In our episodes we explore how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing Business Intelligence and helping organizations unlock the full potential of their data. In today's fast-paced business world, data is the key to staying competitive, and those who embrace AI-enabled BI are leading the charge toward smarter, faster, and more informed decision-making.

But this conversation goes beyond just technology; it’s about real transformation. In each episode, we’ll explore how AI enhances BI through predictive analytics, intelligent data visualization, personalized recommendations, and more. Our goal is to help you elevate your BI strategy, leveraging the latest advancements to drive deeper insights and better outcomes.

Join host Gowri Selka, formerly of Walgreens Boots Alliance and now President of Volantsys Analytics, as she talks shop with some of the industry's most well-respected thought leaders, influencers and solution providers.

The most helpful BI recommendations will draw from many connected pieces of data, but analyzing large volumes can take a considerable amount of time. In today’s fast-paced environment, most professionals cannot wait for these insights before they act, rendering them ultimately useless. BI teams need to figure out new systems that will allow them to support their decision makers with accurate, timely analysis that can be put to use immediately. Increasingly, this means leveraging AI-powered solutions.

Since AI can filter and process data at far quicker rates than a human, it is possible to gain answers almost instantaneously – once BI teams train the tool on what data to look at and what to look for. This dramatically reduces the time spent on decision-making, so companies can react quickly to market changes and stay ahead of the competition. The challenge is finding the right tool for your business and learning how to use it in a way that promotes efficiency, rather than adding to the complexity.

In this episode of The BI Report, host Gowri Selka and her panel of expert guests will break down how to leverage AI tools to meaningfully reduce decision-making time. Key features that will be discussed include:

— Personalized recommendations
— Prescriptive analytics
— Faster decision-making with AI-generated insights

Reducing Decision-Making Time with AI-Powered BI Recommendations

Business intelligence teams are tasked with supporting their company’s decision makers, through accurate and relevant analysis. The challenge is that these decision makers often work in different parts of the business and require personalized insights, based on specific parameters. BI teams need to be able to produce analysis that is tailored to various use cases, individuals and business needs, all from the same large data set. While this is possible with older business intelligence tools, it can be time-consuming and complex to identify the most valuable insights for so many different situations.

This is where BI teams need to be taking advantage of artificial intelligence. Through strategic use of AI, teams can deliver insights and recommendations that are based on specific users' roles, preferences, and past behaviors. The right AI tools will support BI professionals in various analysis needs, automating the collection of hyper-specific data so that each decision maker is equipped with the most helpful insights.

Join host Gowri Selka and her panel of independent experts in this episode of The BI Report, where they will discuss how to use AI to generate personalized BI results. The conversation will include: 

— Recommendation engines for business decisions
— The creation of customized reports
— And role-based access to insights for decision-makers

Personalized BI Insights Using Artificial Intelligence

Every department is looking for ways to take advantage of the new developments in AI and machine learning models, but Business Intelligence teams should be at the front of the line. Machine learning models are an incredible resource for anyone who needs to process large volumes of data, quickly and efficiently. They build on current data analysis processes and allow users to develop algorithms tailored to a specific environment. For BI teams, figuring out how to leverage ML models within their existing platforms will supercharge their analysis and open the door for more advanced intelligence work.

In this episode of The BI Report, host Gowri Selka and expert guests will look at how BI teams can integrate AI and machine learning directly into their BI platforms. The conversation will look at several key points, including:

— Embedding ML models in dashboards
— Scoring models within reports
— And real-time AI-driven insights through BI platforms.

Integrating Machine Learning Models into BI Platforms

They say money makes the world go round and it is certainly true that finance is a core foundation across industries.  Whether looking at payments in retail stores, resource management and budget allocation, fraud detection or sales forecasting, financial tools have a real impact on day-to-day operations. To better serve these markets, many new technology products are being developed and offered by financial institutions in this digital economy, to enhance the transaction process. The FinTec sector has always looked to capitalize on new advances – and Gen AI is no exception.

When combined with existing predictive analytics capabilities, the opportunities for Gen AI-based FinTech solutions are great. BI programs that incorporate Gen AI technology can help balance daily operational improvements while producing strategic solutions that drive competitive advantages: lower transaction costs, reduced operational risk, improved digitization and greater automation.

Join Gowri Selka and her guests in The BI Report’s final episode of the year, to explore how the latest trends are evolving in the FinTech space with the power of Gen AI-enabled BI.

