Organizations are drowning in data, yet most remains unused. Despite growing excitement around big data, research shows that only a fraction of collected data is analyzed – just 12%, according to a Forrester Research study. Even fewer organizations (less than 30%) are able to turn their data into meaningful, actionable insights. This raises a pressing question: why is so much valuable data left untapped?
One reason is the sheer diversity and scale of data sources. The average company now pulls information from around 400 different sources, while over 20% of organizations juggle data from more than 1,000. Consolidating such vast and varied data streams into a usable format is a monumental challenge, even with automated processes. Operational intelligence systems are built to address this issue, turning disparate datasets into clear, actionable insights.
Take, for example, an urban environment divided into thousands of micro-geographic zones. Each is brimming with data points – foot traffic, retail activity, transportation flows, and security incidents. Human analysts can detect overarching trends but struggle to discern the intricate interdependencies among these variables. In contrast, operational intelligence systems excel in analyzing such datasets. By identifying correlations between variables that might appear unrelated, they offer actionable insights to refine decision-making processes.
In a recent application, Quori analyzed over 74,000 records of historical incident data across a densely packed retail environment in London. Despite the inherent challenges, such as incomplete geolocation data and legacy categorization systems, the operational intelligence system uncovered hidden patterns within the data. These patterns formed the foundation for understanding trends and guiding future actions. The next step involves leveraging these findings to make precise predictions. For instance, Quori demonstrated remarkable accuracy in forecasting specific incidents: shoplifting incidents were predicted with 85% precision, and low-level crimes were identified with 68% accuracy. Such capabilities underscore how advanced algorithms can interpret subtle signals buried within noisy data.
Operational intelligence shines in its ability to surface trends that evade the naked eye. For example, temporal analysis – examining data by time of day, week, or month – reveals cyclical patterns that manual processes might dismiss as random noise. These insights can influence everything from resource allocation to risk mitigation strategies. In one notable finding, Quori identified that an individual was most likely to be mugged at 7 PM on a Thursday – a precise and actionable insight that could inform targeted interventions.
Moreover, the granularity of geospatial analysis – in this instance, mapping data onto hexagonal grids as small as 25 meters – enables highly localized insights. Quori can correlate specific activities, such as anti-social behavior, to micro-locations. This provides decision-makers with the clarity they need to act with precision. In contrast, manual methods are prone to aggregating data, which obscure such nuances.
Beyond detecting patterns, the true value of operational intelligence lies in empowering organizations to act decisively. Enhanced accuracy in forecasting enables proactive measures rather than reactive responses. For example, understanding peak periods for specific incidents can inform the deployment of personnel or technological resources to mitigate risks before they escalate.
Integration also plays a pivotal role. Operational intelligence systems thrive when connected to broader data ecosystems, incorporating feeds such as CCTV and drones. This holistic view amplifies the system’s ability to generate actionable intelligence, giving decision-makers an unprecedented level of control and foresight.
While the power of operational intelligence is clear, its potential is amplified when paired with human expertise. Analysts can focus on interpreting outputs and devising strategies while leaving the heavy lifting of data processing to the machine.
The future belongs to organizations that can transition from static analysis to dynamic prediction. As tools like Quori demonstrate, this shift not only enhances operational intelligence but also equips leaders with the insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. For those seeking to stay ahead of the curve, adopting operational intelligence is no longer optional – it is imperative. Request a demo today and see how operational intelligence like Quori can empower you to stay ahead of hidden threats.
Quori is a world-leading operational intelligence platform powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). It enables teams to collect, analyze, and act on data efficiently, empowering organizations to enhance situational awareness and predict threats across diverse sectors, including the built environment.
