Diving Into Data

Data is often something that is overlooked. The value of data as a product is highly valuable for companies, however. Unfortunately, while companies have started to learn and appreciate the value and investment in data, a lot of companies probably don't spend time thinking about how data can make their teams better.On this episode of Diving Into Data, Host TC Riley talked with Ryan Frederick, Principal at AWH, about data as a product, Frederick's career, and the value of data to improve the bottom line.Frederick has experience in starting and growing numerous software companies. He specializes in product building and is an analytics problem solver. At his first job at a small business, before the word startup entered the lexicon, he identified a problem that led to the birth of another company. This led him down the path to starting multiple companies. One thing he's learned all these years is that things will go right and go wrong.“It's just the way it goes. You can do a lot of things right and still have it not go well,” Frederick said. “You can also do a lot of things wrong and have it go well. It is not for the faint of heart.”Frederick has a lot of experience in startups and, in particular, data companies. An excellent place to start is that some companies aren't thought of as data companies, such as Facebook and Uber. Instead, consumers are using their software to interface with the data.“You can sort of go industry by industry by industry, and the biggest players from a software product perspective in those industries are really data companies because software is plumbing for data,” Frederick said.

Data. It's one of the biggest buzzwords today, but it carries a lot of weight. It allows businesses to get real insights into their bottom line. So how do enterprises enable their end-users to interact with data, and how do companies bring business intelligence to the masses?On this episode of Diving Into Data, Host Thomas Riley talked with Rob Nelson, CEO, Grow, a simple business intelligence (BI) software created specifically for growing companies. They are making BI accessible and affordable so that anyone can get answers unique to their business. The duo talked about data, analytics, and unlocking data in the workplace.“Data is at the heart of really good decision making,” Nelson said.The idea for Grow was born from a significant pain point from Nelson's former company. They were having a hard time wrapping their arms around the data. They tracked KPIs in several spreadsheets and generated reports, but their process was clunky, and they were always looking at stale data.“The process to log into all these different systems, pull the data, run the calculations, update the spreadsheets was kind of a nightmare,” Nelson said. “We only updated these spreadsheets once a month.”He talked to some software providers, but he kept getting quotes for over $100,000. The companies also had high failure rates and long implementation times. It wasn't accessible. He exited and went after the underserved BI market.“That's what really got me excited, was this big problem to be solved that everybody feels,” Nelson said. He elaborated that he wanted to create a simple, beautiful solution.

The price users pay for consumer electronics is usually not the primary source of revenue for those that sell them. What's most valuable is the data they collect on users. If companies can gather and monetize data, consumers get more affordable prices, and tech companies enjoy large profits. But what happens if data privacy regulations throttle this? Will the economy take a nosedive? On Diving into Data, host TC Riley breaks down the economic consequences of data privacy.“Consumer data is underrated and isn't factored into the big economic picture. This data largely subsidizes the cost of consumer electronics,” Riley said.Consumer data has a high value because it fuels ad revenue on digital channels. To illustrate the value of data, consider Microsoft's acquisition of LinkedIn and Facebook's purchase of WhatsApp had nothing to do with the tech and everything to do with the data.Next, Riley offered a refresher on inflation, as it's another economic force that ties into consumer data value. Riley made this hypothesis. “Inflation is being held artificially low due to the value of consumer data to many companies creating these consumer goods.”For example, Apple sells an iPhone for $1000 and recoups its money through advertising revenue. The irony is that Apple is championing data privacy with its latest software update.If data collection restriction becomes the norm, consumer data value will plummet. Should that happen, the economy could be in for a disruption. It may start as Facebook running more ads or no longer being free. Then stock prices fall for big tech, which now makes up around 20% of the S&P.“If big tech companies are turned upside down with data privacy regulations, their stocks will tumble, as will the entire market. On top of that, consumer goods prices will rise, creating a further tailspin in the market.”

