3D printing has become a hot topic in recent years, and is being used in a variety of industries such as healthcare, engineering, architecture, and more. However, there is one key tool that 3D printing relies on that could make or break its future: big data.
Without the existence of this advanced data, some of the functions used in 3D printing would not be possible. But how do big data and 3D printing work together? Let’s examine. (more…)
The days of the milkman may be long gone…but the alcohol delivery days are just getting started.
Customers don’t even need to talk to someone to order their favorite Malbec or gin. On-demand apps, such as the booming Drizly, enable consumers to order alcohol delivered to their front door as quickly as within an hour in some major cities. With 80% of all drinking taking place off-premises, according to LEK Insights, getting alcohol from an app is a convenient and easy way to drink at home.
Drizly, which has made $67 million to date, reported a 700% year-over-year sales increase, so if liquor stores and brands are not on the app, they’re missing a huge revenue opportunity. (more…)
Many economists say we are overdue for a recession. Despite a low unemployment rate and the economy’s longest expansion on record in the United States, experts in America and the World Bank point to trade wars and other globally financially risky situations as reasons for a dim forecast.
Analytics may not be able to tell you exactly when the economy might shift. However, data can certainly help an organization mitigate the impact of a recession by giving you the right information to better target the right market, save money, and increase profits.
The buzzing you hear in a vineyard is not coming from bees or any other insect, it’s the sound of a drone in the sky.
In a world where climate change ravages crops and prices generally keep rising, winemakers are saving money, fighting climate change, and saving time all through the use of drones.
Drones are driving down the cost of pesticides, fertilizer, and labor. They even help save water. Drones analyze the needs and health of crops when climate change is making them more unpredictable. Overall, drones help winemakers save time, and the wine is better because them. (more…)
Everyone has his or her unique way of analyzing data to find the right answers. This is why self-service in a business intelligence tool is so important. It’s also why drag-and-drop dashboards are so appealing. I am not stuck with what someone else decided is a good way to look at the data. I can focus on what is important to me. Still, in the end, I need to share my findings with other people in a way they like if I want to get my point across.
Dimensional Insight’s “Stamps” are pre-designed charts that can be updated with different data and filters with a few clicks. Users can build dashboards in minutes. Let’s examine a hypothetical scenario to see how you can use these Stamps to optimize your analytics experience. (more…)
Data analytics is no longer a trend – it is a necessity for organizations to stay relevant in their fields. Big data has been sweeping across every industry, from healthcare to the food and beverage industries, and it has been making analytics skills more and more necessary in every industry it touches.
Data analytics is a segment sure to showcase many fascinating developments in the new year. As businesses harness the power of data analytics, 2020 use cases are both varied and compelling.
Here are five outstanding examples: (more…)
The world is facing a mental health epidemic. One in five adults suffers from some form of mental illness in the United States, yet more than 50% of these illnesses are left untreated. Mental health does not discriminate against age, race, gender or economic status, and unfortunately, treatment and research still have a long way to go before the number of diagnosed individuals decreases.
However, one optimistic element to this crisis is the existence of new technology that we did not have even a decade or two ago – one of which is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Advanced technology plays a major role in positively shaping the healthcare industry, and now digital solutions such as artificial intelligence are making their way into the psychiatry department to reduce the decline in mental wellness across the globe. But how does the use of predictive analytics tools such as artificial intelligence really help in solving the mental health crisis? Let’s examine. (more…)
As we look back at 2019, we reflect on some of the trends and topics that shape the industries we work in. In healthcare, price transparency and the measles outbreak were hot-button issues. In wine and spirits, new trends like enotourism and DTC sales piqued the interest of people in the industry.
These issues and others made our annual Top 10 list of most-read articles on the blog. Let’s take a look at the topics most popular with our readers this past year. (more…)
A staggering 402 new gin brands have entered the spirits market since May 2016, 367 of which are premium brands.
Gin sales produced about $2.89 million in the United States in 2019, according to Statisa. Gin consumption in 2018 grew faster than any other spirit or alcoholic beverage, according to Fortune. The market is expected to continue to grow another 1.5% by 2023.
“Focusing on the craft and quality aspect of gin will encourage consumers to trade-up to buy better quality gin as a special treat for themselves,” William Grant & Sons predicted in a statement. William Grant sells Hendrick’s Gin.
While the thirst for premium gin is high, brands are still working to ensure their brand stands out. They’re experimenting with everything from flavors to colors to ensure it does.
When we think of the most prestigious careers in America, ‘doctor’ is usually one that ranks near the top of the list. It is surprising, then, that physicians across the country are facing unprecedented levels of burnout, depression, and even suicide. Taking care of at-risk patients is naturally stressful work, but if doctors are too stressed, they are not able to provide the best possible care. That means worse patient outcomes, which can create a feedback loop putting even more pressure on the physicians.
