The Boons of Ad Hoc Data Analysis

It’s not at all an overstatement to say that ad hoc data analysis will transform businesses from the bottom up.

At this point you are probably asking, “what is ad hoc analysis?” That’s a common question, even among people familiar with analytics. Essentially, ad hoc data analysis is analytics that is driven by the user. Instead of using rigid reporting tools or predefined processes, users are free to find the information and insights they individually need. And rather than needing a data science degree, users can take advantage of simple and streamlined tools. In short, ad hoc data analysis is analytics for all.

Initially, that might now seem like a huge advantage. After all, most companies confine analytics to a few departments and give the responsibility to just a few members of staff. Conventional wisdom says that analytics is a tool that all members of staff either don’t need or can’t use. Ad hoc data analysis proves that just the opposite is true. Just consider some of the advantages and opportunities it creates:

Make Decisions without Hesitation

Data should inform every decision that everyone in your company makes. But if that means everyone has to go through a data scientist to get their questions answered, they are going to have to wait a long time before deciding what to do. Traditional analytics takes weeks or even months to deliver insights. Ad hoc data analysis does it in just seconds, speeding up decision making significantly. Companies are empowered to act with speed and certainty in equal measure. 

Dive Deeper into Data

Data is like a trail of breadcrumbs, leading users from one answer directly to the next question. Unfortunately, traditional analytics limits how much users can explore. They must make do with data silos, predefined questions, and restricted access, which only leads to shallow insights. Ad hoc data analysis, by contrast, puts the user in the driver’s seat. This tool offers the flexibility and accessibility that users need to pursue leads in any direction.

Empower Everyone on the Team

Data is the most valuable asset today’s companies have. It brings strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to light like never before. The problem is that many companies reserve analytics just for decision makers. That might make technical sense, but it doesn’t make strategic sense. Limiting who has access to insights just means some members of the team are under-informed. Ad hoc data analysis makes it easier to implement, manage, and utilize analytics. Consequently, there is no reason not to extend access to all. And once everyone is working with in-depth insights, things like efficiency, productivity, and innovation all improve inevitably.

Ad hoc data analysis is an exciting advancement, but it’s just the opposite of a cutting edge tool. It doesn’t offer up complex new capabilities. Rather, it takes existing capabilities and makes them accessible, affordable, and intuitive. It’s a tool that only some companies have currently, but it won’t be long before it’s in every office in the world.