E = mc2 with real KPIs
June 2019The difference between genuine key performance indicators (KPIs) and no KPIs (or false KPIs) is night and day when you look at Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Genuine KPIs (E) directly impact the three most important result areas of the organization (mc2): profit, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. Normal (performance) indicators like revenue or profit margins don’t directly impact all three of these, or only do so with a greatly delayed effect. Take, for example, the phenomenon of college dropouts. Students who enroll for higher education, but quit after a year or two, before finishing their studies. How do drop-outs directly impact profitability, customer (student) satisfaction, and employee satisfaction?
The 5 biggest PDCA pitfalls
May 2019Many organizations are paying more and more attention to PDCA and continuous improvement. That’s no surprise because this powerful improvement method leads to much better results. PDCA is embedded in the heart of every intelligent organization. If you want to successfully apply the PDCA methodology, you have to be cautious. There’s a slim margin for error. Employees have to be inspired and mobilized, feel appreciated, and be able to reflect on their actions. Without taking the right steps, this approach could fail, and your team might sour on the whole strategy. Here, we’ve compiled the 5 biggest pitfalls to avoid when implementing PDCA.
The 7 principles of meaningful KPIs
May 2019Just like water, KPIs can also become cloudy. When it comes to KPIs, you might be able to live with that, thinking you’re on track when you’re not. That’s why it’s much wiser to regularly purify contaminated KPIs. With the following seven characteristics, you can determine if your KPIs are clean and meet the highest standards, just like our drinking water. By delving into these characteristics, you’ll gain a better understanding of the essence of true KPIs. This is crucial because you need to be able to trust KPIs blindly. Ideally, clean KPIs have predictive value and do not cause perverse incentives. And, like pure water, they leave no strange aftertaste. Put your KPIs under the microscope now and gain much better insights.
Has your organization tamed the Data Bull?
February 2019Not everyone gets excited about the prospect of discussing information entropy, shadow IT and technical debt. But for Martijn Evers, it’s all in a day’s work. We had an animated discussion about holistic data management and the art of taming bulls. Together with Ronald Damhof, Martijn Evers, co-founder of i-Refact, started an online movement dedicated to perhaps the ultimate job of the future: full-scale data architect. It’s a job that has to suit you. “Usually, you’re born a data architect”, the self-appointed data missionary says. In other words: abstract thinking has to be in your genes. That’s why organizations usually call on people with real passion to fill this key role.
Wanted: Data Architects with a holistic perspective
February 2019In practice, Martijn Evers, co-founder of i-Refact, believes there’s a desire for data architects with a holistic vision (read part 1 of our interview here). Architects who can effortlessly switch between various modes. He jokingly refers to the contrast between a gorilla architect, who is assertive and supported by the direction, and a guerrilla architect, who doesn’t have a wide base of support in the organization due to all kinds of politically sensitive matters, and thus is forced to operate under the radar. Professional data architects should always ask themselves “Are we doing the right things”, while others are still busy trying to answer the question of whether they’re doing things right. A full-scale data architect is critical and cynical, but can also be nice, without necessarily being friendly. A good data architect confronts people with the choices they make (or don’t make) and points out the possible consequences.
Data Literacy: core competency number 1 for 2024
January 2019As we recently pointed out, data literacy is a hot-button issue. Only 24% of the decision-makers in international business spheres indicate that they have complete confidence in their own ability to read data, work with it, analyze it, and discuss it. This alarming conclusion was drawn by the Worldwide Data Literacy Project. Spoiler alert: 2019 and beyond could be the year of data literacy. The concept of literacy is a lot broader than most people think, according to Wikipedia. It’s the ability to work with information, understand it, and use it with purpose. In the Netherlands, Princess Laurentien has been working tirelessly to promote literacy since 2001. At her behest, the Foundation for Reading & Writing was founded in 2004. Although the foundation achieved successes in its fight against illiteracy, the war is far from won.
5 essential steps for data-driven organizations
November 2018Do you want to stay ahead of the competition and give your customers the best possible experience? Become a data-driven organization. Instead of making decisions based on opinions, gut feeling, who yells the loudest, or because “that’s just the way we’ve always done it,” your organization will take action based on data and facts. By embracing a data-driven approach, you can uncover valuable insights, predict trends, and make informed decisions that drive growth and efficiency. This shift not only improves operational effectiveness but also enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. Here are the five essential steps to transform your organization into a data-driven powerhouse, ensuring you leverage data to its fullest potential.
