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Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• Top 8 business intelligence challenges and how to handle them

  BI teams face various technical and project management challenges on deployments. Here are the top BI challenges, with advice on how to address them. Continue Reading

• Overcoming the top 3 analytics adoption challenges

  Analytics is a growing part of many businesses. Experts talk about some of the most pressing challenges enterprises may face when implementing new analytics strategies. Continue Reading

• COVID-19 data resources for volunteering data scientists

  Many data scientist are looking to research the novel coronavirus and ways to fight the continued outbreak. Read on for the top COVID-19 data resources for volunteer researchers. Continue Reading

• Governance, compliance, ethics in data mining: Separate but equal

  In the ethical mining and analysis of data, governance, compliance and ethics are mistakenly taken as one in the same. Data managers need to be aware of the critical differences. Continue Reading

• What data management challenges do analytics programs face?

  Expert Anne Marie Smith shares five reasons why organizations' analytics programs might fail and how a data management framework and other programs can help. Continue Reading

• Good analytics dashboards turn BI data into actionable info

  Design issues and new IT trends complicate the process of creating dashboards for business users. But when well-designed, they can help make companies more data-driven.Continue Reading

• Many businesses use BI reporting systems wrong, but they can improve

  Many businesses commit similar mistakes when creating BI reports. Consultant Mico Yuk offers tips to help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.Continue Reading

• Apply data science models effectively, not just for their own sake

  Having data scientists build analytical models doesn't do much for an organization if the models don't help generate business benefits. Here are some ways to make sure they do.Continue Reading

• Big data users share their trying but winning analytics war stories

  The challenges encountered in deriving business benefits from big data are huge, but so are the rewards. Hadoop and related technologies are easing those challenges to the point where companies are willing to graduate from experimental to full-blown...Continue Reading

• Advanced analytics tools extract business value from big data

  Big data environments based on technologies such as Hadoop and Spark are being deployed more widely -- and the same goes for advanced analytics tools that can help organizations make effective use of the data flooding into those systems. In fact, ...Continue Reading

• Machine learning platform minimized Brexit fallout for investors

  The Brexit vote caused an enormous shock to the world's financial systems and cost investors a lot of money. But a data-driven strategy and machine learning tools helped some avoid the risks.Continue Reading

• Customer data analytics teams take on a more lawyerly look

  In some organizations, corporate lawyers are tasked with protecting data from analytics abuse. But they need to avoid tying the hands of data scientists.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

• Balance innovation and governance with big data projects

  Analytics opportunities are booming, and surveys show big data projects are growing as well. In the new big data world, that should be exciting news for data scientists and business analysts itching to come up with ways to use all of the information...Continue Reading

• Setting the stage to effectively visualize data

  The piles of data gathered from business intelligence and analytics tools is of little use to BI, data management and IT teams if they don't have a good way to visualize the data. To put data to effective use, IT teams need to construct an ...Continue Reading

• Operational intelligence technologies are making real time a reality

  While many take the traditional route to business intelligence, forward-thinking companies are taking a more operational approach. By integrating BI and analytics, these companies are enabling improvements of business processes -- in real-time. ...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

• 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

• 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

• Managing big data: The two biggest mistakes companies make

  Many organizations are setting their big data analytics efforts up for failure by plunging ahead without proper planning upfront, says book author Keith B. Carter.Continue Reading

• Sounders coach shows way ahead for analytics in sports

  The Seattle Sounders fitness coach is taking sports analytics into uncharted territory and scoring some big wins along the way.Continue Reading

• Design a business intelligence system properly -- for business users

  Rick Sherman explains how to avoid common mistakes when planning and designing BI systems, saying that the varying needs of different business users must be front and center.Continue Reading

• Talking Data podcast: Predictive modeling techniques

  Predictive modeling is more than a math problem. This Talking Data podcast looks at it from the business and technology perspectives.Continue Reading

• BI architecture needs extensions to meet new analytics demands

  Claudia Imhoff and Colin White outline a business intelligence environment designed to accommodate existing data warehouses and new technologies.Continue Reading

• R language well-suited to analytical data sampling and manipulations

  Analytics expert Mark Whitehorn explains the strengths of R and how to determine if the open source programming language fits your analytics purposes.Continue Reading

• Big data implementation checklist for analytics project managers

  Consultant Rick Sherman details a series of steps that he says organizations should take to set their big data analytics programs on the right path.Continue Reading

• Businesses look for tech solutions to big data security issues

  The growing adoption of big data analytics applications is complicating data security challenges -- and creating a need for new security strategies.Continue Reading

• BI dashboards need measured approach on data visualizations

  Getting too flashy with graphics in business intelligence dashboards can confuse users -- and send data visualization programs down the wrong path.Continue Reading

