Data Transforming Business

In this episode of the Don’t Panic, It’s Just Data podcast, Kevin Petrie, VP of Research at BARC, is joined by Nidhi Ram, Vice President of Global Services Strategy and Operational Excellence at Precisely. The duo explore the idea of focusing on data modernisation and improving accessibility rather than constantly implementing new technologies.Both Petrie and Ram highlight the importance of traditional mainframes, especially in modern data strategies. They delve into how companies can combine cloud tools with data in order to handle diverse data systems. This removes the need for replacing the mainframe, keeping the data accessible for all users.Going into the critical role of data quality and governance — especially in the age of AI — Ram emphasises that “garbage in, garbage out” has never been more relevant, as AI outputs are only as good as the data feeding the model.What's needed is a more comprehensive approach to data integration, quality, governance, and enrichment that helps ensure data is a

In this episode of the Don't Panic, It's Just Data podcast, hosted by EM360Tech's podcast producer, Shubhangi Dua speaks to Donnie Owsley from Snohomish County, and Jeff Burton and Tom Lavery from the University of British Columbia. All of the speakers will be presenting at the upcoming Peak of Data and AI event, organised by Safe Software, the creators of FME. Scheduled to take place in Seattle from May 5th to 8th, 2025, The Peak is an exciting gathering for data and AI innovators. This conversation offers a preview of some of the practical applications and insights that will be shared at the event.The podcast also talks about the development of creative solutions for enhancing accessibility in urban environments. The UBC speakers particularly refer to their creation of an accessible university campus navigation system, a project that showcases the power of integrating FME with platforms like ArcGIS. This discussion spotlights the challenges and ingenuity involved in building in

In this episode of "Don't Panic, It's Just Data," host Christina Stathopoulos explores the world of real-time analytics and its impact on financial decision-making. She is joined by Thomas Gore, insightsoftware's Director of Product Management for extended planning and analysis (XP&A), and Cody Riemenschneider, Director of Solutions Engineering, and they discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating real-time data into finance.

"So you want trusted data, but you want it now? Building this trust really starts with transparency and collaboration. It's not just technology. It's about creating a single governed view of data that is consistent no matter who accesses it, " says Errol Rodericks, Director of Product Marketing at Denodo.In this episode of the 'Don't Panic, It's Just Data' podcast, Shawn Rogers, CEO at BARC US, speaks with Errol Rodericks from Denodo. They explore the crucial link between trusted data and successful AI initiatives.  They discuss key factors such as data orchestration, governance, and cost management within complex cloud environments. We've all heard the horror stories – AI projects that fail spectacularly, delivering biased or inaccurate results. But what's the root cause of these failures? More often than not, it's a lack of focus on the data itself. Rodericks emphasises that "AI is only as good as the data it's trained on." This episode explores how organisations can avoid the "garbage in, ga

In this episode of our 'Don't Panic, It's Just Data' podcast series, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder at Dare to Data, speaks with Matthew Cawsey and Arnjah Dillard from Stibo Systems. Matthew and Arnjah explain the importance of CMDM and CXDC for maintaining positive customer engagement. Learn how to move from basic personalisation, ethically use data, leverage AI for a better customer experience. Let’s transform your messy data into a competitive advantage.

In the latest episode of the Don’t Panic It’s Just Data podcast, we connected with speakers who provided a preview of their presentations at the upcoming Peak of Data and AI event in Seattle organised by Safe Software from May 5-8, 2025. This premier gathering, hosted by Safe Software, the creators of FME, will be a hub for data and AI innovators, and this podcast episode offers an exclusive look into what attendees can expect.Our conversation featured Margaret Smith and Reshma Joy from the West Virginia Department of Transportation. They shared their crucial work in ensuring data integrity through rigorous validations of their Linear Reference System data. This foundational work underpins much of their operational efficiency and decision-making. They further revealed how they’ve achieved seamless integration between Survey123 and their R&H data, showcasing a strong example of how disparate systems can be harmonized for greater insight. This presentation will provide attendees with actionable strateg

"There's been a lot of wrangling of data, a lot of wrangling of humans as well, which is a big theme for today," says Warwick Leitch, Product Management Director at insightsoftware.In this episode of the 'Don't Panic, It's Just Data' podcast, Debbie Reynolds, CEO and Chief Data Privacy Officer at Debbie Reynolds Consulting LLC, speaks with Leitch from insightsoftware. They discuss the vital role of financial strategy and collaborative planning, particularly as it pertains to the decisions made by IT executives.The question they address is: In a world awash with data, how do we transform it into actionable insights? Warwick shares his wealth of experience, offering practical advice and illuminating the path to successful budgeting and forecasting.One such challenge addressed in the podcast is how organisations are securing executive buy-in. "And 51 percent of people find it difficult to engage senior executives to buy into the process, which is a roadblock. And 57 percent of organisations struggle cr

