Data blog from taod: News from the world of data

Our tips, trends, and technologies for data and analytics

Welcome to the taod data blog. Here you can find interesting and informative contributions from our data consultants, analytics engineers and data scientists. We have also put all our knowledge into cutting-edge white papers that teach you all relevant areas of modern data analysis. All of our posts and white papers reflect our enthusiasm for data and AI, data analysis and data visualization. We wish you an insightful read.

Data Strategy

“When data helps, acceptance comes naturally.”

Many companies start their data journey with dashboards. But when is BI enough and when is a data platform necessary? In an interview, data consultant Simone Cornelissen and data engineer Felix explain what role data quality, architecture and corporate culture play in data-driven decisions and why they are also the basis for successful AI applications.

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Blog posts found:

120

Blog/How does a successful data science project go/taod Consulting GmbH

Artificial intelligence

How does a successful data science project work?

Project management and implementation play a special role in exploiting the full potential of data science. Because it is essential to be aware of the specific requirements. This is the only way to achieve a successful project.

Data Management, Tech & Tools

What can Microsoft Fabric do?

Microsoft Fabric — One year on: Our experiences with the all-in-one data analysis platform. From flexible data transformation to intuitive orchestration to practical insights from projects — we highlight the strengths, weaknesses, and possible uses of Fabric. Fabric offers exciting opportunities to efficiently map the entire data journey, especially for companies that rely on Microsoft technologies.

Data Strategy

Why companies need a data strategy

There is no bigger mistake than simply collecting data and trusting that something will come out of it. We show why your own data strategy is the last and most important component of digitization.

Power BI, Tech & Tools

From visualization to interaction

Power BI is perfect for analyzing and visualizing data. When it comes to data entry, the tool reaches its limits. Planning values, comments or forecasts therefore require enhancements. The article compares four tools: Aimplan for deeply integrated planning, Power Apps for simple inputs, Retool for flexible and complex workflows, and Microsoft Fabric with initial native input functions. Depending on the use case and technical environment, there are suitable solutions for interactive inputs in Power BI.

Blog/Thilo Schumacher: Interview with Cloud Solutions/ taod Consulting GmbH

Data Management

“Uncertainty shouldn't be an argument against the cloud!”

Thilo Schumacher is a Business Development Manager at ADN and an enthusiastic Microsoft Azure expert. In an interview, we learn how he assesses the current situation of companies when it comes to cloud solutions and why you shouldn't be afraid of the cloud.

Data Management

Dream destination: Migrating to the cloud

In Germany, 63% of companies believe that services from the cloud make their company more agile. But only 13% use cloud-based services. How does that fit together? Recent crises have shown us that digital transformation is not a hip idea, but a pure necessity in order to remain viable as a company. So what's stopping you from migrating to the cloud?

Power BI, Tech & Tools

Translytical task flows revolutionize Power BI

With Translytical Task Flows, Power BI becomes interactive: Automate workflows directly in the report, process data live, trigger notifications and integrate Azure OpenAI — all based on fabric. Discover new opportunities for analysis and action in one tool.

taod becomes a Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner

Data Engineering, BI & Data Analytics

taod is a Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner

Partners who receive this status are known for their expertise in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence. They help customers standardize their data processes and prepare them for the integration of AI solutions. Featured partners benefit from exclusive access to Microsoft resources, training, and closer collaboration with Microsoft to further improve their solutions.

Artificial intelligence

Predictive quality as a project

If the quality of a product is high, a sustainable customer relationship is usually established. But keeping the quality of a product permanently improved depends on many variables. Ideally, it is based on automated quality control.

Tech & Tools

Tableau as a success factor in e-commerce

E-commerce is currently facing a major challenge — huge amounts of data. BI tools such as Tableau help by linking and visualizing relevant data sources and enabling them to be viewed through detailed data analysis.