The data privacy battles are heating up, and many consumers are just now tuning in the discussion. That's because Apple's latest update will prompt users to opt-in to share data with third-party apps, marking significant changes to IDFA (ID for advertisers). Well, Facebook is upset, but are these tech giants worried about data privacy? That's what TC Riley is diving into in this episode of Diving into Data.“Are users more protected? That's what Apple says, but it seems like more of a shift since they aren't limiting the data they collect on you,” Riley said.The commotion from Facebook is under the guise of small business impact, but Facebook may be more upset because most of their users are on iPhones. Small businesses may see some challenges, but they will weather them. “This is what happens when you operate in rented spaces instead of owned ones. Small businesses will adapt. They also have. That's what capitalism is all about,” Riley commented.What this change really means is that businesses need to consider a paradigm shift to first-party data. “That's data captured within your ecosystem about your customers,” Riley explained. If organizations gather customer data through their owned avenues and media, they face no serious consequences when tech companies make changes.Ultimately, Riley agreed that Apple wins this round because they have the most enclosed ecosystem. It's their software and hardware. It should prompt companies to move into first-party data collection because everything else is not within their control.“Everyone complaining is missing the bigger picture. Big tech has a lot of control, and we're caught in a firefight of trillion-dollar companies. It's not ideal, but better for the free market to decide and not a state or party,” Riley added.

The Ever Given will go down in infamy, and not in a good way. Its blockage of the Suez Canal further crippled supply chains already at their breaking points due to the pandemic. How could one incident have such an impact? It's all clear when diving into the data, and that's what host TC Riley does in this episode.“You can't underestimate the importance of the Suez Canal to global trade. It cuts 3500 nautical miles and around nine days off the trip between Asia and Europe,” Riley said. The number of shipments that pass through it every day is incredible. Over 1,000,000 barrels of oil and 8% of the world's liquified natural gas go through it daily. During the debacle, the media went in on the economics, most saying it cost the world billions.The reality may look a little different. “It was a significant shock to global trade, impacting many businesses, but these numbers are drastically blown out of proportion,” Riley explained. It's more likely that the true economic consequences won't be known for some time. Riley called it “an excellent example of data not being incorrect but applied inappropriately.”While this is an extreme example, businesses do this all the time. So, what's the real impact? What experts can say is that it affected operating costs for shipping companies, primarily in fuel costs. Another area is insurance premiums, as insurance companies were hit hard by the blockage. For the consumer, it may be negligible or show up in temporary oil price increases.“The biggest takeaway for me is the impact that global supply chains have on so many businesses and how fragile some of those chains are,” Riley remarked. The data won't be in for some time, and that's the story with most global emergencies. It's a good reminder to take in the entire picture that data paints before drawing finite conclusions.

Data revolutionized the way sports are played and watched, and new technology makes this process even more exact and innovative. Diving into Data is turning the spotlight on LiDAR and its applications in the world of sports. Host TC Riley chatted with his MarketScale team member Shannon Dyer, an Engagement Analyst.To start, Riley defined LiDAR. “It's a method for measuring with lasers that's incredibly accurate and creates a 3-D model with precise measurements.” It's a growing industry and is in use in several major sports, including gymnastics and baseball.Dyer spoke about its use in gymnastics, a sport she grew up in. “Fujitsu adapted its LiDAR technology to create something for gymnastics to assist in judging in 2019,” she said. The process included scanning athletes' bodies then putting cameras at every event to see how the bodies move, helping with the degree of difficulty scores.It's also making an impact in baseball. Before the 2020 season, the MLB used LiDAR to create digital models for every park so broadcasters could drop a camera anywhere for various replay angles.It's also being integrated into Hawk-Eye technology to improve StatCast to build upon accuracy. “It can capture the position and movements of everyone in the field, including pose tracking. It updates 30 times per second at 18 different data points,” she added.LiDAR is also playing a role in the in-person experience with sports, specifically social distancing. Companies are adapting LiDAR technology, initially designed for monitoring passenger traffic in airports, to provide real-time crowd density to stadium managers.What's next for LiDAR? One critical future use case is taking the human error out of judging, from gymnastics to offsides calls to determining if it's a catch in football. Dyer noted that Dez Bryant did catch that pass, and that technology would have proved it!