The digital age is fueled by data, and the engines powering that data are data centres. However, this growth comes at a significant energy cost. In the latest episode of the EM360Tech Don’t Panic It’s Just Data podcast, Shubhangi Dua speaks with Rolf Bienert, Technical & Managing Director of the OpenADR Alliance, to shed light on the urgent need for sustainable energy practices within the data centres industry. In this episode, we discuss the stark reality of escalating energy consumption, driven by factors like the rise of AI, and the critical importance of moving beyond superficial "green" initiatives to implement genuine, impactful solutions.From talking about the historical context of data centres energy usage, the evolution of energy demands and the challenges of achieving net-zero goals, Rolf provides valuable insights into innovative solutions such as smart grids, microgrids, and virtual power plants. These hold immense potential for managing energy distribution efficiently and sustainably.&nb

As organisations strive to stay competitive in the age of AI, data trust has become a critical factor for success. Without it, even the most advanced AI initiatives are bound to fall short.With the rapid advancement of technology, prioritising trust in data is essential for unlocking AI's full potential and driving meaningful results. Conversely, a lack of data trust can undermine decision-making, operational efficiency, and the success of AI initiatives.In this episode, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder at Dare to Data, speaks to Jay Limburn, Chief Product Officer at Ataccama, to explore these pressing topics. Together, they share actionable insights, real-world examples, and innovative strategies to help businesses harness the power of trusted data.Key TakeawaysData trust is essential for confident decision-making.AI can significantly reduce mundane tasks.Organizations must focus on their data strategy.Customer experience is a key area for AI application.Data teams are crucial for successful AI initiatives.Pr

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) has experienced a transformative shift in data management, thanks to the powerful capabilities of FME. By integrating FME, SARA has streamlined data integration, improved efficiency, and enhanced decision-making processes across multiple departments. FME’s ability to automate data transformation, standardise formats, and manage large volumes of spatial data has allowed the authority to optimise workflows, reduce manual errors, and accelerate project timelines.A key highlight of SARA’s success with FME is its use in predictive flood modelling and the standardisation of data workflows. By leveraging FME, SARA can more accurately predict flood risks, improving public safety and response times. This innovation not only enhances internal operations but also helps SARA lead in sustainable water management. With its versatility in handling diverse data sources and streamlining communication between systems, FME is a powerful investment for organisations seeking to improve opera

SummaryThis discussion explores the complexities and strategies surrounding edge computing and data management, highlighting the importance of security, the challenges of vendor lock-in, the implications of data repatriation, and the necessity of ensuring high-quality data for AI systems. It emphasises the need for organisations to balance edge processing with centralised storage while future-proofing their data strategies against rapid technological changes.Building on their discussion, Jimmy Tam highlights the transformative role of edge computing in modern data management, emphasising the importance of governance, compliance, and interoperability to address the challenges of data sprawl and vendor lock-in. TakeawaysEdge computing is transforming how organisations manage data.Security at the edge is paramount to prevent intrusions.Data sprawl poses significant challenges for edge data management.Governance and compliance are essential for effective data management.Vendor lock-in can limit flexibility and ad

In today’s data-driven world, real-time analytics has become a cornerstone for businesses seeking to make smarter, faster decisions. From enhancing user experiences to enabling continuous intelligence, the ability to process data in real-time is transforming industries. Yet, challenges such as legacy systems and the demand for innovative data management approaches persist.This episode explores the evolution of real-time analytics and its crucial role in modern data processing. We delve into how technology is reshaping the way businesses interact with data and the importance of user-centric design in creating powerful data applications.Joining Christina Stathopoulos, Founder of Dare to Data, is Rahul Rastogi, Chief Innovation Officer at SingleStore. Together, they discuss the necessity of real-time data in today’s fast-paced business environment, tackle the challenges organizations face in adapting to this shift, and highlight how data serves as the foundation for AI-driven innovation. Don’t miss this ins

The convergence of Master Data Management (MDM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses harness data to drive innovation and efficiency. MDM provides the foundation by organising, standardising, and maintaining critical business data, ensuring consistency and accuracy across an organisation. When paired with AI, this clean and structured data becomes a powerful asset, enabling advanced analytics, predictive insights, and intelligent automation. MDM and AI help businesses uncover hidden patterns, streamline operations, and make more informed decisions in real-time.  By integrating MDM with AI, organisations can move beyond simply managing data to actively leveraging it for competitive advantage. AI algorithms thrive on high-quality, well-structured data, and MDM ensures just that—minimising errors and redundancies that could compromise results. This synergy empowers companies to personalise customer experiences, optimise supply chains, and respond proactively to market ch

As cloud adoption grows, so do the challenges of managing costs effectively. Cloud environments offer scalability and flexibility but often come with hidden fees, unpredictable expenses, and resource sprawl that can quickly inflate budgets. Without the right tools and strategies, businesses may struggle to track spending, identify waste, and maintain budget alignment. Usage-based reporting is pivotal in this process, providing the granular visibility needed to understand real-time consumption patterns and optimise costs. Businesses can align expenses directly with value-driven activities by tracking how, where, and when resources are used. From preventing overspending to fostering accountability, usage-based reporting empowers teams to proactively manage their cloud expenses, turning cloud cost management into a strategic advantage rather than a recurring headache.In this episode, George Firican, Founder of LightsOnData, speaks to Rem Baumann, Resident FinOps Expert at Vantage, about usage-based reportin

