Data Analytics 101 for Beginners: All You Need to Know
Achille Ettorre, MBA
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Executive | 'The Digital Advantage' Author | AI Solutions for Business Growth | Advisory Board Member | TEDx Speaker
Are you feeling intimidated when you come across the term data analytics? You shouldn’t. Learn the basics about AI and start using it to your benefit.
Data science has got a lot to offer. It is up to you to identify the strengths of weaknesses of such an asset, adjusting it to your own personalized needs and desires.
Data Analytics: What Is It?
Information is a key element in advancing your business, as well as understanding the trends on a global scale. Before using data analytics tools, when you receive information, you do so in the format of raw data.
From then on, you use the analysis process to interpret that chunk of data. Through this interpretation, your aim is to get something you can use to improve your business performance.
In this way, you use the data in its raw form. During the process of analysis, you extract the substance and get to utilize that knowledge to your benefit. It seems simple, but this is where the true meaning of analytics lies.
Detailed Process
Although you can find variations online, the process data analytics use is quite straightforward. There are distinct steps you need to follow in order to reach the end result of your liking.
First of all, you must outline your objectives. What is your goal for proceeding with data analysis? What is it you want to achieve? Once you have answered these questions, you are good to go.
Start exploring the data sources that will most likely give you what you need. Target them and gather the information required. From then on, you need to choose a model for data analysis.
Making Use of Data Science
Data science allows you to draw valid conclusions through the evaluation process of the extracted information. In this way, you are able to integrate the acquired knowledge into your business plan.
It takes time for you to learn how to identify the best opportunities out there. As you get used to the process, you will discover new features and possibilities that you have never thought of before.
Types of Data Analytics
Another thing that you should remember is the fact that there are four different types of data analytics. According to what you are looking for, you get to choose which of these types to pursue.
The simplest types in data analysis are the descriptive and diagnostic analytics. These have to do with a plain interpretation of the raw data from your sources.
More specifically, the former allows you to see what has happened, while the latter offers you an insight of the mistakes that have occurred. In other words, they both give you an interpretation of the past, which you can use for future reference.
Innovation Beyond the Basics
There are also predictive and prescriptive analytics for you to make use of if you want. In fact, you are encouraged to do so, for a deeper understanding of the metrics. However, they do require some extra knowledge and experience on your behalf.
Through these tools, you can elevate your insights. You can predict which behavioral pattern is more likely to occur as well as see which course of action is required for you to get the results you seek.
Why Use Analytics?
This is a great set of tools allowing you to analyze what lies beneath the surface. You can use such knowledge to optimize the way you work, as much as improve your quality of life quality.
Due to the flexibility of data analytics, you can use these findings of yours in a variety of applications. Do your research and identify the most fruitful options. AI enabled software can help you out in numerous different ways.
Different AI Applications
It makes sense that AI applications cover a wide spectrum of everyday life. To be more specific, they are responsible for the following:
● Analytics enable you to prevent online fraud.
● They boost your security.
● Such insights optimize the customer journey.
● They increase sales dramatically.
● Data analytics help target new audiences.
● You identify opportunities to grow your business.
● Risk analysis is far more efficient.
● You enjoy a smoother supply chain.
● Finally, you better understand the cause and effect.
AI applications can be seen in healthcare, e-commerce, business administration, retail stores, construction companies, logistics, digital marketing and much more.
Dedicated Professionals
You can learn the basics as to how to get around data analytics. However, if you truly want to make a difference, then you need to turn to the pros. A data analyst can be a valued asset in your company and this is the person that handles such projects.
This is one of the most promising professions nowadays, even after the hard hit of the recent pandemic. Build a team of people you can trust and start enjoying the perks of AI.
Endless Possibilities
Have you considered using data analytics to experiment with what you can accomplish? You are most welcome to do so. The endless possibilities unfolded before your eyes are bound to leave you speechless.
As you dig deeper into the world of analytics, you will reveal even more impressive features. These features can be used productively so that they can transform your business.
Final Thoughts
Now, you know what data analytics is all about. This is not just a trend that will go away any time soon. As a consequence, you should dive deeper and find out how you can profit from such analytics tools.
I am sure you are feeling excited about your next steps in utilizing Big Data. Do not forget that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time, energy, and hard work to achieve greatness.
My final piece of advice would be for you never to stop reading, getting all the latest information about this inspiring field of expertise. After all, the future is now!
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3 年Achille, I am curious- do you distinguish ‘data analytics’ from ‘data analysis? I find these two are often used interchangeably. In my mind, data analysis is the practical application of statistics and math while data analytics is the practical application of data science. Would love your thoughts..
Lead Research Project Manager @ The University of Texas Medical Branch | MBA in Finance | CMA | Studying for PMP
3 年Great and simple overview of the technical aspects of AI. How about the career aspects, especially for those either new to the field or are familiar in it but simply want to transition into it? Having a great support system, career-wise, would be an excellent aspect to the world of analytics.
Sr. Director, Strategic Accounts | Strategic client acquisition, solution development
3 年I'm definitely going to share this with my daughters!
Innovation Manager @ RENrisk | CEO & Co-Founder @ SCERING & mAIwork | Presidente della Comunità Energetica Rinnovabile ENERGY SCERING
3 年Excellent article Achille Ettorre! Once you know the basics of AI you only have to use imagination ??
Software Engineer
3 年Very good his publication. Thanks Achille Ettorre !