Elder Research

Customers: We want faster horses. Henry Ford: What if there's a better way? 🚗 In this week’s 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘈𝘩𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, Gerhard Pilcher reflects on a famous quote attributed to Henry Ford to challenge how we approach analytics. Rather than simply asking the business what they need, he suggests analytics professionals should invest the time to truly understand the business. 🔍 By doing so, we can connect the dots between analytics possibilities and real business challenges. Gerhard’s paradigm shift encourages us to design solutions with the business in mind—not just for them. This shift can unlock new opportunities that the business might not even be aware of, bridging the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical. ✅ Start thinking beyond what’s asked of you—invest in understanding, and you’ll build better, more impactful analytics solutions. Watch the video for more insights and stay tuned for next Tuesday’s episode! 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸, be sure to check it out too! 🔍 Find it using our series hashtag: #AnalyticsAhaMoments #DataScience #DataAnalytics #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #AI

For 29 years we've believed that data can make a difference—for good. This year, we saw that come to life through our partnership with Homestretch, Inc., a nonprofit working to break the cycle of homelessness for families. We had the privilege of helping Homestretch by building an interactive dashboard to organize client and donor data. The team is now able to use this dashboard as they make strategic decisions for the organization. In the top photos, Homestretch volunteers are making an apartment feel like home for a client. Their team is truly inspiring. They work every day to support families who are navigating poverty, domestic abuse, and other challenges, helping them create lasting, transformational change. We’re proud to play a small part in their incredible work through this 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 project. It’s a great reminder that data can be a powerful tool for good. For all the data professionals out there: Your skills have the power to make a difference too. Whether it’s partnering with a nonprofit or solving complex problems in your own work, analytics can have a real impact in ways you might not expect. #DatawithaHeart #DataforGood

Numbers are great, but what are they telling you? 📊 That’s a question at the top of Derek Camp’s mind in his role at Milo's Tea Company, Inc. As Senior Manager of Operational Analytics, he oversees supply chain, sales, logistics, replenishment, and quality assurance analytics for the company. Derek says there are three key things that drive his team’s success: 1️⃣ Reporting: Weekly KPIs tell you if you're hitting the mark. It's your scoreboard. 2️⃣ Automation: Automating reports frees up time and gives you flexibility when those last-minute requests hit. 3️⃣ Actionable Insights: Getting the data is one thing, but finding the ‘why’ takes digging. It's about curiosity, persistence, and turning data into decisions. Catch Derek’s full conversation with Evan Wimpey on the latest episode of the Mining Your Own Business podcast. 🎙️ You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also on our website: 🔍 Mining Your Own Business #DataAnalytics #DataScience #DataInsights #DataDriven #Podcast

Navigating the uncertainty of analytics is no easy task. 🧭 In fact, that’s one of the biggest challenges when leading analytics initiatives. In this first video of 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘈𝘩𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, Elder Research CEO Gerhard Pilcher dives into how analytics is all about predicting an uncertain future. This makes many business leaders uncomfortable, especially when financial decisions hang in the balance. 📈 The key, Gerhard explains, is recognizing that while no forecast is perfect, the math behind analytics is often more consistent than our own human forecasts. Yet, we tend to compare analytical predictions against perfection rather than our own errors. 🧑💻 His takeaway? When you lead an analytics initiative, part of the job is helping people become comfortable with the discomfort of uncertainty. It’s all about shifting mindsets and building trust in the process. Don’t miss out—watch now and come back next Tuesday for more insights! #AnalyticsAhaMoments #DataScience #DataAnalytics #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #AI

We’re excited to share John Elder is taking the stage as headlining keynote speaker at the upcoming Collide Data & AI Conference, hosted by Data Science Connect! For anyone working in data and AI, this conference is a chance to dive into some of the real challenges we face every day—from scaling AI to responsibly integrating new technologies like generative AI. This year’s theme, “Fast Forward,” couldn’t be more relevant. In a field where everything moves quickly, it’s not just about keeping up—it’s about making sure we’re pushing forward with purpose, balancing speed with caution, and making decisions that are sustainable for the long term. If you’re in the Atlanta area, we’d love to see you there! It’s a great opportunity to connect, learn from each other, and explore how we can keep innovating responsibly. Join us at Collide: https://lnkd.in/gF6XAZaW #DataScience #DataConference #AIConference #ArtificialIntelligence #ResponsibleAI

