The time has come: Version 20.30 of our data analytics engine MODELYZR is here. The release scores with improved usability, both for experts and casual users, and with a completely new look and feel. But what exactly has changed and what was the focus of development? Tim, our Head of Analytics, knows. We spoke to him about the new MODELYZR and the biggest release since our market launch.
Question: Tim, our new version 20.30 has just been launched. What was the focus of development?
Tim Kahler: It was important to us that answering complex questions using data analysis should no longer be the exclusive preserve of highly specialized experts. Instead, machine learning-supported queries should also be easily accessible to casual users and thus benefit the entire company. This is because there is a growing need for consistent and comprehensible analysis results in all business areas linked to sales and marketing, which can serve as a basis for action to ensure the long-term success of the company. With the current release, we are therefore offering new expert features as well as more accessible application scenarios for less specialized users. We make a company’s data usable across the board and thus create the conditions for data-based support of marketing and sales processes.
Question: What new features does the new version offer for analytics experts?
Tim: The keyword here is role-based front ends. A completely new look and feel has been created for our users. The main focus here is on the graphical presentation of the results. Analytics experts can individually configure how the respective query result should be displayed. Numerous degrees of freedom enable optimal visualization in order to convey the information obtained and at the same time support the specific didactics of the analyst. Whether bar chart or graph: The visualization of the data follows the user’s requirements. Our new standard tiles are geared towards the needs of casual users.
Question: What is behind this?
Tim: We now offer a standardized set of tiles that display the most important KPIs. The key performance indicators for individual day-to-day business are visible at first glance as standard, making regular reviews much easier. This simplification is particularly beneficial for casual users, who can answer even complex questions at any time. Ultimately, we have succeeded in democratizing data analytics. The new version of MODELYZR therefore contains practical innovations and added value for casual users and specialized data scientists alike, and we have been able to improve the user experience even further. To ensure this, we engaged in intensive dialog with our users in the run-up to development. We wanted to find out what requirements which users in which position in their daily business have of an optimal data analytics engine. After all, the sales manager of a medium-sized company needs a different view of the market than the key account manager of a large company. The data quality officer or the marketing manager will have different ideas. Knowing the individual expectations of individual user groups gave us the opportunity to integrate the requirements into our data analytics engine in a role-specific manner.
Question: Are there any other innovations?
Tim: Yes, that wasn’t all, actually. Among other things, our Data Quality Dashboard has undergone significant further development. This allows users to call up data quality reports for five different areas. The optimized visualization of the data also plays a central role here. Thanks to this, critical values and deficiencies that need to be rectified can be identified quickly and easily. The linking of all available data sources, which characterizes the MODELYZR, makes it possible to compare information. This brings incorrect data to light, which can now be identified at a glance. At the same time, the correct value is displayed. The MODELYZR 20.30 therefore also democratizes data quality management. This no longer requires a number of specialized experts, but can be done by any user.
Question: Does this mean that the MODELYZR already uses all cloud functions?
Tim: No. The current optimizations are clearly noticeable for users and offer great added value. But of course we want to continue to optimize and improve ourselves and MODELYZR. We have created the basis for this with the current version. To implement the changes, we are now relying on the SAP Business Technology Platform. This allows MODELYZR to be hosted via a cloud. This increases mobility and allows it to be used on different end devices, but above all creates new opportunities for stationary work. This applies to the current enhancements in terms of functionality and display as well as future innovations. The current version of MODELYZR is our cornerstone for the future.