Blog

Common Data Challenges & How to Avoid Them

Data Decoded: Calling out some of the traps we see in data programmes. The last blog in my ‘data decoded’ series looks at the common issues we see when data platforms are built and automatic ROI is expected. Familiar Data Platform Challenges & Downfalls Department A builds a platform, Department B builds their own. Two…

The Four Pillars of a Data Platform

Data Decoded: How to go from “we want to be data-driven” to “we are data-driven”. We hate to break it to you, but there isn’t any natural ROI in building a data platform. The ROI happens when decisions get made from that platform. As a data engineer or data platform consultant, you build around four…

Data Decoded 2025: How to Get the Most from Data Consulting

How to see ROI, extract value from a data platform and get more from your data consultancy, as explored by our Principal Engineer Advocate, MLG, at Data Decoded 2025. In today’s world, you don’t run a business unless you make decisions. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in – utilities, transportation, computing, retail – you…

Generative AI: How to Make Your Project a Success

MIT’s recently published report concludes by stating that in 2025, ‘95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing’ – and it doesn’t surprise me one bit. Thousands of AI proof of concepts are being made under the guise of massive easy cost savings and robot magic simply finding all the answers – but many…

Why We’re Counting Down to Big Data London 2025

Big Data London is always a highlight of the year for us, and not just for free merch. This year’s event looks bigger and better than ever. It’s the place where the whole data industry comes together to find inspiration, share challenges (making AI work – anyone?), and see the latest tech solutions from the…

Practical AI for Business: Cutting Through the Hype with Richard Corderoy

Where does artificial intelligence add genuine value to business? It’s a question Richard Corderoy, our CEO, looked to answer on a recent webinar with Rashad Issa CQP FCQI, Chair of the CQI Board of Trustees and host of the Chartered Quality Institute’s Quality Impact Podcast.  As ever, Richard brought his no-nonsense home truths to the…

Why Data is Integral to Your Target Operating Model

At the heart of business longevity lies the target operating model. It sets out how your organisation should run to thrive, grow, and improve – think of it like a continuous recipe for success! Without a target operating model, there’s no clear framework for a business’s people and processes to follow. It’s more vulnerable to…

The Role of Databricks Architecture in Data Engineering

Since it was founded in 2013, Databricks has revolutionised enterprise data management and analytics. Built on Delta Lake, an open source storage format, the set of data engineering tools it prides itself on processing enormous amounts of data, then transforming them into datasets that are primed for exploration via machine learning (ML) models. At Oakland,…

Can You Improve Data Quality Without New Tools?

When was the last time you did a data quality check? If you’re struggling to remember, know this: the cost of poor data quality to organisations is almost $13 million on average every year, according to Gartner. It’s an eye-watering figure! Whether you ran a quality exercise last month or last year, the importance of…

How Does Data Management Help People Take Ownership of Data?

When we talk about data management, we’re looking at how an organisation collects, processes, organises, and maintains data. An efficient and robust data management system is at the core of organisations whose processes run effectively and align with their target operating model. However, achieving data management best practice can be challenging, meaning opportunities to streamline…

What is Data Platform Architecture?

What is Data Platform Architecture? Is your data architecture designed to ensure scalability, reliability, and long-term success? We know that organisations are increasingly investing in data platforms to bring their data together in a world driven by data. And while this enables you to gain the insights you need to make better business decisions based…

How Microsoft Fabric is Reshaping the Enterprise Data Platform

At a recent Oakland event co-hosted with Microsoft, we had the pleasure of welcoming Chris Webb, a seasoned Microsoft Fabric expert and member of the Fabric Customer Advisory Team. Chris ran a session exploring Microsoft Fabric in full, answering: Below, we round up the insight Chris shared during the informative session – a must-read if…