Host TC Riley welcomed fellow Marketscale team member David Hidinger to discuss the data behind economies of scale. They looked at two unique use cases, beer and Girl Scout cookies.First, Hidinger defined economies of scale. “The concept is that when an industry or firm grows larger, it receives benefits based on its size.”Those benefits can hit almost every aspect of business, from lower prices for ingredients purchased in bulk to efficiency improvements. To simplify it, Hidinger said, “It's why you go to Sam's Club versus Walmart.”Next, the two discussed beer and breweries. The data shows that macro breweries have shrunk significantly from 1975 to 2019, mainly due to consolidation. On the other hand, microbreweries have exploded in growth. However, they really aren't direct competitors.Riley said, “With macro breweries, it's basically the same beer, so it's branding and price that drives the purchase.”Microbreweries aren't trying to sell or produce at a large volume, so they don't benefit from economies of scale. They compete on flavor, options, and brand identity. Macro brewers do, but that also means they can't pivot to a new product without assurance they'll sell enough to cover their investment.Girl Scout cookies have a unique production and distribution. This industry also saw consolidation from 29 bakeries to only two. So, why do troops in the same geographic area have different cookies? “Regional councils each choose the bakery the contract with and negotiate separately based on volume,” Riley answered.The volume of those councils has only data from their region, so forecasting isn't always accurate. It could be more so if they had a larger data pool. However, they are selling $800 million in cookies each year, at around $5 a box. They probably aren't leaning into scale as much because it's a philanthropic model, not a profit-centered one.

Host TC Riley offered his thoughts on best practices, learning from mistakes, and more.Riley said, “Data will tell the whole story most of the time, not all the time. Always consider what the data can't show you.”The first tenet of trust but verify is the source. There are many reliable sources for data, but it's a good idea to be skeptical. Always verify accuracy for external data. That same approach applies to internal data, too. Riley recommends putting a routine quality control check for data systems. Doing this early and often ensures that you don't end up with tainted data.The next principle is to consider other factors. Data doesn't lie, but it doesn't always paint the complete picture. Riley shared some data errors he made on internal projects by not thinking about external forces. In one story, comparisons were off because the comparisons were not apples to apples.The third and last area is don't believe that simulation data always works in the real world. There are many times when decision-makers, analysts, and companies make this mistake. Riley noted that a good example is the recent Texas power grid challenges. “Many were convinced that considering the diversity of energy sources and large geographic spread along with backups, nothing could go wrong, but it did,” Riley added.The significant outlier of a cataclysmic event wasn't in the data mix. While organizations shouldn't let extreme outliers paralyze them, they need to be aware that it's a possibility so that they can mitigate the risk in the best way.

Using data to support and drive decisions is good; but only if you do it in the right way — in fact, data used the wrong way is more dangerous than not using it at all.Throughout the article, as is typical of HBR, great research data, mainly from Gartner, is used to support overall points. However, two specific points demonstrate a lack of data understanding and don't connect to the central message and prediction.Let's take a look:68% of employers added 1+ wellness benefit during pandemic, so companies will implement collective mental health days33% more skills listed on job postings vs. 2017, so employees won't focus on upskilling employees and instead will look to hire those skills or 'rent employees'Though host Thomas Riley uses this article for an example on this episode of Diving into Data, he said he sees the phenomenon everywhere, all the time.The takeaway is this: don't fall into the trap that the author did and think that quoting valid data automatically validates your argument. Data can provide so many insights and be so powerful for any organization, but only if you're cautious about it and use it the right way."Data is really cool and can tell you a lot of really cool things. Just don't let it confuse you into thinking things are there that aren't really there," he said.

