Business Analytics in Retail: The Book

Large companies can afford the ability to use consultants who can help them understand such terms as 'Business Intelligence'. 'Predictive Analytics', "Big Data'  or 'Data Mining'.  But the small to medium size company often needs some basic help with the terminology, which is often changing quickly.  One approach is to read blogs like this, which cover the terms, methods and vendors that play in these spaces.  This also gets you access to many years of experience in the broad area of 'business analytics'.

But where do I get a basic introduction to this space at minimal cost?  I just had the opportunity to read a book created by IBM: Business Analytics in Retail for Dummies  " Read this ebook to learn how analytics can improve every aspect of your business... "     You can get the book free here.  You just have to provide some basic registration information.  You won't get a call or spam unless you ask for it

Despite cringing at the 'Dummies' label, we know you are not one, you are an expert at your business. This free, short 75 page e-book does a very good job of defining the terms and giving some excellent examples of the use of analytics.  Well written and concise.  Although the examples are all about retail, it is worth reading for some of the definitions.   Pointers to IBM software, of course, but there are other places to go as well.   I think this book should be on everyone's e-shelf.  Use the definitions and examples with your employees for hints at for where to apply business analytics.  Save money and increase profit as a result.

This post was written as part of the IBM for Midsize Business program, which provides midsize businesses with the tools, expertise and solutions they need to become engines  of a smarter planet. More here.