• Tips on building an analytics infrastructure from scratch -- quickly

  Creating an analytics architecture out of thin air may seem like a daunting task, but it can help make businesses more competitive in a hurry.Continue Reading

• Data discovery tools open up new opportunities for marketers

  Big data is opening up a world of new opportunities to marketers. Data discovery tools can help them take advantage.Continue Reading

• Self-service analytics helps marketers overcome shortage of data pros

  All industries are having a hard time finding enough skilled data workers, but marketers see self-service analytics tools as a potential solution.Continue Reading

• Six misconceptions about deploying BI applications and systems

  Faulty project management assumptions can limit the effectiveness of business intelligence tools. Don't let them lower your return on BI investments.Continue Reading

• Coca-Cola overcomes challenges to seize BI opportunities

  The Coca-Cola Co. understands that analytics challenges can be overcome and that a team approach helps businesses take advantage of BI opportunities.Continue Reading

• Collaboration is key to business intelligence tool implementations

  Business units and IT departments aren't always on the same page, but they need to be in order to successfully implement business intelligence tools.Continue Reading

• Four factors to weigh in planning an analytics big data architecture

  Consultant Lyndsay Wise details four key elements to consider when planning a big data infrastructure to ensure it will support your analytics needs.Continue Reading

• No more shortcuts: Sound data quality strategy a must for BI success

  In the past, companies might have gotten away with not building data quality efforts into business intelligence programs. That's less likely now.Continue Reading

• BI architect has new options to meet growing data, analytics demands

  Designing a business intelligence architecture that can meet the expanding needs of BI users is an exercise in finding the right combination of tools.Continue Reading

• Social media analytics tools offer customer insights, but care needed

  While analyzing social media data can yield valuable information, consultants caution that the process is still a complex and inexact science.Continue Reading

• Data quality issues still plaguing data analytics projects

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• How to leverage agile BI to help your BI architecture

  Learn how to leverage agile BI to help with your business intelligence architecture. Find out why you should split your BI architecture into two categories -- data integration and BI applications.Continue Reading

• Customer data you should collect for your customer analytics program

  Every piece of customer data you can collect is potentially important to your customer analytics program, according to customer data analytics expert Richard Snow. Find out why.Continue Reading

• The most effective form of Excel spreadsheet management for BI, CPM

  Get advice on proper Excel spreadsheet management for BI and CPM projects in your organization. Learn when spreadsheets should be used for business analytics – and when not.Continue Reading

• Is your company primed for social media analytics?

  Are some companies primed to get more use out of social media analytics than others are? Find out, plus learn how a social media analytics strategy compares to BI strategies.Continue Reading

• Tips on how to properly use Excel for business intelligence projects

  Learn how to properly use Excel for business intelligence projects, including advice on governing and securing your data sources and putting data governance processes in place.Continue Reading

• Survey: Poor data quality most common business intelligence problem

  Poor data quality topped the list of most common obstacles standing between companies and successful business intelligence deployments, according to the BI Survey 9.Continue Reading

• Seven aspects of a successful business intelligence (BI) architecture

  Knowing what makes for a successful business intelligence (BI) architecture can help you plan and expand your current BI system. Learn what your BI architecture should include.Continue Reading

• Is there such a thing as a user-friendly ad hoc query tool for BI?

  Can you find a user-friendly BI tool for ad hoc queries? Read what a BI expert thinks about ad hoc query tool needs and the BI software sold by business intelligence vendors.Continue Reading

• Improve customer data analytics: Tips for using metrics, technologies

  Get expert tips for leveraging customer data analytics, and read some examples of common mistakes that companies have made, including a analytics case study.Continue Reading

• Exploiting the value of customer data with analytics

  Find out how customer data analytics helps organizations improve customer experience, service and sales – and learn more about what’s possible with customer data analytics today.Continue Reading

• Understanding operational reporting and the data warehouse

  Should operational reporting come out of a data warehouse? Get an expert's take, plus learn about the relationship between operational systems, decision support and trend analysis.Continue Reading

• How to create an enterprise information management (EIM) strategy

  What's the best way to create an enterprise information management (EIM) strategy? Get best practices advice, plus learn how an EIM roadmap is vital for a successful EIM plan.Continue Reading

• Trends and tips for using business intelligence and analytics in retail

  Read about business intelligence trends in the retail industry and get tips for using BI and analytics technology, with real-world examples from retailers.Continue Reading

• Real-life examples of effective dashboard design

  Browse through these optimized dashboard examples from BITadvisors, Inc., including examples of strategic, tactical and operational dashboards. Find out how to encourage interactivity in dashboards and how to set up your dashboard.Continue Reading

• Executive dashboards and data visualization trends and future outlook

  Discover new opportunities in executive dashboards and data visualization and learn about executive dashboards and data visualization trends from expert contributor Mark Whitehorn.Continue Reading

