Entering the store for coffee and a snack, a warm ‘hello’ springs from behind the counter while several clients form short lines at 3 registers. The busy store is clean and well organized. Such management does not happen by accident. Oh yeah – convenience store accountability rules make a difference. Accountability is a key component …

As Big Data becomes more popular, the question often asked is ‘What is Big Data?’ While there are lots of ways to answer, one part of the answer inevitably includes quantity. While there is no precise definition of how much is necessary to be considered Big, most accept that amount of data keeps getting bigger. …

As part of our tracking and accountability work, we study best practices. We want to see how companies are using KPI’s in their drive for higher sales and better operational results. The May Poll is complete and the results are in.  Please check our Survey page for a more detailed survey regarding how companies are publishing …

Experienced Big Data users understand the paradox – Big data starts small. Rather than rush to implement new techniques and technology a small win can help to drive big results. Patience is often hard when there are big problems to solve, but creating a solid foundation for success can make things go faster when you …

Standing in the Sally port waiting to enter Dillwyn Correctional Institute on a clear spring afternoon, a cold reality of prison life encloses each instructor. The course they are about to lead is an experiment to prepare inmates for successful re-entry to society. Can convicted felons operate a successful business after they complete their sentence? …

Social Capital – A surprising reminder for entrepreneurs. Dr. John Thomas of the UVA Cooper Center presented a summary of how communities are using a new approach to address challenging socio-economic situations at the Crater Community Hospice breakfast meeting at Virginia State University on April 2, 2014. The breakfast commemorated the 20th year of service to …

Examining our health system to see how Big Data can improve results What a great summary of how Big Data analytics, ETL and Dashboards can improve outcomes: Active decision making, statistical support for treatments, performance accountability, collaboration, regulatory compliance, remote service, planning, logistical support of operations. Read more on this article with our friends at …

Managing Convenience Store performance like Google analytics manages a web site. Google analytics uses key performance indicators to show how a web site is performing. With this information you can track your web site performance and determine how your marketing programs are working in terms of bringing people to a site and getting them to …

Data is critical to most operations. Naturally, more projects involve integration. It is a complicated job. To simply data migration – plan the plan first. Implementing new systems is part of any IT life cycle. Business must continue to increase productivity and IT systems are a key part of many improvement efforts. It is typical …

Dashboards are very powerful tools to implement tracking and accountability. They provide a quick and simple means to share data to assess performance objectively – identify strengths and weaknesses one of the key data points to help with accountability. Their use is easily justified in large organizations with important goals and often warrants extensive investments …

System monitoring, memory, partitioning, CPU balancing and disk arrays are all part of making the ETL performance of your Pentaho Data Interchange fast and efficient. System monitoring is a critical first step and catch all for performance issues. As the amount of your data grows, processing the data becomes more of a challenge and can …

C-store operators always ask the best way to save time and make more money. Here are three reasons measuring improves our results: 1. Clarify what is important 2. Understand how we compare 3. Justify financial rewards So you want to know how you measure up. The old saying that you don’t know where you are …