Six misconceptions about algorithms
November 2018Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic. Algorithms can determine the notes of a new perfume. The high-art world has been scooped by a portrait painted by an algorithm and signed with the code: minG maxD Ex[log(D(x))]+Ez[log(1-D(G(z)))]. These are two random examples of relatively innocent, yet surprising, applications of AI. However, algorithms can also inspire fear. Crashing self-driving cars, smart speakers that take over the entire house, algorithms that thoughtlessly dismiss job applicants based on gender, or sentence suspects without mercy. Can algorithms be used for the good of mankind? To address the widespread misunderstanding about algorithms, we clear up six misconceptions in this article.
The 12 biggest growing pains in becoming a mature BI organization
November 2018As project leader, you’re cradling an ambitious BI project, and you’re looking for theoretical and (especially) practical frameworks. You know that you can achieve better results using the right management information. Googling “Business Intelligence” returns 527 million results. “BI Tools” narrows it down a bit, but still returns 855,000 hits. Discussions are spreading out in all directions and it’s hard not to get dizzy. If you want to get serious about working with BI, it’s easy to end up on a roller coaster. You’ll want to get both feet on the ground again as soon as possible. But BI is dreaming, daring, and especially doing. However, you don’t have to start from scratch; you can learn from the growing pains that others have already experienced. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. after all. Learn to recognize these symptoms and avoid them, or deal with them. These stories are based on the goals and ambitions of the hundreds who have taken our Business Intelligence training course.
6 reasons not to build a Data Lake
October 2018In this technology-driven world, we like to believe in progress. It can be easy to forget that “new” isn’t always better. A prime example of this is the “data lake” phenomenon: a figurative lake of data, which became a hype in Business Intelligence (BI) and Big Data circles. Many companies rushed to jump on the bandwagon and built their own data lake. But was this such a good idea, or would it have been better to think about what can be accomplished using a data lake first? While data lakes promise vast storage and potential insights, they also come with significant challenges and pitfalls. Understanding these issues is crucial before diving into the data lake trend. Here are six compelling reasons why building a data lake might not be the best move for your organization.
5 Steps to becoming an Intelligent Organization
October 2018As a leading consultant in Business Intelligence, we offer a small but high-quality range of Business Intelligence services. Our Business Intelligence guide focuses on what you want to achieve in the near future, what the business benefits are, and how to get there, in 5 steps. Becoming an intelligent organization means leveraging data to drive decision-making, optimizing processes, and fostering innovation. This guide is designed to help you identify key objectives, understand the potential gains, and implement a strategic approach to transform your organization. By following these five steps, you can effectively harness the power of BI, enhance operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in your industry.
The 7 biggest Big Data pitfalls
October 2018Big Data has many potential advantages. It can provide new insights into consumer behavior, show you in which areas the organization can work more efficiently, predict future changes, and much more. However, many companies forge ahead into Big Data without being adequately prepared and charge straight into a pitfall. Research shows that about 60% of Big Data projects stumble out of the starting blocks. How can you make sure that your organization doesn’t become a statistic? How can you be successful with Big Data? In this article we explore the seven most common Big Data pitfalls, and how to avoid them.
One algorithm can replace 100 reports
September 2018Business Intelligence has been used to help organizations prioritizing information-driven working for years, and it’s showing no signs of stopping. According to Daan van Beek, CEO of Passionned Group and author of the Data Science book “Data Science for Decision Makers & Data Professionals”, BI still serves as an umbrella term, and even covers the Artificial Intelligence and Big Data hype. We had a conversation about data-driven working and the careful balancing act between the ‘old’ BI world and the ‘new’ AI world. This discussion highlights how BI continues to evolve, integrating advanced technologies to enhance decision-making processes. Discover how one algorithm can replace a hundred reports, streamlining operations and providing deeper insights.