Data custodianship today involves managing and protecting vast quantities of sensitive information, requiring organisations to ensure security, regulatory compliance, and ethical usage. It’s not just about protecting data from breaches but also about responsible storage, access, and deletion that aligns with strict industry standards and evolving privacy regulations.The ethical dimensions of data custodianship add further complexity as organisations balance the need for data-driven insights with privacy rights and transparent usage. Mismanagement can lead to significant financial, legal, and reputational risks, making effective custodianship essential for maintaining customer trust and regulatory compliance.In this episode, Paulina Rios Maya, Head of Industry Relations, speaks to Debbie Reynolds, Founder and Chief Data Privacy Officer at Debbie Reynolds Consulting, about compliance with global regulations, the role of AI in data management, and the necessity of human oversight in technology.Key Takeaways:&nbs

Generative AI and unstructured data are transforming how businesses improve customer experiences and streamline internal processes. As technology evolves, companies find new ways to gain insights, automate tasks, and personalize interactions, unlocking new growth opportunities. The integration of these technologies is reshaping operations, driving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making, helping businesses stay competitive and agile in a rapidly changing landscape. Organizations that embrace these innovations can better adapt to customer needs and market demands, positioning themselves for long-term success.In this episode, Doug Laney speaks to Katrina M. Conn, Senior Practice Director of Data Science at Teradata, and Sri Raghavan, Principal of Data Science and Analytics at AWS, about sustainability efforts and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Key Takeaways:Generative AI is being integrated into various business solutions.Unstructured data is crucial for enhancing customer experiences.Re

In this episode, Rachel Thornton, Fivetran's CMO, discusses the highlights of Big Data London 2024, including the launch of Fivetran Hybrid Deployment, which addresses the needs of organisations with mixed IT environments.The conversation delves into integrating AI into business operations, emphasizing the importance of a robust data foundation. Additionally, data security and compliance challenges in the context of GDPR and other regulations are explored. The episode concludes with insights on the benefits of hybrid deployment for organisations.Key Takeaways: Big Data London 2024 is a significant event for data leaders.Fivetran Hybrid Deployment caters to organizations with mixed IT environments.AI integration requires a strong data foundation.Data security and compliance are critical in today's landscape.Organizations must understand their data sources for effective AI use.Hybrid deployment allows for secure data management.Compliance regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Data read

Managing network traffic efficiently is essential to control cloud costs. Network flowreports are critical in providing detailed insights into data movement across cloudenvironments. These reports help organisations identify usage patterns, trackbandwidth consumption, and uncover inefficiencies that may lead to higher expenses.With a clear understanding of how data flows, businesses can make informed decisionsto optimise traffic, reduce unnecessary data transfers, and allocate resources moreeffectively. This helps lower cloud costs, improves network performance, and enhancessecurity by revealing unusual or potentially harmful traffic patterns.In this episode, Wayne Eckerson from Eckerson Group speaks to Ben Schaechter,CEO of Vantage, about optimising network traffic costs with Vantage’s Network FlowReports.Key Takeaways:● Network Flow Reports provide detailed insights into AWS costs.● They help identify specific resources driving network traffic costs.● Organisations can reduce costs by up to 90% with proper

Safe Software’s FME is transforming Omaha’s approach to urban mobility with groundbreaking solutions for asset management, e-scooter tracking, and parking management. FME’s robust data integration capabilities are at the core of Omaha’s advancements. The data integration platform enables real-time tracking of e-scooters, offering precise data on their locations and usage patterns. This innovation enhances the management and accessibility of e-scooters, making urban mobility more efficient and user-friendly.Automated parking management processes, facilitated by FME, streamline city operations and reduce manual efforts. This automation leads to smoother parking experiences for residents and visitors, while dynamic rate adjustments, powered by FME, ensure that parking fees are responsive to real-time demand, optimising availability and revenue.In this episode, Wayne Eckerson from Eckerson Group speaks to Jacob Larson, an Applications Analyst from the City of Omaha, to discuss Omaha’s usage of FME. Key

Safe Software’s FME is transforming Omaha’s approach to urban mobility with groundbreaking solutions for asset management, e-scooter tracking, and parking management. FME’s robust data integration capabilities are at the core of Omaha’s advancements. The data integration platform enables real-time tracking of e-scooters, offering precise data on their locations and usage patterns. This innovation enhances the management and accessibility of e-scooters, making urban mobility more efficient and user-friendly.Automated parking management processes, facilitated by FME, streamline city operations and reduce manual efforts. This automation leads to smoother parking experiences for residents and visitors, while dynamic rate adjustments, powered by FME, ensure that parking fees are responsive to real-time demand, optimising availability and revenue.In this episode, Wayne Eckerson from Eckerson Group speaks to Jacob Larson, an Applications Analyst from the City of Omaha, to discuss Omaha’s usage of FME. Key