Business Analytics for Big Data in 4 Words

**** Looking BACK to 2013 ****

Readers of this blog probably know the 4 V's of Big Data:

Volume, Velocity, Variety and Veracity (trust)


I would like to offer the 4 A's for Analytics:

Assess - Figure out what you need and where the data resides. Start with visualizations to gain understanding of large datasets.  Look for opportunities to connect data.  Having lots of data and attributes at this stage is a good thing.

Align - Align data with existing dimensions, metrics and measures to start building better sources of trusted data. Early association of key attributes improves the accuracy of text and entity analytics.

Assert - Here comes the statistics part: Create analytic data from sources and attributes identified in the previous steps. Find new connections with exploration and discovery. Achieve quantitative insight as you create new columns of data from old.  Revisit previous assumptions to ensure you have consistent data. The more the data aligns with your assertions, the more trusted you new data becomes.  But don't worry: inconsistent data is also good.  It helps you find outliers that suggest your assertions might need to be revisited.

Achieve - Take action using the new data you created (obviously). But you also need to share analytic discoveries including data and procedures. Reuse these assets within your enterprise to build more advanced analytics. Continue revisiting and applying analytics to new data to build greater accuracy and trust.

My goal in the next few weeks is to continue differentiating Analytics from more traditional Business Intelligence while showing how solutions that blend both disciplines can offer some of the best insight available.