Data drives decisions of the worlds largest companies but in a world with constant data, how do you make sense of it? Host TC Riley, puts the world under the lens of data and analytics and explores current news, B2B trends, and popular topics.While stats have always been part of the NFL—teams, analysts, and fans are obsessed with the data and what it means. And so is Diving into Data host TC Riley. TC invited fellow football and data fan Tyler Kern to talk about crazy stats from the 2020 season and what they expect in the Super Bowl.Riley and Kern discussed some unique stats, some winners and some losers. First up was sensational Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. Riley shared, “He became the eighth player in NFL to rush for 2,0000 plus yards. He also had as many 200-yard, two-touchdown games as any player ever had in his career.”So how did Henry put up such incredible numbers? Kern said, “It has to do with balance and a better quarterback in Ryan Tannehill.” While Henry's success at running back is special, it's also one of few because Riley believes that the NFL is “a passing league now.”Yet those teams overly reliant on passing or running, for that matter, didn't translate to success. Another interesting stat is that punting is disappearing. “There were only 7.4 punts a game; it had never been lower than 8.4. Why? Because teams went for it on fourth-and-one 66% of the time, which shows teams are using analytics to make better decisions,” Riley added. Looking at some losers, Riley and Kern had to talk about the hometown team of MarketScale, the Dallas Cowboys. They gave up more than 30 touchdowns at home. “It was obvious the defense was not well organized, and they didn't know what they were doing. It was a clear disconnect,' Kern said.With a new defensive coordinator and hopefully a healthy Dak Prescott, maybe those Cowboys can turn it around in 2021. What about stats that were great for the player but didn't translate to wins? Deshaun Watson threw for 4,800 yards and 30 touchdowns, but the Texans had only four wins. That's never happened before. “He had huge numbers, but there was no vision,” Riley said. Watson has asked for a trade, so maybe he'll be able to win consistently in another system. Finally, Riley and Kern gave their predictions for the Super Bowl. While they both admire Tom Brady's talent and career, they think the Chiefs have his number. “When Brady loses, it's because of pressure, so I'll be looking at the pass rush of the Chiefs,” Kern said.Riley added, “The key to the game for the Chiefs will be balance with running the ball. They can't get too pass-happy.”

After an undeniably difficult past year, it may be challenging to look on the brightside. That being said, we can take some of the lessons learned in the past year and bring them with us into 2021 to grow and excel. One area most of us experienced growth was in our careers. The shifting sands of 2020 demanded a new level of adaptability and brought our digital skill sets well up to speed. While many employees have picked up valuable new skills in light of the pandemic, companies have also adapted in ways that may continue to benefit them in the new year and beyond. Especially in terms of using data-driven decisions to help lead many companies to be successful and weather the storm. “One of the most underutilized resources in any business is the data you have and the information that you can pull from it. And I think a lot of companies have truly taken a step forward,” TC Riley, Host, Diving Into Data with TC Riley said. The companies that utilized those lessons and applied them to what will hopefully be a better 2021, will put them in an even better position to thrive moving forward. “We're going to return to normal, you know, the tide is going to come back in you could say. And if you take those skills and those developed skill sets, those developed practices, especially any of those related data and apply them anymore, we'll call it standard environment, it's going to put you in an even better position to thrive moving forward. Sometimes you have to do more with less,” Riley explained.For more insight into how to utilize data to excel in the new year, catch up on the latest episode of Diving Into Data with TC Riley!

In a tech-driven, fast-paced world, data is vital to a business, helping to predict customer trends and behaviors, track progress against goals, drive effective decision-making, and increase overall productivity and profitability. However, with data coming from many sources across every layer of an organization, it can be challenging to sift through, particularly for those not in the tech sector. So, how can your company make the process of sifting through this data easier for those unversed in the world of data? By building a community that networks together to more efficiently analyze data and create more business value from it. In this episode of Diving into Data with host TC Riley, Riley dives deep into a Forbes article, The Case for Data Communities, to explore how a data community can unite a workforce—helping non-tech-savvy employees navigate an unfamiliar technological ecosphere and become fluent in the language of data, enabling them to join in the conversation, helping to de-silo a morass of daunting information that can reduce bottlenecks and hinder an entire team's synergy. A data community provides the individual with better control over the data that matters to them while allowing them to still leverage insights produced by the greater data community, benefitting the whole organization. However, to build a data community, it takes more than just training sessions and technical assistance. Rather, it's a collaborative effort—supported by a company's leadership, empowered by existing data leaders and embraced by each staff member—that builds confidence and fosters camaraderie around a shared mission for improving the business with data. In other words, it takes a village.