Interested in insights from years of hands-on experience in data analytics? 📊 We’re excited to introduce 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘈𝘩𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, a new series featuring Elder Research CEO Gerhard Pilcher. 💡 Over the next eight Tuesdays, Gerhard will share his experiences, strategies, and lessons learned while leading analytics teams and working alongside clients across industries. Each Tuesday, we’ll explore practical approaches to common challenges in analytics—from scaling AI to making better, data-informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. 😶🌫️ Whether you’re a data professional or a business leader supporting an analytics initiative, we hope these conversations offer helpful perspectives you can apply to your work. We’re looking forward to sharing these moments with you—stay tuned for the first video next Tuesday! 👀 #AnalyticsAhaMoments #DataScience #DataAnalytics #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #AI

Quick fix or custom fit? When it comes to data analytics, the choice isn’t always easy.   In her latest blog, Data Scientist Paige Spell explores out-of-the-box solutions (OOBS)—the benefits, limitations, and alternatives. 💡 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗲’𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴: https://lnkd.in/e_yPkVh5 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗢𝗕𝗦: ⚙️ 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁: 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 & 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 OOBS offer fast implementation and lower upfront costs, making them a solid choice for teams working with tight budgets or limited resources. ⚙️ 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁: 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝘀𝗲 With built-in features and user-friendly interfaces, OOBS let teams dive into data analysis quickly without needing much technical setup or expertise. 🔧 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 While convenient, OOBS can hit a wall when dealing with unique data or changing business needs, as they often lack the flexibility for more tailored solutions. 🔧 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 OOBS might not always fit smoothly with an organization’s existing infrastructure, often requiring extra development to create new pipeline flows. If you’ve been considering an out-of-the-box solution, we hope this blog gives you some great food for thought to navigate the decision. 𝗣.𝗦. What’s been your experience with OOBS? Share in the comments! #DataScience #DataAnalytics

What’s on your calendar October 1? 👀 We have an exciting day lined up, and we’d love for you to join us! We’re proud to be the inaugural Premier Sponsor of The American Small Business Coalition (The ASBC™) 2025 Fiscal Year Insight Summit and Bash. We’re also excited that our founder, John Elder, will be speaking at the event’s Federal Foresight Panel. The panel will dive into how agencies tackle long-term strategies, anticipate future mission needs, and prepare for the challenges ahead. It’s going to be a great discussion! 💬 The ASBC’s mission is providing top-tier education and training to federal contractors, and we’re excited to partner with them. By sponsoring, we aim to contribute thought leadership and resources that help push the federal contracting community forward in this data-driven age. ↗️ Want to connect and gain valuable insights? Check out the details and grab your spot: https://lnkd.in/euZ-2AnK Hope to see you there! #TheASBC #Networking #FederalContracting #FiscalNewYearBash #2025SummitBash #InsightSummit

Today we remember the sacrifices made on 9/11, honoring those no longer with us and the families forever impacted. We’re grateful for the many first responders, armed forces, and countless others who bravely faced the unknown. May we always remember their courage and strength. #PatriotDay #Remembering911

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” says Frazier S. That’s why this ingredient is so important for data projects: Communication 📞 Frazier says data professionals can lead the way by: 💬 Simplifying the complex 💬Asking the right questions 💬 Working closely with business leaders As an AI and ML leader, Frazier loves turning data into actionable insights. Tune in as she shares her perspective working in AI and ML in the sports betting and casino industry on the latest episode of our podcast. 🎙️ Catch the full Mining Your Own Business podcast episode with host Evan Wimpey on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also on our website: 🔍 Mining Your Own Business #DataAnalytics #DataScience #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Podcast