The Finance Industry Deep Dive: Targeted BI & Gen AI Capabilities

The retail sector has been hit particularly hard by the post-pandemic environment, as shifting customer expectations has made profitability a real challenge. Consumers now demand personalized recommendations and a seamless brand experience, no matter where they are shopping. The rise of social media and growing importance of brand identity has also made it imperative for brands to maintain a positive social presence across numerous channels. Meanwhile, backend management and supplier relationships are as important as ever, particularly as the supply chain continues to experience disruption.

Retailers must take advantage of the abundance of data available to stay ahead of customer demand and enhance the customer journey, all while keeping their data secure. While retail has been utilizing business intelligence in interesting ways for years, Gen AI has exciting potential to streamline operations, simplify complexities and take the customer experience to the next level.

In this episode of the BI Report, join host Gowri Selka and her panel of expert guests to learn more about how the retail sector can best deploy Gen AI and BI capabilities to get ahead in this competitive market.

The Retail Industry Deep Dive: Targeted BI & Gen AI Capabilities

The healthcare industry comprises so much more than just the patient and the doctor. Behind every treatment plan and patient interaction is a complex web of operations that relies on the latest advances in technology. With the recent development in AI capabilities, healthcare has developed a new normal in all facets of operations thanks to AI implementation. Patient experience, provider interactions, diagnostic tools and care providers activities are all changing rapidly using the new technology capabilities – but they also have to adhere to strict regulations.

Compliance is an area that BI is able to contribute to significantly. Business intelligence has always played a key role in meeting regulatory needs, helping patients with their medical adherence and helping providers improve their communications in an efficient manner. With the enablement of Gen AI, healthcare operations are set to transform from end to end. 

Tune in to this latest episode of the BI Report to hear about the array of possibilities that BI and Gen AI can provide when it comes to advancing healthcare access and accuracy.

The Healthcare Industry Deep Dive: Targeted BI & Gen AI Capabilities

Today’s HR departments are responsible for leading company culture and compensation discussions, but they are also a key strategic partner for business functions – if organizations can utilize them effectively. Chief responsibilities include providing the necessary infrastructure for employees to execute their work at the highest level and connecting corporate strategy with talent strategy, so that companies can grow successfully. The good news is that HR teams, managers and employees are more aligned than ever in their focus areas. The challenge is that HR professionals need to be equipped with specific tools to better understand employee skills, enable career progression, and manage talent. 

Organizational success depends on getting this right. Fortunately, it’s becoming clear that AI-enabled HR solutions are available to meet this demand on HR, yet the regulations are also becoming rigorous. How should HR navigate this new technology for maximum benefit?

In this new episode of the BI Report, host Gowri Selka and her expert guests will dig into how BI reports with Gen AI capabilities can help HR function at its highest level. They will also look into best practices for deploying Gen AI and BI to deliver an effective talent management plan in alignment with the corporate goals.

The HR Industry Deep Dive: Targeted BI & Gen AI Capabilities

It’s becoming increasingly evident that the supply chain is the backbone for all industries. The recent chip crisis and post-pandemic economic pressures continue to highlight how supply chain efficiencies play a vital role in organizational success. Shifting customer demands, the need for omnichannel retailing and a new generation of tech-savvy customers have changed the game. It is now critical for organizations to build a culture of cross-functional collaboration and innovation among all stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem, if they want to thrive. 

To achieve this, companies must employ every department and redirect them to this purpose. So how can BI programs contribute? How can teams leverage the new range of Gen AI capabilities to improve visibility along the supply chain, balance supply and demand effectively, and reduce cost while meeting customer expectations? 

Tune into this latest episode of The BI Report to learn how to provide comprehensive supply chain visibility and how transportation carriers can reduce costs – and time.

The Supply Chain Industry Deep Dive: Targeted BI & Gen AI Capabilities

Today’s business intelligence programs take a radically different approach to their predecessors. Where BI used to focus on data reporting and primarily historical analysis, now BI teams are able to utilize predictive analytics thanks to new AI capabilities. With Generative AI specifically, business intelligence is becoming more accessible; these tools further reduce the barrier to entry by enabling consumers with very low to no data analysis knowledge to not only use the reports, but also to perform analysis. 

The effects of Gen AI on business intelligence are already being seen. Organizations are noticing that it reduces the process and time needed to collect and prepare data, while offering speech-activated user interfaces to perform analysis. This conversational style UX helps to develop smart recommendations of actions that BI teams can take in 2024. It is expected that this collaboration will only grow, making this year an exciting time for business intelligence strategy.

In this new episode of The BI Report, host Gowri Selka and her guest panel will explore how Gen AI will help BI to enhance the speed, accessibility and ability to personalize actions. Join this session to explore further practical ways to integrate Gen AI with BI.

