As a starting point what we find works well is a data discovery workshop to understand the quantity and quality of the data you hold, where it is stored and what important business questions you would like answered. Hawkings has a team of Analytics consultants who work on outsourced analytics projects, including consultancy, proof of concepts, developing visualisations and Power BI Dashboards. Alternatively, we can add skill sets to your in-house technical team.

Broadly speaking we follow 6 steps; of course, these may vary depending on the business questions being asked and the data available. Typically, the steps are: Problem Definition Data Exploration Data Preparation Modelling Validation Implementation and Tracking

Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer to this question. Data is the most important resource for any analytics project. Therefore, organisations need to capture as much business, transactional and customer data in a structured manner. What we find works well is a data discovery workshop to understand the quantity and quality of the data you hold, where it is stored and what important business questions you would like answered. Following the workshop, we can advise on the efficacy and suitability of the data.

The costs are very much associated with what you want to achieve and therefore how much time is invested. For example, a simple dashboard, where all data sources are up to date and easily accessible can take will take between around 5 days to create and style. More complex dashboards pulling information from a variety of sources will naturally take longer. Once your dashboard is complete, training is offered so that team members can use the dashboard effectively, and make adjustments to the visuals.

Data analytics is driven by having a data culture and is typically a long-term strategic decision. The investment is up to you. Many clients initially start with a proof of concept, which can take between 2 – 3 weeks. Then when the results wow them, they are keen to progress to a full-scale data analytics project. A defined project, which may take a few weeks or months, is charged on time and materials for work undertaken each month or an agreed fixed price, with instalment payments, made on milestone deliverables. Alternatively, it can take the form of a service plan – a long-term project with monthly payments to spread the cost.