Ever tried a restaurant based on a recommendation? We've got a word for that you've probably heard – you made your choice based on word of mouth, or another human's belief that the experience would be worth your time.But what about the word-of-machine effect?Essentially, the word-of-machine effect is a term that's been coined to describe times when, in today's ever-advancing society, humans choose to believe artificial intelligence over the word of other humans.In particular, innovation in the realm of AI has opened up new doors for corporate enterprises and governments to leverage it at scale – but do and should we really trust it?In this episode of Diving into Data with host TC Riley, Riley explores the word-of-machine effect and the impact on the way we view data. A study in the Harvard Business Review found that there was a difference in what humans trusted depending on if they were asked to take a recommendation based on utilitarian or hedonistic (more human, experiential and sensory) aspects.So, what implications does this effect have for data and analytics? More than anything, Riley said, it means that analysts should be acutely aware of this inherent bias and work to actively combat it. By forcing consumers to consider alternative viewpoints, you can help them recognize bias in their decision-making – and, likewise, you can work to ensure your organization balances the influence of analytics and intuition or experience.

Catch up on all episodes of Diving Into Data!

Catch up on all episodes of Diving Into Data!

The coronavirus has introduced a new normal, one characterized by working from home and watching the stock market with fear and curiosity. On this episode of “Diving into Data,” TC Riley analyzes the numbers surrounding these two prevailing socio-economic topics today. The data is in and it isn't so clear cut. Statistics prove that remote workers and the economy are churning along. But studies also give reason for caution, forecasting possible dangers ahead.Remote work is popular among employees, with 74% saying working remotely would make them less likely to leave the company. But conversely, remote employees report feeling disconnected from their team. This consequence may have lasting effects on business, efficiency, and innovation. For high-security jobs, less than 50% of workers feel they have the proper security training to work safely from home. Since coronavirus kickstarted the at-home workday, the US economy is test-driving this new normal, uncertain of lasting repercussions. The stock market is doing well despite the pandemic, thanks to Big Tech. At 22% of the S&P, these companies are a backbone to the economy. Their power is also what makes them vulnerable. As the government increases scrutiny over companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, the stock market pauses with bated breath. Meanwhile, self-taught day traders are at home making small investments using apps like Robinhood. Are these users inflating the market, or helping cushion the blow?

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, TC takes a look at the Data Dividend Project, led by former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, and how Californians are trying to take back control of their personal data. We also touch on the return of sports in a COVID world and what that looks like.In our main topic this week, we explore the ins-and-outs of the Data Dividend Project. What is the goal of the project and what kind of impact could it have? What are some of the challenges this movement could face and what could be the unintended consequences. While the logic behind the movement is strong, its still hard to get past the old saying that 'if you aren't paying for the product, you are the product.'Our second topic this week dives into the return of professional sports in the US. While every sports fan is excited to live action again, what kind of financial hit are these teams and leagues taking? And what are the challenges of pulling it off? The only thing we can be certain of is that this is the ultimate opportunity to innovate (in both sports and the business world) and improve experiences for fans and customers alike.Sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing... And let's dive into some data.

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, TC explores the importance and challenges of data security in healthcare and public health, specifically as it relates to operating in a COVID World. TC also discusses the utilization of Martech to overcome some of the challenges marketers might be facing and how it is more important than ever.Our main story this week discusses the challenges and opportunities around data security in a COVID world. There is no defined playbook for how you can securely and legally capture the level of data that public health officials need, so what are companies doing? Do people trust that this data will only be used for Public Health? And what are some example of companies navigating these murky waters?Our second segment today discusses how Martech has never been more important and why it is so critical for companies to be utilizing this data and technology. Things might get tougher before they get better, but effective marketing technology can help guide you through stormy seas.Sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing... And let's dive into some data.

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, we take a look at some significant changes happening in two specific areas: employees and education. Specifically, the impact of the freeze of H-1B Visas for the rest of 2020 and the ways that the higher education world is changing.For our first topic, TC dives into the recent freeze by the government of the H-1B Visa program. What does that freeze actually entail and why it matters, specifically to those of us in the data world. We also look at what the reaction has been from American Companies and Professional Organizations, while considering what the long-term impact of changes to the H-1B program could entail.For our second topic, TC dives into the changing world of higher education. We touch on the potential K1 Visa issues that could arise for students this fall that attend universities that go 100% online, but also look at the way higher education could be overdue for some changes. Is it really worth paying that massive tuition bill to attend a large university, if you're getting the same online experience and education that you could get at a community college? People have said for years that our higher education system needs to change and COVID might just accelerate the reality of those changes.Sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing, and let's dive into some data.

