Episodi
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This episode dives into the biggest theme from the 2025 Microsoft Build conference: AI agents. Brick and Landon unpack what Microsoft unveiled, from Copilot Studio to Azure AI Foundry, and what it all means for businesses adopting custom AI tools.
Whether you're curious about how AI agents can automate tasks, what it takes to build and govern them effectively, or how Microsoft is pushing this technology forward, this episode is your insider look at the future of business automation. -
Landon and Brick unpack the biggest announcements about Microsoft Fabric from the 2025 Microsoft Build Conference. From long-awaited features like Power BI write-back and built-in CICD, to major shifts like Cosmos DB moving into Fabric and Copilot now available at the F2 tier, this is a must-watch for data professionals and business leaders keeping an eye on Microsoft’s data ecosystem.
Whether you're already working in Fabric or planning your move from Synapse, this breakdown will help you understand what’s here, what’s coming, and what to watch out for.
Learn more about how Blue Margin helps companies turn data into growth: https://www.bluemargin.com
Like this video if you found it helpful
Subscribe for more insights on Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and data strategy -
Episodi mancanti?
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In this episode, Blue Margin’s Kate Eberle and Greg explore why forward-thinking private equity firms are investing in firm-level data lakehouses and how it’s transforming deal flow, operations, investor relations, and beyond.
From reducing manual reporting to enabling AI-driven insights and natural language querying, they outline real-world use cases, challenges, and the best first steps to take.
Subscribe for more insights on data strategy, business intelligence, and private equity performance.Want to learn how Blue Margin partners with PE firms?
Visit https://bluemargin.com to demo our PE Power BI Dashboards -
In this episode, Brick and Kate break down the five most impactful metrics for middle-market companies to focus on when implementing Business Intelligence (BI). These metrics help businesses not only measure performance, but also take strategic action based on real-time insights.
Whether you're in services, manufacturing, or another industry, this conversation dives into practical examples and key considerations for tracking performance across the organization.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on data-driven business strategies.
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Rolling out a new BI system or dashboard? It's not just about the data; it's about the people.
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick and Landon dive into the hidden influence of company culture on BI adoption. From Excel loyalty to leadership modeling and psychological safety, they unpack the human side of digital transformation.
Learn how to overcome resistance, build trust, and drive lasting engagement with your dashboards.Need help getting your dashboards adopted? Visit us at https://bluemargin.com
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Are you chasing metrics that look good but don’t do good?
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick Thompson and Landon Oaks dive into the common trap of vanity metrics, those flashy numbers that don’t actually move the needle. They explore how to identify the right metrics, involve the right stakeholders, and why iteration is key to building dashboards that drive real results.
Whether you’re building your first dashboard or refining a mature BI strategy, this episode will help you shift from data that decorates to data that delivers.
Learn how Blue Margin helps companies turn data into a strategic asset: bluemargin.com
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In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, host Landon Oaks sits down with Azure Data Architect Mark Bender to discuss Blue Margin’s first internal leap into AI: Project Celeste.
Still in its early stages, Celeste is designed to boost developer and analyst productivity by using large language models to generate SQL queries from natural language prompts, without exposing sensitive data. Landon and Mark unpack how Celeste works, what makes it different from traditional AI chatbots, and how it's poised to change the way Blue Margin teams approach unfamiliar data systems like NetSuite.
Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a data professional, this behind-the-scenes look offers insight into the future of analytics at Blue Margin.
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Are you trying to decide between Microsoft Synapse and Microsoft Fabric for your data architecture? In this episode of The Dashboard Effect Podcast, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each platform to help you make the best decision for your data needs.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ The biggest limitations of Microsoft Fabric right now
✅ When Synapse is the better choice for large data sets
✅ How Microsoft is evolving Fabric to compete with Synapse
✅ Real-world experiences from working with both platforms
✅ Key factors to consider when choosing between Fabric and Synapse
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more data-driven insights!
Have experience with Microsoft Fabric or Synapse? Drop your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
Blue Margin increases enterprise value for PE-backed, mid-market companies by building and managing their data platforms. Our strategy, proven with over 250 companies to-date, expands multiples through data transformation, as presented in our book, The Dashboard Effect. (For a free, downloadable copy click https://bit.ly/3RmBGWQ, or buy a hardcopy or Kindle version on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3UTvTLm).)
Get more episodes of The Dashboard Effect podcast on your favorite podcast app or at https://podcast.thedashboardeffect.com/
Visit Blue Margin's library of additional BI resources here: https://bit.ly/3fwNmcg -
Revenue seems like a simple metric—just add up the sales, right? Not so fast!
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect Podcast, Brick and Landon dive into the complexities of defining revenue. Every business calculates revenue differently, whether due to trade discounts, loyalty programs, rebates, or industry-specific rules.