The Ethics of Big Data: temptation and fear
November 2017Ethics determine whether you are right or wrong from a certain framework of thinking. This branch of philosophy primarily deals with what constitutes acceptable behavior and the various forms it can take. Ethics (or moral philosophy) is the field of philosophy that seeks to improve, establish, argue, and support the understanding of right and wrong actions. In this article, we explore the framework of big data & ethics, the impact of big data on customers and society, and where the boundaries lie. From technology itself, no ethics can be expected. Finally, we present the 10 commandments of computer ethics. Understanding these principles is crucial in navigating the ethical challenges posed by big data, balancing the benefits of technological advancements with the need for responsible usage.
The 7 habits of highly intelligent organizations
November 2017It’s said that wisdom comes with age. Does this also apply to organizations? Do they become wiser and smarter as they get older? There are examples of old-fashioned companies. They constantly reinvent the wheel, such as IBM. But think of beverage producers like the brands Bols and Grolsch. They have managed to survive, for a very long period of time. These types of organizations are an exception. Disruption runs rampant and affects one sector after the other. In the 1920s, the average company age was 65 years old. That number has come down to 15 (Yale University). Incidentally, this research also indicates that the top 10 oldest companies contain three beverage manufacturers.
Zoetermeer shifts from financial to business control
September 2015Municipalities are working to make an impact on citizens and entrepreneurs. The key question here is “How can we increase our public value?” This means that organizational competencies such as results orientation, performance orientation, continuous improvement, and innovation are becoming increasingly important. These competencies are needed by the municipality to be able to demonstrate its role in the participation society, among other things. In short, municipalities must explore new paths. In this customer story, we present how we helped the Municipality of Zoetermeer with PDCA, performance management, KPIs and the importance of commitment and communication during implementation.
Why every controller should know everything about Big Data
July 2015Controllers like to keep things manageable and help organizations keep KPIs in order. This is understandable and good from a risk management perspective, but modern controllers must broaden their horizons nowadays. They are expected to know everything about Big Data. This is because established KPIs and manageability have to clear the way for Big Data and innovation. Understanding big data allows controllers to enhance decision-making processes and foster innovation, giving their organizations a competitive edge. Organizations that lose sight of this transition risk completely missing the boat.
Rotterdam on its way to information-driven working
June 2015In 2014, the Rotterdam community wanted to bring more cohesion to all BI activities. It started with information architecture and the description of a strategy. A pilot project focused on school dropouts, along with Passionned Group, is now set to demonstrate how it works in practice. The pilot is part of the National Program Rotterdam South (NPRZ), within which the national government, the municipality of Rotterdam, housing corporations, healthcare institutions, school boards, businesses, police, and the Public Prosecution Service are working hard towards a healthy future for Rotterdam South. Together, these partners ensure that education levels, labor participation, and living quality will rise to the average of the four major cities in the Netherlands within 20 years. The ‘Data Science Book’ by Daan van Beek served as inspiration here.
5 crucial requirements for KPIs
February 2015If you want actionable management information, you need genuine KPIs. To ensure that users understand the information as quickly as possible and that they can define actions, the Intelligent Organization will have to take into account a number of generic requirements (see below) that should be imposed on management information and key performance indicators. By adhering to these key requirements, your organization can develop KPIs that not only measure performance accurately but also provide meaningful insights that drive continuous improvement and success. You can also check the SMART KPI Toolkit 2024, or contact one of our KPI specialists for more information, advice, or KPI examples.
The 5 Biggest Benefits of Analytics
December 2014In recent years, Business Intelligence and Analytics have become more relevant and, as a result, gained a much larger audience. In the past, managers formed the main audience but nowadays we see that many Business Intelligence applications are also being created for knowledge workers. There are two reasons for this change: firstly, the booming information democracy and secondly, the fact that knowledge workers, to an ever greater extent, are urged to make independent decisions and solve problems quickly. In this article, we examine the benefits of Business Intelligence for managers and knowledge workers from various angles.
Increase the hits on your data warehouse with Google
November 2014Data warehouses typically contain quite a lot of content. Let us assume, for convenience’s sake, that much of this content is relevant (at a certain point in time) and reliable. This is often not (yet) the case, but fine, we want to address another issue here, namely that the user cannot find information even though it is available in the right quality. Google, with its unparalleled capabilities, can offer a solution precisely because that is what the search engine is good at. Using Google’s powerful search algorithms can make your data warehouse more accessible and useful, which leads to better insights and business results. In this article, we present a checklist and show you how you can gain profit by connecting Google to your data warehouse .