How Gen AI and Business Intelligence Will Work Together in 2024

To close out 2023, ‘The BI Report’ will be focusing on a three-part miniseries: Your Advanced Analytics Plan, a comprehensive guide to building and implementing an effective, next-level analytics strategy. Episodes will take the audience from plan design to development and implementation, to fully equip viewers with expert guidance for a successful launch.

In the last and final Part 3, series host Gowri Selka and a guest panel of industry experts will look at what it means and entails to develop a responsible solution – not just an effective one. In today’s landscape, it is no longer enough to just build something that works. Instead, a successful program is one that also pays attention to ethical, social and corporate responsibility. For BI teams, that means looking at human ethics but also ensuring regulatory compliance, creating org policies, and sustaining improvements.

Tune into this final episode of 2023 to hear the panel walk through what a responsible analytics plan looks like in today’s business landscape – and how to make it a reality.

Your Advanced Analytics Plan: Developing a Responsible Solution

To close out 2023, ‘The BI Report’ will be focusing on a three-part miniseries: Your Advanced Analytics Plan, a comprehensive guide to building and implementing an effective, next-level analytics strategy. Episodes will take the audience from plan design to development and implementation, to fully equip viewers with expert guidance for a successful launch.

In Part 2, series host Gowri Selk and a guest panel of industry experts will look at the early stages of tactical transformation. Once the groundwork has been laid, it’s important to capitalize on this by developing a thoughtful and tailored plan that will generate impact from the beginning. To achieve this, BI teams must have the skills to identify where change must occur and know which early stage decisions should take place, so that all resources are invested in the right place.

Tune into this episode to hear the experts explain how to build a truly impactful tactical plan for early stage transformation.

Your Advanced Analytics Plan: Early Stage Tactical Transformation

To close out 2023, ‘The BI Report’ will be focusing on a three-part miniseries: Your Advanced Analytics Plan, a comprehensive guide to building and implementing an effective, next-level analytics strategy. Episodes will take the audience from plan design to development and implementation, to fully equip viewers with expert guidance for a successful launch.

In Part 1, series host Gowri Selka and a guest panel of industry experts will cover the transition to predictive analytics and what it takes from an org readiness perspective. It’s one thing to have an idea for improvement, but another to actually bring this to fruition. Creating real impact with predictive analytics relies on laying valuable foundations and setting the organization up for success. Without this, teams may waste valuable time and resources on areas that aren’t generating the results they need.

Tune into this episode to hear the panel break down how to develop a business case and explain the nuts and bolts of assessing ROI, so that BI professionals can prepare their companies for this journey.

Your Advanced Analytics Plan: Shifting from Dashboards to Predictive Analytics

Data by itself is useless; it's how we contextualize it that gives it the power to drive real change. Knowing what data to collect and how to collate it is critical for any organization looking to harness real information and intelligence from their output. If anything, we might be being bogged down by too much data, which can make it difficult to identify where the most value lies. 

The organizations that can take the right data and place it within the most meaningful context will be the ones that can mark a clear trajectory forward. By showing us where we have been – and where we have succeeded or fallen short – this data storytelling can show us where to go.

This episode will look at how BI can detect the most important stories within your data -- and how to leverage this for meaningful action.

Data Storytelling as a Solution for Change & Future Development

Data is meaningless unless it is handled in an efficient, organized way that ensures quality and accuracy. To achieve this, organizations need to introduce a consistent standard of data handling, otherwise known as a data governance protocol. By targeting such things as data integrity, data standardization and audit capabilities, BI teams can develop a system that supplies them with the best quality data so they can turn it into the most useful intelligence.

It’s now just the BI unit that wins here. BI tools can also be used to reverse engineer data protocols and strengthen governance and compliance. This technology is designed to detect patterns and sort data, making it a great tool to detect any issues with existing governance so that organizations can refine their protocol. 

In this latest episode of The BI Report, our panel will break down how BI can help strengthen data governance and regulatory compliance in a symbiotic relationship.

Data Governance & Regulatory Compliance: How BI Can Help

Quality ingredients are a must if you’re looking for quality results and this is especially true for business intelligence. In order to draw useful conclusions, BI teams must be able to look at accurate data that is relevant for their specific queries. This can be more complicated than organizations may realize, thanks to the overwhelming amounts of data that companies are producing at all times. Sorting through this data, eliminating outliers or faulty numbers, and organizing it into useful segments are all necessary steps towards ensuring data quality.

Fortunately, this is a two-way street. The right BI tools can also be used to help improve the quality of data itself, in a self-supporting cycle that strengthens each element. In this episode of the BI Report, our panel will look at how to leverage your BI solutions to boost your data worthiness.

