Business Analytics: Page

Self-service BI software comparison: Tableau vs. Power BI, Qlik Sense

Three software vendors have taken the lead in the market for self-service BI tools. This chart can help you sort out the differences between these common software applications.

By Ed Burns • April 18, 2017

Sports data analytics isn’t always a slam dunk

The growing trend of analytics in sports has caused much debate, and even though data-driven decisions can provide some benefits, they're not right for all occasions.

By Ed Burns • Oct. 7, 2016

Why physicists are a good fit for data science jobs

With data scientists in short supply, physicists and other academic researchers from hard-science disciplines are increasingly finding places on data science teams -- and even leading big data analytics projects.

By Ed Burns • Aug. 31, 2016

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.

By Allen Bernard • Dec. 14, 2015

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.

By Allen Bernard • Dec. 9, 2015

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.

By Ed Burns • Oct. 13, 2015

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.

By Ed Burns • March 5, 2015

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.

By Ed Burns • Dec. 12, 2014

Location-based analytics helps Wendy’s find its way to new sites

Most people remember geography class as a liberal arts concentration. But John Crouse of Wendy's is showing that geographic knowledge can make for a valuable pairing with statistical analysis as part of location intelligence efforts.

By Ed Burns • July 31, 2014

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.

By Rick Sherman • June 30, 2014

Author: Data mining projects depend on excavating meaningful data

In a Q&A, book author David Nettleton offers advice on avoiding data mining pitfalls and pinpointing valuable business data to mine and analyze.

By Melanie Luna • May 30, 2014

Changes on the horizon for big data analytics tools

The market for big data analytics tools remains fragmented, but users are expecting consolidation in the near future.

By Ed Burns • May 28, 2014

Do predictive analytics projects require data scientists?

Expert Mark Whitehorn explains what skills are required for predictive modeling -- and whether business users can do the work of data scientists.

By Mark Whitehorn • May 28, 2014

Laws leave gray area between big data and privacy

Laws on data collection and use remain foggy, leaving businesses to feel their way through big data and privacy laws.

By Ed Burns • April 18, 2014

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.

By Ed Burns • Aug. 27, 2013

Analytical modeling is both science and art

Models are the key to predicting outcomes to business decisions. And while math may make them tick, it also takes a certain eye -- and ear -- for what works.

By Wayne Eckerson • April 22, 2013

deep analytics

Deep analytics is the application of sophisticated data processing techniques to yield information from large and typically multi-source data sets comprised of both unstructured and semi-structured data.

By TechTarget Contributor • March 24, 2011

Getting started on building a real-time BI system: issues to consider

Real-time business intelligence can speed up and improve decision making. But it isn’t right for everyone. Find out what to consider before building a real-time BI system.

By Alan Earls • March 17, 2011

in-database analytics

In-database analytics is a scheme for processing data within the database, avoiding the data movement that slows response time.  

By TechTarget Contributor • Jan. 28, 2011

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.

By Rick Sherman • Sept. 7, 2010

Gartner: The six elements of cloud analytics and SaaS BI

The term ‘cloud analytics’ means different things to different people. To gain any advantage from it, organizations must first agree on a definition, according to Gartner.

By Jeff Kelly • June 22, 2010

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.

July 24, 2009

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

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

By William McKnight • May 7, 2008

Data mining tools: Advantages and disadvantages of implementation

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

By William McKnight • Aug. 28, 2007

Business intelligence ROI: Five keys to justifying BI investments

Analysts from Gartner and Bloor, and an experienced end user, recommend best practices for calculating the hard ROI metrics and soft benefits of BI investments.

By Hannah Smalltree • March 2, 2007