data analytics a key part of how city services are run, which is a major departure from his predecessor's approach.  Continue Reading

• Analytics applications get governance, customer data protection

  Companies such as Intuit are taking steps to try to ensure that customer data analytics initiatives don't give them a black eye because of data breaches or misuse.  Continue Reading

• How big data analytics tools can help your organization

  Big data analytics is a trending practice that many companies are adopting. Before jumping in and buying big data tools, though, organizations should first get to know the landscape.  Continue Reading

• Enova's chief analytics officer on managing an analytics team

  Joe DeCosmo, chief analytics officer at Enova International Inc., discusses his approach to building and managing the financial services firm's team of data scientists and analysts.  Continue Reading

• Big data analytics projects need measured but firm management hand

  Managers of analytics teams have to walk a fine line between guiding the work of data scientists and giving them the leeway needed to do their jobs effectively.  Continue Reading

• Data storytelling skills get key role in analytics process

  People with good data storytelling skills are becoming big contributors to the data analytics process in organizations looking to make info more understandable to business execs.  Continue Reading

• Multinationals face complications on data analysis strategies

  Varying privacy laws on data collection and analysis in different countries can make unified business intelligence approaches difficult for global companies.  Continue Reading

• CEO pushes for data-driven strategy

  Everyone knows executive support for analytics initiatives is important, but CEOs are starting to get behind analytics like never before.  Continue Reading

• Building a data lake architecture can drag unprepared users under

  Organizations have found that they can't just jump into a data lake -- it requires a strategic approach to building an architecture that can support it.  Continue Reading

• Why a BI environment needs a solid architecture framework

  In a book excerpt, consultant Rick Sherman explains why taking a siloed approach to creating a BI architecture framework can lead to problems for organizations.  Continue Reading

• Self-service tools, data visualization software give BI a new look

  Self-service business intelligence and data visualization tools can make it easier for business users to analyze BI data. But there's a lot that needs to be done up front to make that happen.  Continue Reading

• The front line fights greater use of data analysis tools

  Pushing business intelligence and analytics tools out to front-line workers can be a challenge for organizations, but there are ways to overcome the hurdles and get value from BI investments.  Continue Reading

• Insurers use fraud analytics to stop unnecessary payments

  Commercial insurance companies lose billions of dollars each year to fraud, but there is a major opportunity to use analytics tools to stop this bleeding.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to integrating social media metrics into the BI process

  In an excerpt from a book on using social media in business operations, Krish Krishnan and Shawn Rogers explore how organizations can take advantage of insights provided by social business intelligence.  Continue Reading

• Chief data, analytics officers poised to become new business drivers

  Chief analytics officers and chief data officers can help get more value from data. But as more businesses add CAOs and CDOs, they'll have to think of how the roles fit in the organization.  Continue Reading

• Stream processing not such a big-data deal for some users

  Many data streaming applications don't involve huge amounts of information. A case in point: an analytics initiative aimed at speeding the diagnosis of problems with Wi-Fi networking devices.  Continue Reading

• Spark data streaming opens faster path to online ad analytics

  Online advertising platform providers Altitude Digital and Sharethrough are both tapping Apache Spark's stream processing capabilities to support more real-time analysis of ad data.  Continue Reading

• Faster modeling techniques in predictive analytics pay off

  Using predictive modeling techniques is all about finding insights in data. But it isn't an academic exercise, and accelerating the delivery of those insights can pay off big in business value.  Continue Reading

• Location-based intelligence software finds wider business audience

  Geographic information systems have been around for decades, but simplified tools aimed at traditional business users are spurring greater adoption.  Continue Reading

• Streaming data systems take big data analytics into real-time realm

  Technologies that support real-time data streaming and analytics aren't for everyone, but they can aid organizations that need to quickly assess large volumes of incoming information.  Continue Reading

• Relief groups get big helping hand from self-service BI tools

  Fundraising for charitable organizations can be extremely competitive, so some nonprofits are turning to self-service BI to help gain an edge in attracting donors and improving operations.  Continue Reading

• Data analytics applications let teams call new ticket-pricing plays

  Professional sports teams are increasingly embracing analytics tools to help them implement dynamic pricing strategies designed to enable them to capture as much ticket revenue as possible.  Continue Reading

• Location analytics helps shipping company map out business route

  GIS data analyst Andy Cain always knew location analytics could help develop deep business insights. Now he has the opportunity to show how as part of an initiative at Con-way Freight.  Continue Reading

• Cloud BI tools, hosted systems lower data analysis barriers

  Cloud business intelligence platforms offer companies a faster, easier way to analyze data, thanks to reduced capital costs and streamlined system design.  Continue Reading

• Self-service business intelligence tools don't sideline IT

  Self-service BI tools aren't self-sufficient -- data governance concerns and the complexity of data visualization mean IT teams must remain in the mix.  Continue Reading