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, TC takes a break from exploring data in current events and helps you understand how you can actually USE data in your business.Everyone wants to use data and say they are data-driven, but what does that actually take? Why do so many companies relentlessly attempt to utilize data in their business decisions and fully intend on getting value from it, yet fail to actually see the results they desire? As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions...TC shares how the acronym DAPP (Digestible, Actionable, Presentable, Practical) can be a guide for ensuring businesses actually see the value from this investment in and utilization of data. This acronym should be considered by anyone in the data world anytime they're starting on a project, and by ensuring that the final product is compliant with DAPP, you'll ensure that it actually WILL start working!Sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing... And let's dive into some data.

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, we look at the incredibly useful data practice of probabilistic modeling. We dive into what it is and how we use it, not only in the business world, but the science world, as well.Probabilistic modeling might be a new term to you, but you actually do it every day! TC dives into what this modeling is, how it works and what the results are. We look at how this modeling gives a range of expected results, not just a single answer, and why that is still incredibly useful, even without a specific solution.TC also explains his personal favorite application of probabilistic modeling with the Drake Equation. This equation explains the likelihood of another space-faring, technologically-advanced species residing right in our backyard, and gives rise to the ominous Fermi Paradox. Don't know what we're talking about? Check out the episode to have your mind blown.TC wraps up with some real-world and business applications for this modeling and why every company should be doing more of it. With that, we invite you to sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing, and dive into some data!

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, TC explores the (unexpected) positive signs from the economy as we continue to reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and try's to answer the question, are we back to normal?Our main segment this week looks into the baffling recovery of the US Stock Market, along with other positive economic indicators, such as a lower than anticipated unemployment rate for May. With the unprecedented situation this year, we freely admitted that we didn't know what was next… But are these truly signals that things are getting back to normal or could there be other unexpected impacts lurking around the next corner?Then, in this week's Industry Rapidfire segment, we look at the return of professional sports in the US. Nearly all major leagues have official ‘restarting' guidance in place now and are progressing towards us seeing real sports back in August, if not before. What positive signs do we coming from the NFL and NBA? And what about the ominous signals from the MLB? Are we looking at a year without baseball?Sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing (things aren't THAT normal again, yet) and let's dive into some data.

In this week's episode of Diving Into Data, we look at the use and sharing of data in a post-COVID world and how data practices, like all other industries/businesses/people/etc., have had to adapt during these challenging times.TC first explores the challenges around keeping full data pipelines in a COVID world. Not only have companies had to adapt to unique working situations and inconsistent reporting/capture of data, but time is of the absolute essence when this analysis could guide national policy and actions.Next, TC dives into the opportunities for more extensive data sharing in a post-COVID world. The past few months have illuminated the need for the global economy to have open and free-flowing data, whether it be around public health, economics or anything else. But with the opportunity for more democratized and shared data, comes some inherent risks around data security and privacy.We wrap up the show with another Industry Rapidfire segment, where we look at how the retail industry is using (or at least needs to be!) data to impact their re-opening efforts. The retail industry has been one of the most impacted by the global pandemic, but smart companies in the space are embracing this as an opportunity, rather than just trying to ride out the wave of the challenge.Sit back, relax, grab a drink, practice social distancing, and let's dive into some data.

In this week's episode of Diving Into Data, we explore the convoluted world of content analytics to understand how you really gauge the effectiveness of those investments. We also touch on some leadership ‘lessons learned' from the COVID-19 outbreak and are back with another installment of Industry Rapidfire around sports and entertainment.TC also shares some guidance and advice to business leaders on returning to the ‘new normal' and how as a leader (and specifically as a data leader) you need to be open to change and ready to adapt. This is a unique challenge for every business and leader, so learn from TC's mistakes!In our Industry Rapidfire segment, we focus on sports and entertainment. After last week's AI discussion, we look at how AI is presenting a fascinating opportunity to better diagnose and address head injuries in sports. In the entertainment world, we touch on the mysterious ‘recommended for you' algorithms that decide what is going to pop up next on Netflix, Disney+, etc.Sit back, grab a drink, practice social distancing, and let's dive into some data.