We explore why even CEOs, CFOs, and sales leaders might have different definitions of revenue and how companies can align on a single, accurate metric. If you're dealing with financial reporting, business intelligence, or analytics, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways:
- Why revenue is defined differently across businesses
- Common challenges in revenue calculation
- How to handle discounts, rebates, and loyalty programs
- The impact of time and adjustments on revenue reportingSubscribe to The Dashboard Effect Podcast for more insights on data-driven decision-making!
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In this episode, Kate Eberle and Greg Brown discuss the challenges and strategies of portfolio monitoring in private equity. They explore the different approaches firms take, from Excel-based reporting to fully automated Power BI solutions, and discuss the pros and cons of each method.
Things we cover:
- The evolution of portfolio monitoring in private equity
- Common challenges firms face with data collection and reporting
- Comparing Excel, data warehouses, and portfolio monitoring tools like iLevel and Chronograph
- How automation is transforming private equity analytics
- Best practices for improving investor relations through better reporting
Whether you're a private equity professional, a CFO, or an analyst, this discussion will help you better understand how to optimize portfolio performance and make data-driven decisions.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay updated on the latest insights in private equity and business intelligence!
Blue Margin helps private equity firms and portfolio companies leverage business intelligence to drive efficiency, improve reporting, and maximize value creation. Our automated data solutions and custom dashboards give PE firms the clarity they need to make strategic, data-driven decisions.
Want to streamline your portfolio monitoring? Learn more at https://www.bluemargin.com
#PrivateEquity #PortfolioMonitoring #BusinessIntelligence #iLevel #Chronograph -
Who should see your business data and who shouldn’t? In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, hosts Brick and Landon break down the essentials of role-based security and data access control.
Learn how businesses can ensure the right people have access to the right data while keeping sensitive information secure.
We cover:
- The importance of defining roles & hierarchies
- How to structure access control in ERP, HR, and security systems
- Best practices for implementing role-based access in BI reporting
- Common pitfalls (like using Excel) and how to avoid themWhether you’re a business leader, IT professional, or data security enthusiast, this discussion will help you optimize your organization’s data visibility without overcomplicating access control.
Enjoyed the discussion? Don’t forget to like and subscribe. What challenges have you faced with managing data access in your organization?
#DataSecurity #BusinessIntelligence #RoleBasedAccess #TheDashboardEffect #BI #DataManagement #AccessControl
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In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, host Jon sits down with Lisa Weaver Lambert, author of The AI Value Playbook. Lisa shares her deep expertise in AI, offering practical advice for non-technical leaders on how to leverage AI effectively. From addressing common pitfalls to discussing actionable strategies, Lisa’s insights are a must-hear for anyone looking to implement AI in their organization.
Lisa’s book, The AI Value Playbook, is a practical guide for non-technical leaders looking to harness the power of AI.
You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1835461751?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3KZ301F8G04SBWMCJ3CA&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3KZ301F8G04SBWMCJ3CA&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3KZ301F8G04SBWMCJ3CA&skipTwisterOG=1
Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-weaver-lambert-9568912/ -
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick and Landon discuss the importance of truly understanding your data before diving into report building. Whether you’re an analytics engineer or using Power BI, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for making better decisions and creating impactful dashboards.
Key Moments:
[02:15] Why understanding your data source improves report outcomes.
[05:30] How Power BI simplifies data visualization and decision-making.
[08:45] Common pitfalls in analytics and how to avoid them.
Thank you for tuning into The Dashboard Effect Podcast! Subscribe for more insights on data, BI, and analytics.
Blue Margin increases enterprise value for PE-backed, mid-market companies by serving as their fractional data team. We advise on, build, and manage data platforms. Our strategy, proven with over 300 companies to-date, expands multiples through data transformation, as presented in our book, The Dashboard Effect.
For a free, downloadable copy click https://bit.ly/3RmBGWQ, or buy a hardcopy or Kindle version on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3UTvTLm).
Get more episodes of The Dashboard Effect podcast on your favorite podcast app or at https://podcast.thedashboardeffect.com/
Visit Blue Margin's library of additional BI resources here: https://bit.ly/3fwNmcg -
Knowing when to use raw data or aggregated data can make or break your analytics strategy. In this video, Brick and Landon explain the key differences between raw and aggregated data, how each affects decision-making, and the best times to use them. Whether you’re managing transactional data or scaling analytics for your business, this discussion has you covered.
Tune in to learn how these data strategies can impact your reporting, analytics, and overall business performance.
If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to our channel for more insights on data analytics, business intelligence, and strategies to help your business succeed. Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!