A 2019 survey of over 15,000 physicians by Medscape found that an alarming 44% reported they were feeling symptoms of being burned out. Younger generations of physicians, women, and those who work the most hours seem to be the most affected. What factors are making careers in the medical field so stressful, and what can we do to alleviate that stress? It turns out data can help us figure out these factors and move towards possible solutions. (more…)
If you’re at a bar and look around at the patrons, you might be surprised to find most of them holding an orange drink in their hand. At bachelorette parties, smiling women stare at the camera, holding skinny silver cans.
The cocktail bar patrons are drinking Aperol Spritzes and the bachelorette attendees are sipping spiked seltzers. Both groups are gravitating toward carbonated alcoholic beverages and sales in this category are spiking. Aperol sales are up 25% and the spiked seltzer market is valued at $550 million.
It’s hard to ignore that for consumers, bubbles are no longer just for champagne.
Every year, thousands of children are hospitalized because of the flu; several dozen to more than 100 children die each year from complications. In the 2019-2020 flu season, there have already been six pediatric deaths from the virus. Experts say this flu season has been off to a strange start, and may peak earlier than usual.
It’s important for health providers not only to know which children need to be vaccinated, but also to understand where there are flu outbreaks and how they might need to readjust their staffing to deal with surges in flu patients. How can they do so? Let’s take a look.
As the New Year begins, many consumers will be drinking less. Terms such as “Dry January,” meaning a month of no alcohol, have gained popularity for people looking to swear off alcohol after too many holiday parties.
But this shift toward drinking less is not reserved just to January. As Millenials continue to make up a larger segment of alcohol consumers, this health-focused group is reaching for low- or no-alcohol wines in a trend called “mindful drinking.”
This is a rising trend that smart distributors won’t ignore. (more…)
Technology is ever-changing, and with every new decade it accelerates at a pace that is often difficult for us humans to keep up with. We now live in a world in which we rely heavily on technology on a daily basis, regardless of which field we belong to. However, few industries have been changed by technology as much, or as positively, as healthcare.
Although the healthcare industry has often lagged behind others when it comes to deploying advanced technology, new discoveries and improvements are always being made. The technology that we know today has opened countless doors and opportunities to improve our lives, and it’s almost impossible to imagine life without it now. With the current decade coming to an end, the further advancement of technology is heading our way. Here are five technologies that you should expect to see shape the future of healthcare in 2020. (more…)
The new “roaring ’20s” are nearly upon us, and this time they will look very different than they did last century, especially for the wine and spirits industry in the United States.
When 1920 started, so did Prohibition. But as 2020 starts, the wine and spirits industry is booming more than ever. So what will the next decade hold? So far the themes appear to be classic wine, canned cocktails, and technology.
We’ve compiled your guide to the top-10 trends to look forward to in 2020 and beyond as we enter this new decade. (more…)
When ordering a cocktail at a bar, customers are used to the main ingredient being a liquor such as gin, vodka, or tequila.
But more and more often, wine is being used to create a new drink of choice for customers, lower the alcohol content of cocktails, and enable bartenders to cut back on pouring too much straight liquor.
“When used in cocktails, wines reduce the need to add excessive amounts of alcohol (that can make a drink too boozy) and can add a softer sweetness than syrups,” said a report by Southern Glazer, the US’ largest distributor of drinks.
According to Forbes, 23% of bartenders said they’d use rosé in their cocktails. With rosé sales up 48% from last year, capitalizing on the popularity of the popularity of it and other wines makes sense for brands and bartenders.
Wine is getting new life as a cocktail ingredient – and no, we don’t just mean just spritzes. Let’s look at why. (more…)
When you’re embarking on a healthcare analytics program, data trust is essential to success. With things like reimbursement rates, patient satisfaction, patient safety, antibiotics usage, and more on the line, you need to know that the numbers you’re relying on to make decisions are trusted and consistent throughout the organization.
However, many healthcare organizations don’t currently have the trust they need in their data. Let’s examine. (more…)
The Millennial drinker loves experimenting and trying new things. But there’s often another motivation for them ordering flashy, rainbow-colored cocktails: their Instagram feeds.
For liquor brands, suggesting cocktails that can make a customer’s Instagram feed pop can benefit your sales and referral business. Instagram is a new way to reach, and market, to a larger audience.
After all, when young people post about alcohol they do so in a positive, social context 97% of the time, according to a study conducted by the Journal of Medical Internet Research. In these posts, people are holding drinks 67.2% of the time.
The pretty cocktails help give the evolving consumer both a good-tasting drink and a great experience. (more…)
It was not long ago that companies and organizations had to rely on their “gut instincts” and often unreliable data to make decisions big and small.