On this week's episode of Diving Into Data, our primary focus is around the often-referenced, rarely-understood field of Artificial Intelligence. We are also back with our second week of Industry Rapidfire, with a focus on transportation, logistics and retail.Though everyone knows the term Artificial Intelligence, what does it actually mean? And do we truly have those capabilities with today's technology? TC dives into the differences between Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Neural Learning, explaining how the concepts relate to each other and what each of them truly refers to. He also covers the progression to higher levels of Artificial Intelligence, as well as some critical steps to follow if you're going to implement AI within your business.In the Industry Rapidfire segment, TC dives into how airline operations, smart shipping and Sentient Marketing are all using data in creative ways to shift from reactive models to proactive ones. By deploying connected technology, machine learning and advanced analytics, see how these industries are embracing the potential of data.Sit back, grab a drink, practice social distancing, and let's dive into some data.

This week on Diving Into Data TC Riley dives into how companies can take advantage of the global situation around COVID-19 and hits on ways that industries are using data in ways you might not expect.Our first topic dives into how you can take advantage of the challenges presented by operating in a COVID world and make the best of a non-ideal situation. Many people have shared how they've used this time for personal self-improvement, but why aren't more businesses doing the same? TC explores what opportunities you have from a Marketing, Sales and Operations perspective during the current ‘downtime' and how data can help you make the most of your current circumstances.Our second topic is a new segment called Industry Rapidfire. TC hits on how three industries are using data in ways you might not initially consider and how we can all use these as an opportunity to explore new and different ways that we can use data to improve your performance, regardless of industry.Grab a drink, take a seat, practice social distancing, and lets dive into some data.

After a brief hiatus, host TC Riley is back this week with a new episode of Diving Into Data. The world has significantly changed since we last spoke and our show today dives into the economic fallout and impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak.In the episodes leading up to our COVID-19 hiatus, TC discussed how this outbreak was going to throw a wrench in the global economy due to the lock-down of Wuhan, or the ‘Chicago of China', at the beginning of the pandemic. But Wuhan is the least of the world's problem's now as the virus has touched every corner of the globe and every aspect of the global economy.In this week's episode, “Unemployment and Inflation and Bear Markets, Oh My!” TC dives into how the US economy has been turned upside down in the last two months. We'll discuss how unemployment, inflation and stock markets have all been impacted by the pandemic and we let the data show us what we should expect moving forward. Spoiler alert: It's not good.Sit back, grab a drink, ensure you're practicing social distancing, and let's dive into some data.

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, its impact is increasing. T.C. Riley, host of Diving into Data, looked at the numbers to share data about the current and projected economic impact of the pandemic. Some of the main economic hits so far include the stock market and the sports industry.Within the past week, a massive 10-12% drop in the stock market resulted from concern over COVID-19. The U.S. stock market also lost about $4 Trillion in a week, tanking value and creating panic. “When consumer spending drops…just about everything downstream is going to have issues,” Riley pointed about the businesses and the rest of the economy.In the same time frame, OPEC held a meeting about the status of the oil industry that suggested there may be trouble in the market. Two key players in the oil industry, Saudi Arabia and Russia, are at odds. Saudi Arabia is threatening to produce more oil and sell it for less, which may immediately benefit consumers but create rampant instability in the global economy. As an indicator of this shift, Riley highlighted that the price of crude oil dropped about 40% in a month.The key term of this week's podcast, in light of the instability in the stock market due to COVID-19 and issues in the oil industry, is “rolling recession.” Riley defined this as a recession in which “Different areas of different countries will be hit at different times”. This is not the same as a global recession, which is the worst case scenario.On a related but unique note, Riley also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on sports. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, for example, is in about 4 months. Although decisions about the event have been made yet, Japan has a lot at stake as the host. The estimate of what Japan will spend on the Olympics is $12.6 Billion dollars. Other events, like the NHL and NBA playoffs, the Masters Tournament, March Madness, and more are likely to be affected by the pandemic.Learn more about the data of COVID-19 by tuning into T.C. Riley's discussion. For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Sports & Entertainment Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.Make sure to follow along for more weekly episodes of Diving Into Data!