Managers develop the strategy
November 2014In order to prepare an organization Cockpit, it is sufficient that the organization have a strategy at a certain point in time. However, writing a book on strategic performance management without ‘coming clean’ is not possible. Because, in strategy formulation, content, tools like Cognos and BusinessObjects, and process influence each other. That is also the reason that the leadership of an intelligent organization tries to make sure that content and process reinforce each other. Managers play a key role in formulating strategies that not only align with the organization’s goals but also adapt to ever-changing market dynamics. This article explores the fundamental steps managers must take to develop strong strategies that guide growth and guarantee long-term competitiveness.
The municipality of The Hague and Passionned Group collaborate on BI
November 2014Daan van Beek and Wouter Huisman of Passionned Group have been supporting a project group of the Municipality of The Hague, in the Netherlands, for some time. The goal is to achieve a municipality-wide Business Intelligence Roadmap. “In terms of business intelligence we are really still learning to walk,” says Ling Po-Shih, Group Advisor/Project Manager of Business Intelligence (BI) at the Municipality. “In 2009 internal research showed that we were not at all ready for BI at the time. We did that research again in 2013. Now we are at the point where we want to draw up a BI Roadmap. We do, however, need some help with that.”
Powerful Business Intelligence at accountancy firm PwC
November 2014Passionned Group assisted accounting and consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in the design and implementation of a powerful Business Intelligence system. Until recently this office operated based on figures that lay hidden in collections of spreadsheets, stunning presentations and all kinds of downloads, focusing primarily on financial indicators. However, PwC wanted to move beyond just rear-view mirror insights and develop predictive BI. Together with PwC’s partners, Passionned Group developed a complete BI system that consolidates data from four systems, enabling easy analysis and optimization of processes.
The Carante Group takes next step in Business Intelligence
November 2014Carante Groep, originally a partnership of twelve independent organizations spread across the Netherlands, provided regional care and services for individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities, psychiatric needs, (psycho)geriatrics, youth assistance, and the welfare sector. Operating across the entire spectrum of the care sector, Carante Groep’s BI team embarked on an energetic mission to redesign their 12-year-old BI environment. This initiative aimed at developing a vision and strategy while also improving the organization and implementation of BI. To achieve these ambitious goals, Carante Groep collaborated closely with Passionned Group, pulling together their expertise to ensure the success of the project.
The 5 biggest KPI blunders
October 2014Many companies and (government) institutions are paying more and more attention to the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and SMART goals. This is logical because they are powerful tools for managers, improvement teams, and controllers. Moreover, KPIs are at the heart of every organization, including yours. The trick is to find them, define them correctly, and use them to adjust faster and improve your processes. But defining and steering by KPIs and SMART goals is a tricky business. It’s easy to commit a mistake. Before you know it you have way too many of them or a discussion arises about the definition of a KPI. We have listed the 5 biggest KPI blunders and pitfalls for you, so you can avoid them in the future.
The 5 biggest pitfalls in predictive analytics
May 2014Predictive analytics is a powerful instrument for many organizations. It helps them to create competitive advantage and make their business processes more effective. Insurance companies and credit card issuers for example use it to detect fraud, cops use it to catch criminals, sometimes even before they commit a crime, and car dealers apply analytics to predict the chance that someone responds to a campaign. From our experience we strongly believe that there is a lot of added value in predictive analytics. But, prediction is very difficult – especially if it’s about the future (Niels Bohr) – and making automated predictions is even more difficult. There are many pitfalls on the road to success. We think this are the five most important pitfalls:What is Big Data Analytics?Six criteria for measuring data quality BI & Analytics GuideHire a Data ScientistData Science Book
Reduce waste by 10% with Data Analytics
September 2013Despite the availability of numerous standard tools, tailored solutions are often necessary. New challenges demand increased customization. A cotton manufacturer, driven by a strong desire to enhance efficiency, faced pivotal questions. The production team pondered, “Why do we operate the way we do? Why do we discard so much usable material? Is there a better way?” In the traditional manufacturing industry, managing costs is a crucial strategy. Only companies with an optimal cost structure can withstand crises. So, how can you ensure your company becomes one of these successful survivors?