Data Strategy

Snowflake vs. Databricks

The decision between Snowflake and Databricks is one of the most strategically important questions for data-driven companies. This article highlights the strengths of both platforms from the perspective of BI, engineering, ML and cost structure. It becomes clear that the choice depends largely on the roadmap, team skills and future requirements. Snowflake is easy to use and quick results for SQL-oriented teams, while Databricks scores well for complex ML workloads. If you want to connect both worlds, you should consider a hybrid strategy.

Data Management

Secure and sustainable cloud transformation

Cloud expert Tim Gravemann from IT service provider pco explains why a cloud is in parts more secure than an on-premise solution, what constitutes a secure and sustainable cloud transformation and how companies benefit from the cloud.

Tech & Tools

Retool: Our go-to tool for fast business apps

Retool as a kit for business apps: Instead of programming applications from scratch, Retool allows you to build smart interfaces using drag-and-drop and connect them directly to data sources such as SQL, Google Sheets or APIs. Perfect for dashboards, admin tools, and automated workflows. You'll find out how we automated travel expense reports or capacity planning with Retool and why the tool has become an indispensable component for us.

Blog/Reverse ETL in the Modern Data Stack/taod ConsulTing GmbH

Data Management

Reverse ETL as a data-driven secret of success

A data warehouse is quickly transformed into a data silo if the collected data is not processed further in a meaningful way. The integration of reverse ETL pipelines enables automated data transformation based on the “close the loop” principle.

Artificial intelligence

Predictive maintenance as a project

Predictive maintenance is becoming a central component of Industry 4.0. The predictive maintenance of machines is to be understood as a systematic project that is based on careful preparation and best-practice technologies.

Blog/Tableau vs. Power BI/taod Consulting GmbH

Tech & Tools

Key players in focus: Power BI vs. Tableau

As a partner of Tableau and Microsoft Power BI, we are faced with the same question over and over again in customer projects. Which of the two solutions for self-service BI is better suited to the specific requirements? This much should be anticipated: There is no general answer to this question.

Data Analytics & BI

Power BI Embedded and the Car Dealership Revolution

In an interview, bekumoo founder Thomas Kurrelmeyer explains why he uses Power BI Embedded to document and evaluate important business indicators.

Power BI

Planning and forecasting with Power BI

With Microsoft Fabric and Translytical Task Flows, Power BI is evolving from a pure reporting tool to a platform for planning and forecasting. The article shows how companies combine analysis, write-back, and governance in a consistent workflow.

Power BI, Data Strategy

Sustainability with vision

Automated ESG reporting not only saves time but also provides valuable strategic insights. The article shows how AI, dashboards, and modern data infrastructure help companies meet regulatory requirements efficiently — and use ESG as a real competitive advantage.

Data Management

Data storage options

If you want to store large amounts of data, you need to keep an eye on the form of storage: data warehouse, data lake and data mart. In conversation with our expert Frederic Bauerfeind, we discuss why and when which storage variant is the right choice and how it is integrated into the modern data stack.

Data Strategy

With 10 questions about the data strategy

How does a vague vision become a sustainable data strategy? Based on ten key questions, the article shows how companies combine goals, organization, technology and culture to form a specific data roadmap.

Tech & Tools

Microsoft Fabric - Boost your data analysis

Microsoft Fabric is really shaking up the industry. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella describes his company's latest coup as “the biggest launch of a data product from Microsoft since the launch of SQL Server.” He's not exaggerating with that. We'll tell you why Microsoft Fabric will also change your daily data analysis forever.

Data Management

Controlling costs in the cloud

Cloud platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric offer tremendous flexibility — but also involve significant cost risks. The article shows practical strategies for controlling these expenses: from clever capacity planning (“start small — scale big”) to automated resource management. Topics such as storage optimization, monitoring, alerts, ETL efficiency and reserved instances are discussed in concrete terms. It will also be shown how each tool offers its own features for cost control — if you use them specifically. Anyone who knows these adjustments can sustainably reduce cloud spending.

Artificial intelligence

KI Federal Association promotes AI ecosystem in Germany and Europe

In an interview, Alex Dickmann and Alessandro Blanko from the AI Federal Association report on the potential of artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized companies, where Germany is in global AI competition and in which AI areas German companies can once again take the lead.

