12 Tools and tech for modern data analytics

 

This chapter covers

  • Key technologies for data-informed decision- making
  • An overview of analytics and reporting tooling
  • Self-service strategies used in data analysis
  • Using artificial intelligence in your work

Data analytics is a constantly evolving field, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for data-informed decision-making. The methods we’ve covered throughout this book (e.g., hypothesis testing, parametric and non-parametric statistics), remain foundational to our work as analysts. However, the tools we use to implement these methods have changed significantly in just the last few years. This makes it necessary to evaluate whether you are delivering value efficiently and effectively.

Keeping up with the current landscape can be overwhelming. It seems like every week there’s a new vendor promising to eliminate pain points in your workflow. But what even are those pain points? How do you determine when to explore new tools to use, which tools will solve the problems you are experiencing, and how you can use these tools effectively?

12.1 The evolution of data analytics

12.2 Analysis and reporting tools

12.2.1 Types of tools

12.2.2 Libraries of analyses

12.2.3 Exercises

12.3 Self-service analytics

12.3.1 Approaches to self-service

12.3.2 Creating a strategy

12.3.3 Exercises

12.4 Artificial intelligence

12.4.1 Generative AI

12.4.2 Future directions

12.4.3 Final thoughts

12.4.4 Exercises

Summary