By\nRon Maddox, V3iT Analytics<\/p>\n\n\n\n
January 21, 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many years\nago, when personal computing was in the early stages, I remember seeing an\nApple commercial. Too long ago to remember precisely, but it went something\nlike this;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First gentleman\nstanding gazing through an observation window at people using their PC\u2019s. A\nsecond gentleman approaches and asks, \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d. To which the first\ngentleman responds, \u201cTrying to figure out what is the most powerful computer.\u201d\nThe second gentleman rejoins with, \u201cThat\u2019s easy. It\u2019s the one with the fastest\nprocessing power.\u201d The first gentleman counters with, \u201cI\u2019m not so sure. I think\nit is one they use<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have\nalways thought this to be one of the most powerful TV ads I have ever seen and\nit always comes to mind when I am asked to recommend an analytics delivery\ntool. My recommendation is always the one they will use. I\u2019m generally met with\nrather dubious looks on this one, I have to say. I\u2019m not trying to be glib,\nthough. I really do believe in my recommendation. Of course, this always leads\nto the question, \u201cWhich one<\/strong> is\nthat?\u201d In my estimation, there is only one logical answer to this question,\n\u201cDon\u2019t ask me, ask them.\u201d Then I deliver a quiet warning \u2013 there is probably\nnot just one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My\nexperience has been that rarely does one analytics tool meet the needs of an\nentire organization. Even in small organizations information needs vary and how\neach individual prefers to consume information can vary from one task to the\nnext. To expect one <\/strong>tool to be the one <\/strong>everyone (happily) uses is just\nunrealistic and counterproductive. A phrase I hear repeated often is, \u201cWe want\nto be a Data Centric organization\u201d. I personally believe this to be an\nadmirable goal that can lead to the accomplishment of any number of organizational\ngoals. To be Data Centric, though, all decisions require supporting data before\ngaining approval. This will require a very robust data analytics capability,\nwith broad participation from members across the organization overcoming both\nbusiness and technical challenges. Putting the analytics tool, they use<\/strong> in their hands will go a long\nway towards cementing that participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To meet the changing\nneeds for analysis of an ever-widening scope of data by an increasingly\nevolving diversity among how users consume information we must abandon the idea\nthat these needs can be met with a single tool. Some people want to see\nnumbers, some want visualizations, while others can\u2019t possibly do their job\nwithout Excel. It can be split even further by those needing formatted reports,\nthose that need to be able to slice and dice the data, some that just need\ndashboards and then those that just need access to the data and just stay out\nof the way. Trust me, if we only have access to one tool, somebody is not\ngetting what they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two main\narguments I hear for having multiple tools is 1. The cost and 2. The skills and\nresources to support multiple tools. These two issues must be approached in the\nsame manner as all investments \u2013 is the return I get for the investment greater\nthan the cost. If data is truly one of our most important assets and the skills\nand creativity of the people analyzing that data are driving progress, then it\nis hard to see how giving them the tool they\nuse<\/strong> will not result in positive outcomes. Without doubt, there will be\nadded complexity to the technical landscape, increased requirements for\nmanagement and governance of data and a greater need for both analytic and\ntechnical support skills. Each having the potential to result in higher costs.\nAfter thorough evaluation of the cost\/benefit, if your decision is it is\ndesirable to move forward and become a Data Centric organization, be observant,\nlisten to the voices of the users and provide the tool(s) they use. <\/strong>Start small by targeting organizational areas with both a\nstrong need and a strong desire for analyzing data. Pick something small enough\nto finish in a timeframe that will preclude Stakeholders tiring on waiting an\noutcome, but impactive enough to get attention. Collect and organize your dataset\nand then provide the data analyst multiple ways to access the data. They will\nnot be shy telling you what they like or don\u2019t like. Not only will you see what\ntools or types of tools they use<\/strong>,\nbut through these small pilots you can begin to develop your data strategy and\ndata governance models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n V3iT\u2019s\nmission is to deliver IT Services with a quick Value, clear Vision and at a\nhigh Velocity. We leverage our\ntechnology talent, experience and portfolio of tools with the use of design\nprinciples to achieve the sweet spot at the intersection of what is technically\nfeasible, viable from a business perspective and desirable from a user\nperspective. This holistic approach\ncreates your data journey roadmap with a focus on the desired informational\noutcomes and a platform that is constructed in a sustainable, scalable\nfashion. The end goal is to ensure that\nwhat you get out of your analytics provides meaningful, accurate insights\nacross your enterprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Partners\nwith SAP | Oracle | VMware | Microsoft<\/em> | Cray | Cisco | Dell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Certified\nMBE by CMSDC <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n www.V3iT.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"About Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n