• Ten key elements for effective dashboard design

  Learn why focusing on business needs, including current data and key performance metrics, is an effective design strategy for encouraging dashboard usability.Continue Reading

• A definition of enterprise information management (EIM)

  What is enterprise information management (EIM)? Get an enterprise information management (EIM) definition, learn what an EIM system can do and how an EIM strategy can address data integration challenges.Continue Reading

• How to design a project proposal draft and project management schedule

  Learn how to create an effective project proposal draft and a realistic project management schedule and find out what factors often affect project phases with this tip.Continue Reading

• How to gather business intelligence reporting requirements from BI users

  Gather business intelligence reporting requirements from BIend-users with six questions from an expert. Learn if you should use a reporting requirement template during the evaluation process for business intelligence (BI) projects.Continue Reading

• Fastest way to learn business intelligence (BI)

  Find out how you can learn business intelligence (BI), get business intelligence training and discover why analytics is the key to marketing efforts in this BI tip.Continue Reading

• Examining different data access methods: OLAP and data mining

  Learn about the different types of data access methods including OLAP and data mining, find out about using query languages to access data warehouses and SQL and OLAP's role in accessing data.Continue Reading

• Making the business case for a BI consolidation project

  Find tips for getting enterprise buy-in and building a business case for BI consolidation in this chapter of our e-book on managing a business intelligence (BI) consolidation project.Continue Reading

• How to decide whether it is time for BI consolidation

  According to experts, it's important for organizations to consider consolidating BI systems. Get expert advice about when to consider business intelligence consolidation and how to approach consolidation at your organization.Continue Reading

• Tips for successfully consolidating business intelligence systems

  In a recent study by Boston-based Forrester Research, close to 80% of companies polled said they use three or more business intelligence (BI) products. According to experts, it is important for organizations to consider consolidating BI systems, but...Continue Reading

• Tips for the business intelligence (BI) requirements-gathering process

  Get tips for business intelligence (BI) requirements-gathering during the early phase of a BI evaluation project. Learn how to make the process run smoothly and get all the necessary input from vendors in order to make the right decision.Continue Reading

• Starting a career in BI with a computer science background

  How should you start a career in business intelligence (BI)? Find out in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Tips for building a better business intelligence resume

  To get that business intelligence (BI ) job, you'll need a professional BI resume that talks, according to a BI career expert.Continue Reading

• Who should the business intelligence team report to?

  Learn which department the business intelligence (BI) team should report to -- and why -- from a BI expert.Continue Reading

• Would an MBA help my business intelligence career?

  Find out if an MBA is valuable for a business intelligence (BI) career.Continue Reading

• Data mining uses in vertical industries

  Get examples of how data mining is used in vertical industries, such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, financial and telecommunications.Continue Reading

• Do business intelligence tools require a data warehouse?

  Learn why business intelligence tools and data integration processes are best supported by data warehouses, according to an expert.Continue Reading

• Starting a business intelligence career from a financial background

  Learn various business intelligence career options for professionals with financial analyst experience. It may not be that hard to make the transition, according to a BI expert.Continue Reading

• Data warehousing, data mining and data querying: Terms and definitions

  Learn the difference between data warehousing, data mining and data querying.Continue Reading

• Business intelligence career through Web development

  Learn why it's possible to start a business intelligence career through gaining Web development experience.Continue Reading

• Data mining in the healthcare industry

  Learn the advantages of data mining in the healthcare industry, according to our analytics expert, William McKnight.Continue Reading

• Data mining tools: Advantages and disadvantages of implementation

  Learn the advantages and disadvantages of data mining tools and of implementing data mining technology.Continue Reading

• Business intelligence security considerations

  There are two main components to business intelligence security: access and profiling. Read what business intelligence security measures our expert suggests to take when thinking about a BI security program.Continue Reading

• Is data mining reliable?

  Data mining does not stand alone on its own merits within an organization, expert William McKnight advises.Continue Reading

• Business intelligence appliances: Disruptive technology or distraction?

  Rick Sherman discusses the emergence of business intelligence appliances and renewed competitive pressures in the data warehousing (DW) marketplace.Continue Reading

• Business intelligence software: Business Objects vs. SAS

  Learn about the differences between Business Objects' business intelligence software and SAS.Continue Reading

• Business intelligence systems: Data shadow systems pros and cons

  Rick Sherman weighs the pros and cons of data shadow systems as a solution to the business group/IT information gap.Continue Reading

• Data extraction with SAP BW through the open hub service

  Learn about data extraction with SAP BW through the open hub service from SAP BW and BI expert, Jay Narayanan.Continue Reading

• Do I need BEx Analyzer and SAPGUI to access an SAP BW system and reports?

  Peter Scott, BW expert, advises a new BW user on the ways to access the SAP BW system on Windows, depending on user role and responsiblity.Continue Reading