With topics ranging from the “underwear Olympics” to the impact of the Coronavirus on economics, this week's episode of Diving Into Data with T.C. Riley is dynamic.The NFL Combine, which is nicknamed the “underwear Olympics,” is an event where athletes likely to be drafted by the NFL are assessed in-person. Riley called this the “data version of scouting.” At this event, athletes' physical features are measured, soft skills are tested, and there are opportunities for networking.Riley pointed out that by televising this event for the past decade, “the NFL has taken over our calendars year-round.” Viewers get a peek behind the scenes at the push to make drafting an exact science. By the end of the event, athletes have scores on their physicality, skills, experience, and more. This allows teams to determine their topic picks based on the data that matters most to them. For instance, Riley highlighted that the Seattle Seahawks have often favored tall quarterbacks and the Oakland Raiders tend to prefer fast athletes.Beyond the impact of data on the NFL, Riley also discussed data related to the spread of the Coronavirus.During a previous episode of Diving Into Data, Riley discussed how the Coronavirus might have a global impact. Since that time, the virus has crossed borders, affecting many in Italy, Iran, and South Korea. The United States also has a few cases. As a result, there are quarantines and other challenges occurring in several countries.The global influence of the virus still remains to be seen, but there are indications of significant economic impact. For instance, just a few weeks ago experts through the global growth forecast could go down slightly. Now, some experts are saying it could reach 1.5%, which would be half its current standing.Riley also discussed stock market fluctuations, changes in the pollution rate in China as an indication of decreased production in factories, and more. Tune in for the details, and listen to Diving Into Data next week for discussions about Google updates affecting SEO, Super Tuesday data, and more.For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Sports & Entertainment Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

The NBA made big changes to the All Star Game format for 2020, introducing a new ending to the game called the “Elam Ending”.How does this change the game and could it be instituted across the league one day? Find out what TC Riley and Tyler Kern think about it on this episode of Diving Into Data.

On this episode of Diving Into Data, TC Riley and Tyler Kern discuss the new rules introduced by the XFL and how they change the decision-making process for coaches.Will coaches make data-driven decisions or will the employ the “go with the gut” mentality? Find out what TC thinks and much more on this episode of the show.

Now that we know the four teams in the College Football Playoff what is the data telling us about the matchups? On this episode of Diving into Data, MarketScale‘s resident numbers guru TC Riley runs down who's most likely to win and what the data is telling us.Can Clemson shut down Ohio State's high-powered offense? Will Joe Burrow lead LSU past OU to college football glory? Get the breakdown from TC and Tyler Kern in this excerpt from Diving into Data.Tune in every Wednesday at 9:30 for your weekly dive into data with MarketScale's resident numbers man, TC Riley.

Sports organizations have gotten increasingly smart about their use of data to build an ecosystem within their stadiums. This data allows for personalization and simplifies the customer experience.On this excerpt from Diving into Data, T.C. Riley explains how teams are accomplishing this and where this trend could be moving in the future.Tune in every Wednesday at 9:30 for your weekly dive in data with MarketScale's resident numbers man, TC Riley.

Did Major League Baseball switch out the baseballs being used between the regular season and postseason?A number of baseball fans, stats enthusiasts, and even the St. Louis Cardinals believe the answer to that question is yes.Data guru TC Riley examined the evidence and found a compelling case to be made that a different ball is being used. Hear his findings and more on this excerpt from Diving Into Data.

On today's episode of the “Diving Into Data” podcast, we dive into a number of current issues and examine how they can be analyzed through the use of analytics.Our primary topic today will be the ongoing economic impact of the tariff trade war with China and how a handful of critical data points show that it has impacted both nations. Many people know that this topic has been a hot-button issue for months, but few understand the economic indicators that are being impacted by those activities.Additionally, it's September, so that can only mean one thing… Football is back! We dive into some initial impressions from the 2019 season, as well as recap how each of us feels about our fantasy football teams this fall.Additionally, we are touch on an interesting topic of conversation in the Pro-AV world. Digital signage is all the rage but how can you gauge the effectiveness of those investments? And what emerging technologies could impact the amount of data that companies are able to capture around that signage?It's all inside the first episode of Diving Into Data!