Now, with the advancement of applications such as big data and business intelligence, companies can incorporate a data-driven culture, optimizing their success in multiple areas. But what does it really mean to be “data-driven?” Let’s examine. (more…)
Baby boomers may view Ready To Drink (RTD) beverages as the sugary bottom-shelf options that are pale imitations of ‘real’ cocktails.
But thanks to the craft trend, RTD’s are making a resurgence. Believe it or not they taste good, and millennials are happy buying cans to drink on-the-go.
RTD beverages have risen 574%, according to Nielsen. This segment of the market is expected to keep growing to $4.6 billion by 2024, according to Market Research Future. (more…)
In the 21st century, ads are getting smarter. The classic approach—trying to get an ad seen by as many people as possible—is no longer the most efficient or effective way to go. There are simply too many messages competing for everyone’s attention.
That’s why so many advertisers have turned their focus towards targeted advertising. By doing some research on potential consumers, businesses can direct their ads solely towards those who are likely to be interested in them. Having access to more customer data by using new methods like image recognition can boost your brand’s marketing and give you a crucial edge over your competition. (more…)
The days of customers ordering “the house white” or “the house red” are dwindling.
Wine drinkers now want to know why they hate Chardonnay but love a good Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine lovers are looking to take classes, go to events, and have unique experiences while drinking their wine to understand why they like what they like. Wine event attendance numbers are up, and brands should consider creating their own events to get customers interested in their wines. (more…)
Healthcare organizations are tasked with improving in multiple areas – for example, quality, patient safety, patient outcomes, and reducing costs. The right technology can ignite change in these areas and help hospitals and health systems see the results they are looking for.
Showcasing those technologies – and those forward-thinking technologies that promise to deliver results in the future – was the focus of the Delaware Valley/New Jersey HIMSS “Healthcare Rocks” Fall Conference that I attended recently at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Here are some of the highlights. (more…)
Tourism in the Greek isles has been on the rise, as has drinking Greek wine.
Between 2009 to 2016, Greek wines sales have increased by 81% in the United States. While this is huge growth, Greek wine sales increased by 562% in Japan, 556% in China, and 105% in Australia, a country that has its own reputation in fine winemaking.
In addition to an increase in quantity of sales, consumers are also willing to pay more for Greek wine. How can you take advantage of this new trend? Let’s take a look. (more…)
It’s the question every college or university serious about using analytics to help students succeed asks itself: what does student success look like?
The University of Kentucky, recognizing that the school’s success depends on the success of its students, launched the Smart Campus Initiative this fall, giving every first-year student an iPad Air, Apple Keyboard, and Apple Pencil. The hope is that providing the necessary technology to create a level playing field will help all students succeed.
Giving students access to technology is one thing. What the data can tell a school about how to use that technology to its fullest potential to help students succeed is another. Here are a few examples of how schools are using data to find ways to help students succeed. (more…)
The health of a hospital’s emergency department is critically important, as it is the first line of care for many acute patients. How do you treat your patients in their time of need? Are you able to move them through the hospital quickly and efficiently? How do you make sure your staff stays engaged and motivated?
There are many initiatives hospitals can undertake to ensure optimal performance of their emergency departments. Let’s take a look. (more…)
Ordering a glass of Rose is not so simple anymore. Now there’s rose cider, CBD-infused cocktails, spiked seltzers, and more.
Drinks have gone hybrid. Pairing two types of drinks has created new sectors in the market and resulted in booming sales on products like rose cider and spiked seltzers. (more…)
With the wealth of data available to colleges and universities about current students, it can be easy to forget that there is just as much information about former students. And in a social media-connected world, it’s easy to continue gathering data on alumni about everything from what they are doing for work to how often they are giving to the university.
For many higher education institutions, fundraising from former students is the most common way of keeping track of alumni. But there are many opportunities to use data to track alumni engagement and increase efficiency in the advancement office. Let’s examine how. (more…)
Healthcare interoperability initiatives have been going on for quite some time now, with varying degrees of success. While some interoperability efforts have been successful and are expanding reach, others have shut down completely.
So what is the state of healthcare interoperability in 2019? New England HIMSS examined this topic in its annual HIE Conference – a day devoted to exploring some of the issues around interoperability and health exchanges. Let’s examine some of the takeaways from the event. (more…)
In my first post on exploratory data analysis (EDA), I discussed why it’s important to get a “sense” for the data you’re working with before applying analytical techniques that may come with critical assumptions and prerequisites.
In this post, I’ll expand on the concepts I discussed in that post and also examine some other exploratory techniques. The goal is to make you familiar with various forms of data analysis so you can use them to make the right decisions for your organization.