In this episode, we’ll cover:
— Why improving data quality is so critical for BI teams 
— The Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) process and its strengths & limitations
— Using BI tools to refine data aggregation at the source
— And much more

Quality Control: Using BI Tools to Improve Data Quality

**In the wake of the great layoffs and on the cusp of the future of work, staying relevant to the skills required in organizations has become a survival technique for many corporate workers. But there is a lack of clarity for individuals wanting to develop and sustain a career in the data and analytics domain.
Our three part series intends to provide a progressive learning and development strategy for anyone interested in building a successful career in this data economy!**

Some technology skills are evergreen and others require paying close attention to the latest industry innovations. The advances that change the way we do business are also changing the skills that we need from our employees. Artificial intelligence in particular has been evolving at record pace, disrupting operations and shifting the way business intelligence functions. 

As people seek to keep pace with digital transformation and adapt their skills accordingly, it’s also on organizations to recognize how their structures might need to adapt too. The org of the future will use BI in new ways and we must prepare.

In this final installment of The BI Report’s three-part miniseries, “The People Angle,” we will recap the first two episodes and cover:
– The upcoming technology trends in BI
– The impact of AI solutions on business intelligence, from Chatbot to Google Bard
– What skills are required to address these new trends
– And much more

The People Angle: How New AI Advances are Impacting the BI Jobs of the Future

**In the wake of the great layoffs and on the cusp of the future of work, staying relevant to the skills required in organizations has become a survival technique for many corporate workers. But there is a lack of clarity for individuals wanting to develop and sustain a career in the data and analytics domain.
Our three part series intends to provide a progressive learning and development strategy for anyone interested in building a successful career in this data economy!**

As major tech companies reorganize and pivot their operations, they are focused on finding the right new hires who can help bring their business successfully into the future. Despite the recent layoffs, there are still openings for employees who can offer the right skills in business intelligence and know how to leverage AI. Anticipating these business needs can set job hunters up for a lucrative career, if they can beat out the competition.

There are several different career pathways available in BI, each with different skill requirements. Prospective employees who learn the nuances of these positions and tailor their experience to match will have a much better chance of securing a position.

In this second installment of The BI Report’s three-part miniseries, “The People Angle,” we will recap episode 1 and cover:
– How individuals can prepare for various BI positions
– What different avenues are available for BI employees
– What basic skills are required to start a career in business intelligence
– And much more

The People Angle: How to Make a Career in Business Intelligence

**In the wake of the great layoffs and on the cusp of the future of work, staying relevant to the skills required in organizations has become a survival technique for many corporate workers. But there is a lack of clarity for individuals wanting to develop and sustain a career in the data and analytics domain.
Our three part series intends to provide a progressive learning and development strategy for anyone interested in building a successful career in this data economy!**

The beginning of 2023 has seen waves of layoffs, but there are also areas of opportunity. As new artificial intelligence tools are released and adopted en masse, organizations are recognizing that it is more important than ever to work smarter, not necessarily harder. This means optimizing existing teams and figuring out a way to maximize the value of internal data through more strategic decision making. 

Business intelligence will be more critical than ever in this new landscape and when resources are restricted, recruiting the right talent can make all the difference.

In this first installment of The BI Report’s three-part miniseries, “The People Angle,” we will cover:
– What knowledge and positions will help companies best leverage the latest technology trends in BI solutions?
– How these teams typically organized
– The best ways to find these skilled resources in the marketplace
– And much more

The People Angle: How to Build a Business Intelligence Team that Drives Value

Agility has become a buzzword over the past two years — and even more so when it comes to business intelligence. According to research, 93% of the organizations that had fully implemented an agile BI strategy before the pandemic outperformed those that hadn’t. As the market adjusts to a new normal of constant change, how can adopting agile BI practices help your organization ride the waves of dynamic demand?
Tune into May’s episode of the Business Intelligence Report to learn from leaders in the field when it comes to implementing an agile BI strategy. Viewers will walk away with understandings of how agile analytics foster quicker ROI and increase capacity to adapt to changing business needs. 

Topics for discussion include the following:
• What defines agile BI today
•The most common hurdles to agile BI adoption
• The advantages of agile BI, from decreasing time to market and increasing ROI to increasing user adoption
•How your business can get started
•And more!

Speakers:
Gowri Selka, Data Analytics Strategist & Advisor at Volantsys Analytics
Stephanie Sibert, Director, Business Intelligence & Analytics at Ironclad
Kate Schiffelbein, Director of Business Intelligence at Kentik
Abeer Shrivastava, Director - Business Intelligence & Advanced Analytics at SubroSmart

What Agile BI Can Do for Your Business

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