Data Strategy

Julia Weiss from Steiff on Strategy Work with Data and Teddy Bears

After switching to the cloud, cuddly toy specialist Steiff is confronted with new data strategy questions. As a senior data analyst, Julia Weiß is responsible for the practice-oriented planning and implementation of technological components in the future-oriented traditional company. It gives us insights into Steiff's data strategy.

Blog/Interview about Advanced Analytics/taod Consulting GmbH

Artificial intelligence, data management

Interview with Sara Burdenski about advanced analytics

Sara Burdenski is promoting the topic of advanced analytics as a part of data science at Energieversorgung Mittelrhein AG. In her opinion, improvements for customers can only be achieved by achieving a 360° customer view.

Tech & Tools

Innovation creates solutions

Innovation requires structure: Andreas Huppert provides insight into how taod identifies, evaluates and uses new technologies to solve real customer problems in data & AI projects — through technology scouting, interdisciplinary collaboration and the courage to try out new things.

Data Strategy

Areas of application of HR analytics

From the number of applicants to the reason for dismissal: HR departments today have more data than ever before. This is important data that can help the entire company move forward. To do this, concrete conclusions must be drawn about actions and measures from these results.

FMCG, Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing

FMCG data challenge

The FMCG market is fast, complex, and data-intensive. Manufacturers and retailers have enormous amounts of data. But only those who connect, analyze and translate them into intelligent decisions create real added value. Modern BI and data warehousing solutions turn raw data into actionable insights, improve category management, sales management and out-of-stock management, and thus ensure long-term growth.

Blog/Cloud Essentials/taod Consulting GmbH

Tech & Tools

Cloud Solutions Essentials

If you feel like you're on an uncertain mission of discovery rather than a competent journey of conquest when it comes to the cloud, you need a compass. We take the cloud away from its supposedly futuristic character and provide know-how from our experience on cloud solutions for practical use in companies.

Self-Service BI, Power BI, Tableau

Analyze easily, manage securely

How can the balancing act between data control by IT and the independence of specialist departments be achieved? Managed self-service BI combines the best of both worlds — with clear roles, technical structure and user training. This makes business intelligence scalable in the company.

Data Strategy, Data Management, Data Quality

Dr. Heiner Lütjen from RheinEnergie on data strategic work

Together with taod, RheinEnergie is taking a new path in data strategy work. Dr. Heiner Lütjen and Ben Köhler provide insights into the steps, challenges and successes of a cross-divisional data strategy that helps companies not only in the energy sector to improve the use of data in a targeted manner and use it to create value.

Tech & Tools, Data Strategy

The new data order

Data platforms are developing rapidly. Today, the focus is no longer just on performance or price, but on data control, AI integration and consistent governance. Companies are looking for holistic platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, and Microsoft Fabric that combine data management, AI, and analytics on one basis. Three key questions, on platform strategy, governance and AI readiness, will become the key to innovation and sustainable business success. Anyone who manages processes, data and AI models in an integrated way creates the basis for a sustainable organization.

Getting started with Azure: An interview with Naja Messaoud

Interview with Najat Messaoud

Najat Messaoud, who as Senior Director Azure Business Group at Microsoft Germany is responsible for the growth of Azure Solution Business in Germany, talks to our CCO Frederic Bauerfeind about current cloud topics. What is striking about this is that it is not just about the cloud as a technology.

Blog/Data visualization in sales/taod Consulting GmbH

Data Strategy

Data analysis and data visualization in sales

Delivering the right information to the right people at the right time and in a specific location is a huge challenge for sales. In the following, we have prepared some use cases that we implement regularly.

Data Management

Data analysis in the Bundesliga

A soccer club is not only a living sports culture, but also a highly professional business enterprise. Data and the Associated Football Analytics have long been a decisive and value-adding component for both the club's gaming and economic success.