Business Intelligence roles and competencies
September 2013Automation is always about people. This is certainly true with regard to ‘automating’ decisions and transforming data into ‘actionable intelligence’. The point is that people will use this information and start acting differently. In order to create a proper (well-designed) Intelligent organization, we will need people in certain roles, with specific (behavioral) competencies, experience, and knowledge, first on a project basis and later in the daily operations. In this article, we describe the ideal Business Intelligence project organization. Note that, in practice, we do not always require all roles or we cannot always facilitate all roles, due for example, to budgetary constraints.
Top 10 BI risks and obstacles to success
September 2013Business Intelligence projects are characterized by an extremely high-risk factor and many obstacles. These obstacles are mostly related to the fact that Business Intelligence projects typically go beyond the boundaries of departments, processes, and even business units; contain a mix of strategy, business operations, and technology, and are often highly political. Additionally, these projects require significant changes in organizational culture and employee mindset. Integrating diverse data sources and ensuring data quality adds layers of complexity. Achieving stakeholder alignment and managing expectations are critical yet challenging tasks. The dynamic nature of technology and evolving business requirements often result in scope changes, leading to delays and increased costs. Understanding these risks and obstacles is crucial for successful Business Intelligence implementation and maximizing its potential benefits.
Testing Business Intelligence systems
September 2013If we do not predetermine what we test and how we test the Business Intelligence system, then this testing process can be very time consuming. BI allows flexible reporting. Precisely because Business Intelligence allows flexible reporting, we are initially tempted to test all possible combinations of indicators and dimensions. What we forget is that, even in small Business Intelligence systems with for example ten indicators that are linked to eight dimensions, the number of possible combinations can reach ten million! A well-planned BI testing strategy can not only save time but also enhance the reliability and accuracy of the BI system, ultimately leading to better decision-making and business outcomes. Therefore, a meticulous approach to what we test and how we test BI systems is essential for exploring the true power of Business Intelligence.
The pros and cons of a Data Vault
July 2013At the heart of the Data Vault methodology is an ingenious modeling technique for data warehouses. It was put together by Dan Linstedt at the U.S. Department of Defense in an already distant past. A Data Vault stores all incoming transactions in a hyper-normalized structure. Regardless of whether this data has integrity and accuracy: “100% of the data 100% of the time”. The Data Vault distinguishes between facts and the truth. But who is waiting for the facts? In this article, read the main advantages and disadvantages, find the four differences between a third normal form and a Data Vault, and finally arm yourself with the 10 irrefutable facts about Data Vaults.
Nine reasons to build a data warehouse
June 2013More and more organizations are wondering what the use of a data warehouse entails, and whether or not it’s worth the investment. They also want to know what alternatives are available. A growing number of IT vendors and some “experts” claim that the end of the data warehouse is nigh. When we say vendors, we’re referring to suppliers of data warehouse appliances, data virtualization tools, and data discovery tools. We have a different opinion, though. The data warehouse still is the beating heart of the Intelligent Organization and it serves different vital goals.
Selecting BI tools
December 2012Often, organizations find it difficult and labor-intensive to choose the right BI software for the job. The in-depth and independent BI & Analytics Guide 2024 is designed to help you select quickly and efficiently. The BI & Analytics Guide may confirm your company’s standards or preferences, or it may also reveal that your company’s standard should be updated. In the rapidly evolving landscape of BI tools, staying updated with the latest features and capabilities is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, helping you navigate through the myriad of options available. In this article, we present the 7 steps to select the right BI platform for your organization, and the top 11 selection criteria. The top 11 selection criteria provide a detailed framework to assess each potential BI tool against your organization’s unique demands. This structured approach ensures that you make an informed decision, ultimately enhancing your data-driven decision-making capabilities and driving business success.
Selecting an ETL tool
January 2012Choosing the right ETL software for your organization can seem a daunting prospect. The task is difficult, labor-intensive, and it’s hard to find a good starting point. To support you, we’ve created a step-by-step ETL tool selection strategy, based on our more than ten years of involvement in tool selection processes. Our strategy simplifies the process by identifying specific requirements, evaluating tool capabilities, and considering factors such as scalability, ease of use, and cost. The ETL & Data Integration guide ensures you make an informed decision, enhancing your data integration capabilities and supporting your organization’s data-driven initiatives.
