The Fractional CAO Episode 3: Action to Analytics

The latest episode of “The Fractional CAO,” hosted by Mark Budzinski, dives deep into the pressing subject of using analytics to spur large-impact projects in action within an organization. Mark invites Jay Addis, Head of North American Operations for Alsco Uniforms, to share his insights.

The central theme revolves around the translation of raw data into actionable insights. Mark points out that while organizations tend to invest heavily in their employees, comparatively smaller investments are made in data and IT. Surprisingly, data reveals that organizations spend between 15% to 30% of their costs on human resources, overshadowing the mere 4% typically spent on IT.

The crux of the episode lays emphasis on the role data plays in assisting employees to make informed decisions. Historically, data’s role has been rather passive. Classic reporting systems, dating back to the days of IBM Cognos and MicroStrategy, would present data, leaving the human element to discern, analyze, and act on it.

The progression from such classic reporting systems to predictive analytics and even machine learning has undeniably advanced the capacity of organizations to analyze data. However, the responsibility to act on this data predominantly lies with the humans. This often poses the question: Who in the organization should interpret and make bold, impactful actions on this data? While some corporations have CIOs, SQL programmers, and Tableau report writers, the execution of actionable insights often remains ambiguous.

Mark introduces the unique concept of the Fractional Chief Analytics Officer (FCAO), suggesting this role bridges the gap between data analysis and actionable execution. A FCAO can align closely with a business’s objectives and directly influence behavior. It’s not just about presenting data; it’s about providing clarity on what to do with it.

Jay is prompted to shed more light on his company, Alsco Uniforms, setting the stage for the continuation of the podcast.

Stay tuned for further deep dives into the world of analytics, the evolving role of the CAO, and Alsco Uniforms’ journey in harnessing data’s potential.

If you missed our last episode with Jeff Weiss, a fractional CIO of the past 20 years. Make sure to watch or listen here as Mark and Jeff discuss the overall business value derived from coherent analytics.

Reach out to us with how the Fractional CAO Role would be helpful to your organization in extracting tangible business value out of its data!