• Cloud business intelligence grows, but most BI users still grounded

  In a Q&A, consultant Howard Dresner discusses cloud business intelligence trends and why more user organizations have yet to embrace cloud BI services.  Continue Reading

• Use of analytics in sports media becomes contentious

  Analytics are gaining a high profile in sports media, but some fans and commentators say the stats just aren't what they're looking for.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know before buying BI analytics tools

  Expert contributor Wayne Kernochan describes the different types of business intelligence analytics tools on the market and how they can benefit corporate strategies and operations.  Continue Reading

• MIT project reveals way forward for health data analysis

  Health data is notoriously difficult to analyze due to privacy rules, but a new project is showing it can be done.  Continue Reading

• Operational BI process puts better business practices within reach

  In a Q&A, consultant Rick Sherman discusses operational business intelligence and offers advice to companies looking to use the approach to manage their operations more effectively.  Continue Reading

• Integrated analytics gives users operational intelligence edge

  Embedding analytics capabilities in operational processes can pay big business dividends by enabling front-line workers to optimize how things are done, consultant David Loshin says.  Continue Reading

• Spark Streaming project looks to shed new light on medical claims

  To give healthcare providers a real-time view of the claims processing operations its systems support, RelayHealth is augmenting its Hadoop cluster with Spark's stream processing module.  Continue Reading

• How to develop a data-driven culture

  Most businesses today say they want to be more data-driven, but getting there can be challenging. An inclusive approach helped one retailer achieve its goals.  Continue Reading

• Big data challenges include what info to use -- and what not to

  Businesses looking to get real value out of big data, and avoid overwhelming their systems, need to be selective about what they analyze.  Continue Reading

• Common data vocabulary helps companies globalize governance, BI

  Strong data governance is needed to maximize the value of business intelligence efforts -- and that starts with a common set of data definitions, consultant Wayne Eckerson says.  Continue Reading

• Three trends to watch in businesses' big data programs

  Although the main trends in big data for 2015 may not be a huge departure from the previous year, businesses should still understand what's coming their way.  Continue Reading

• Retail analytics offers online stores an edge in holiday season

  The holiday shopping season is the most important time of the year for retailers, and they're increasingly turning to data analytics to try to get an advantage over their competition.  Continue Reading

• Customer analysis a winning play for 'Candy Crush Saga' maker

  King Digital Entertainment was losing players of "Candy Crush Saga" at an early stage in the online game -- a problem it solved with help from a customer data analytics project.  Continue Reading

• Customer data analysis turns info crude oil into business fuel

  Leading-edge companies are relying on customer analytics to help drive their marketing and service strategies. But there's more to the process than throwing data at analytics tools.  Continue Reading

• BI director needs strong blend of business, IT leadership skills

  To lead successful business intelligence programs, BI managers must have strong communication skills and be grounded in both the business and IT worlds, consultant Wayne Eckerson says.  Continue Reading

• Analytics in sports gets growing front-office role

  Sports teams have been adopting analytics tools to improve in-game performance for years, but now some are also focusing on using data analysis to boost their business operations.  Continue Reading

• Education analytics project helps Marist, students make the grade

  Federal regulators are threatening to crack down on underperforming colleges. Marist College is using analytics to help students succeed -- and make sure it stays off the government's list.  Continue Reading

• To the rescue on business intelligence projects: The BI SWAT team

  A fast-moving SWAT team of business intelligence specialists can resuscitate failing BI programs and help successful ones keep up with demand for new applications, consultant Wayne Eckerson says.  Continue Reading

• Despite lost luster, social media analytics tools can tell tales

  Social media analytics has had to make room for other applications in the big data spotlight. But effectively analyzing social media data can still be a source of enlightenment for businesses.  Continue Reading

• Analytical technologies are game changer for casino company

  Casino operations traditionally haven't been very data-driven, but the Sands casino group is using analytics tools to try to get an edge in a very competitive industry.  Continue Reading

• Self-service software missing from operational BI picture

  Consultant Rick van der Lans says most self-service business intelligence tools fall short at the operational level, leaving some key business users locked out of the self-service BI process.  Continue Reading

• Temporal data reality: In BI, time is of the essence

  To fully understand their analytics data, organizations need to incorporate temporal data capabilities into data warehouses and business intelligence systems, consultant Barry Devlin says.  Continue Reading

• Balance required between big data volume, analytics needs

  Many businesses implementing big data analytics applications focus on the size of their data sets, when what they should really focus on is whether they have the right data.  Continue Reading

• Social media sentiment analysis helps investors place bond bets

  Sentiment analysis based on social media data can be tricky to pull off, but Capital Market Exchange is using it to provide insights on the corporate bond market to investment managers.  Continue Reading