This article was written by Shofi Nasution, Head of Big Data and Analytics.
What is Big Data Analytics (BDA)?
Big data analytics is the art of unraveling intricate webs of information, revealing hidden gems of insight, trends, and connections. Armed with cutting-edge tech and advanced methodologies, it consolidates raw datasets by going beyond traditional data processing methods.
Why BDA?
Big data analytics is important now, more than ever. Here’s why:
- Data Explosion: With the advent of digital technologies, the amount of data generated and collected by organizations has exploded. By 2025, the Internet Data Center (IDC) says worldwide data will grow 61% to 175 zettabytes, with as much of the data residing in the cloud as in data centers. This data includes customer interactions, transaction records, social media activity, sensor data, and more. Big data and analytics enable businesses to harness the potential of this information.
- Informed Decision-Making: By analyzing patterns and trends in data, organizations can make more informed choices, identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and optimize their operations.
- Operational Efficiency: Analyzing large datasets can reveal inefficiencies in processes and operations, identifying areas for improvement, optimizing workflows, and reducing costs.
- Emerging Technologies: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have further enhanced the capabilities of big data analytics. Automation enhances the analysis process, making it more efficient and accurate.
Now a cornerstone of modern business strategies, big data analytics’ ability to transform raw data into actionable insights empowers organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Power Up with Big Data Analytics
In the world of tech, data-powered decision-making is a key strategy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a senior executive at a company, it’s hard to say no to big data analytics when you can harness data and churn out valuable insights to steer and take into account different facets of a company’s functions and strategies. In this dynamic landscape, where information is overflowing and generated at lightning speed, data-driven decision-making carries enormous weight for well-established enterprises as well as up-and-coming startups:
- Performance Tracking & Evaluation: Set measurable goals and track performance against these goals. Regular data analysis helps assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Risk Mitigation: Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities early on. This allows for timely interventions and contingency planning to mitigate adverse impacts.
- Empowered Teams: Data-driven cultures empower employees at all levels to contribute insights and make decisions based on evidence. This sense of ownership fosters a more engaged and innovative workforce.
- Justifying Investments: Data-driven proposals provide a clear rationale that include expected returns and benefits for investments in new initiatives, technologies, or projects.
Beyond the Concept, Big Data Analytics in Action at Forest Interactive
Since joining Forest Interactive in 2016, I’ve been a part of its growth as a telecommunications platform and solutions developer, witnessing its global expansion across 30 countries and 14 regional offices since its establishment in 2006. At the nucleus of Forest Interactive’s journey lies a commitment to innovation and revenue generation, championing solutions for over 90 mobile operators. The process of consolidating data for decision-making, particularly in steering marketing endeavors, expanding into new geographic markets, and defining overarching business directions, can be stressful.
Enter big data analytics. To manage intricate databases brimming with valuable insights. Not just for our internal processes but for the partners we work with all over the world. Our integration of BDA, and continued work on our systems, has helped us make sense of our marketing and business decisions. Today, we continue to build on this system to spotlight what truly matters. Most notably:
- Efficient Team Management
Alice, our centralized dashboard, is a one-stop platform for all data related to Forest Interac tive’s products, including Digital Service Delivery Platform (DSDP), Mobile Value-Added Services (mVAS), Digital Voucher Platform (DVP) and more! Featuring data extracted from various sources, all conveniently combined into one platform, Alice’s purpose is to streamline operations for all departments at Forest Interactive, allowing team members to generate reports and conduct analysis by referring to this single platform, rather than gathering data from various sources, which can be inefficient and time-consuming. The development of Alice was driven by the challenge of conveying the significance of raw data, particularly given the diversity of data sources we manage. This dashboard was designed to simplify the presentation of crucial data and facilitate analysis, ultimately saving a significant amount of time and resources in terms of gathering insights from our extensive data set. It has proven to be a valuable solution to the challenges we face.
- Efficient Resource Planning
At Forest Interactive, our financial performance analysis has also undergone a significant transformation. What was once complex and intricate has evolved into a well-calibrated system, all thanks to the power of data-driven insights. By merging our financial expertise with a strategic vision, we’ve developed a refined framework for translating resource allocation into quantifiable data incorporated into the financial records of various products and entities, ultimately streamlining the entire process. This collaborative effort has paved the way for a more streamlined approach, ensuring resources are distributed efficiently and in line with our financial objectives. Moreover, with the integration of big data analytics, we’ve taken a closer look at manpower allocation and resource mobilization. BDA has become instrumental in justifying our costs, making sure that every expenditure aligns with the overarching objectives of our company.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Data Pioneers
For businesses and individuals who are just beginning their journey into the realm of big data, it’s essential to first establish clear objectives. You’ve seen how critical it is to define what you want to solve and identify the insights that truly matter to your objectives. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the specific challenges we want to address?
- What untapped opportunities do we wish to explore?
Next, assess the availability and quality of the data at hand, think about the potential beyond the conventional and usual sources.
- Are there external data sources that could enrich these insights?
Once the objectives have been mapped out on the data landscape, you can then consider investing in the right technology to establish this data infrastructure. Your deep understanding of your company’s needs will be invaluable in selecting the technology that aligns perfectly with your goals. Lastly, when everything is in place, look into assembling a skilled big data analytics team. This team will be responsible for developing the models that will help you realize your objectives and leverage the full potential of big data. Remember, your insights and experience are instrumental in guiding this process, as we all embark on this exciting journey into the world of big data analytics.
About Forest Interactive
Founded in 2006, Forest Interactive develops scalable mobile platforms to connect mobile operators with their subscribers. With over 17 years of industry experience, Forest Interactive has expanded to include a diverse workforce of 20+ nationalities in 14 regional offices.
Delivering content subscription services, service delivery platforms, digital vouchers, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps for all ages, Forest Interactive operates in more than 30+ countries, servicing 90+ mobile operators and 100+ content partners with the capacity to reach over one billion subscribers worldwide.
Visit forest-interactive.com to learn more.
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