Blog article - Data analysis in sales - taod Consulting GmbH

Data Strategy

Sales data analysis

Analyzing data in sales can be a challenging task. Tableau covers every stage of the sales process, from customer acquisition to area analysis and sales coverage. Our live demo demonstrates this using sample data from a retail company.

Data Vault - advantages of modeling - taod Consulting GmbH

Data Management

Data Vault Modeling

The requirements for a modern data warehouse are quickly listed: Data should be able to be integrated quickly and correctly and it should be possible to react flexibly even to major changes in content. The Data Vault Method created by Dan Linstedt promises to implement these benefits.

Data Strategy

Data analysis in controlling

The core business of controlling is managing the processes and tasks of a company. Since the department's reports have a direct impact on the profitability and strategic direction of a company, they should present results at a glance. Tableau helps with that.

Data Strategy

Data value creator as a key person

Data should be experienced in a profound, varied and profitable way. As part of their data analysis, it is best for companies to start by identifying relevant data sources and making the added value of the data visible. The Data Value Creator, such as project managers, helps with this.

Dashboards, data analytics, data presentation

Tech & Tools, Data Management

Data Storytelling for Beginners

Working with data can thus be incredibly creative. Data is, of course, primarily something rational and sober. But if we put them in the right context and prepare them so that we can read them like a story, we breathe life into them and, above all, give them a concrete meaning. This method is often referred to as data storytelling.

Blog/Data Science from the Cloud/taod Consulting GmbH

Artificial intelligence

Data science in the cloud

Some data science projects never make it past the prototype phase, because data science is rarely integrated into the existing data ecosystem. The location of machine learning in the cloud leads data science projects to sustainable success.

Blog/Data Pipeline Tools How modern technologies optimize data analysis resources/ taod Consulting GmbH

Tech & Tools

Modern data pipeline tools

For data-driven companies, functioning data pipelines are essential. Data pipelines keep data moving stringent and consistent. Tools such as Fivetran or dbt reduce complexity and maintenance costs to build pipelines reliably and independently without leaks.

Blog/Data Science and Data Analytics/taod Consulting GmbH

Artificial intelligence

Data analytics and data science

In a business context in particular, the process of digitization has established numerous terms relating to data analysis. On closer inspection, however, it is not always as easy to name their concrete meaning and delimitation as it seems at first glance.

Blog/Interview with Arjan van Staveren from Snowflake/taod Consulting GmbH

Tech & Tools

Cloud Data Analytics with Snowflake

As a specialist in cloud data analytics, Arjan van Staveren from Snowflake is familiar with the ideas that move companies when it comes to a potential move to the cloud. He sees the cloud as a huge opportunity, but it's not just the cloud-based infrastructure that matters.

Artificial intelligence

Benefits of Churn Prediction

Churn is composed of the words change and turn. This means the departure of customers from the company. Avoiding this through preventive measures should be part of the standard of every company. But how is it recognized at an early stage who has the will to emigrate?

Data Strategy

Big Data im Marketing

Die effektive Verwendung von Big Data Analytics ist der entscheidende Faktor, auch bei volatilen Marktentwicklungen erfolgreich zu wirtschaften. Vor allem Marketingabteilungen ziehen einen großen Nutzen aus der Verwendung dieser enormen Datenmengen. Doch wie genau sehen diese Vorteile eigentlich aus?

Tech & Tools

Azure Synapse as an analytics service for your data

Which platform is suitable as a central analysis service for your data depends on many factors. With Azure Synapse, Microsoft offers a PaaS offering that stands out in particular due to its high scalability, integration capabilities, especially with regard to other Azure services, and cost efficiency. But the new Microsoft Fabric SaaS platform is also attracting.

Data Management

Automated cloud infrastructure with Terraform

Learn how taod's Terraform module automates the management of role-based access control in Snowflake to enable efficient, secure, and scalable cloud infrastructure management.

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Complex topics of data analysis explained in a compact way. Our white papers provide concentrated expertise in understandable formats. From an introduction to essential basics to practical tool comparisons to specific application examples and guidelines, they cover all relevant topics of data analysis for your everyday life with data.

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