Looking for smarter, faster ways to make data-driven decisions? At Blue Margin, we specialize in making data accessible and actionable for mid-market companies. Visit https://bluemargin.com to learn how we can help you unlock the full potential of your data. -
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect Podcast, Brick and Landon break down the differences between schema on read and schema on write. They discuss when to use each approach, the pros and cons, and real-world applications for businesses of different sizes. If you're navigating the complexities of data lakes, data warehouses, or lakehouses, this episode will give you clarity.
Tune in to learn how these data strategies can impact your reporting, analytics, and overall business performance.
If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to our channel for more insights on data analytics, business intelligence, and strategies to help your business succeed. Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!Looking for smarter, faster ways to make data-driven decisions? At Blue Margin, we specialize in making data accessible and actionable for mid-market companies. Visit bluemargin.com to learn how we can help you unlock the full potential of your data.
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In this episode of The Dashboard Effect Podcast, host Brick Thompson and Blue Margin’s Director of Solutions, Landon Ochs, dive into the nuances of semantic models and the bronze, silver, and gold layers within a data lake house. They explain the roles of each layer, how data is transformed at each stage, and why collaboration with business users is essential for accurate and actionable BI reporting.
Through this episode, you'll learn why different layers serve different purposes—from storing raw data to pre-joining tables for efficiency to creating finalized data ready for reporting. They also discuss how the semantic model is designed to simplify complex data relationships, making reporting easier for non-technical users.
Thank you for tuning into The Dashboard Effect Podcast! Subscribe for more insights on data, BI, and analytics.
Blue Margin increases enterprise value for PE-backed, mid-market companies by serving as their fractional data team. We advise on, build, and manage data platforms. Our strategy, proven with over 300 companies to-date, expands multiples through data transformation, as presented in our book, The Dashboard Effect.
For a free, downloadable copy click https://bit.ly/3RmBGWQ, or buy a hardcopy or Kindle version on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3UTvTLm).
Get more episodes of The Dashboard Effect podcast on your favorite podcast app or at https://podcast.thedashboardeffect.com/
Visit Blue Margin's library of additional BI resources here: https://bit.ly/3fwNmcg -
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick chats with Landon, Director of Solutions at Blue Margin, about a surprising challenge faced while extracting data from NetSuite. Despite NetSuite’s well-developed API, handling massive datasets proved problematic. Landon shares how they solved the issue using an unexpected solution—the ODBC connector.
They discuss the limitations of the API, how ODBC outperformed it for large data sets, and the unconventional yet effective workaround using a virtual machine. If you’re working with NetSuite or other cloud-based systems and experiencing similar challenges, you’ll want to hear this episode.
Key Takeaways:
Why NetSuite’s API struggled with millions of recordsHow ODBC became the unexpected hero for pulling large data setsThe importance of getting creative with data extractionListen in for tips and insights that can help with your own data pipeline challenges!
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In this episode, Brick Thompson and Caleb Ochs discuss the critical role of good data models in making business intelligence tools like Power BI efficient and scalable. They cover the pitfalls of poor data models, including delayed reporting and data category issues, and offer insights into designing flexible, transactional-level data models that can grow with your business needs.
Key Moments:
- Example of a Bad Data Model
- The Benefits of Transactional-Level Data
- Why Developers Take Shortcuts
- Common Data Model Mistakes
Blue Margin increases enterprise value for PE-backed, mid-market companies by serving as their fractional data team. We advise on, build, and manage data platforms. Our strategy, proven with over 300 companies to-date, expands multiples through data transformation, as presented in our book, The Dashboard Effect.
For a free, downloadable copy click https://bit.ly/3RmBGWQ, or buy a hardcopy or Kindle version on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3UTvTLm).
Get more episodes of The Dashboard Effect podcast on your favorite podcast app or at https://podcast.thedashboardeffect.com/
Visit Blue Margin's library of additional BI resources here: https://bit.ly/3fwNmcg -
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, hosts Brick and Caleb discuss the challenges and best practices for rolling out Business Intelligence (BI) solutions to large audiences. With a real-life example of implementing BI across 600 retail locations, they dive into how to navigate common pitfalls, ensuring user adoption and success. Whether your rollout is for a small team or a large enterprise, these insights will help you optimize your process.
Blue Margin increases enterprise value for PE-backed, mid-market companies by building and managing their data platforms. Our strategy, proven with over 250 companies to-date, expands multiples through data transformation, as presented in our book, The Dashboard Effect. -
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, hosts Brick and Caleb explore the essential steps to building efficient and reliable data pipelines. They discuss the critical factors in moving data from transactional systems to data lakes, highlight the importance of simplifying pipelines, and share practical strategies for handling pipeline failures, API connections, and ensuring scalability. Whether you're a data professional or a business leader looking to enhance your data processes, this episode offers valuable insights to guide you.
Enjoyed the episode? Hit Like, subscribe to our channel, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on the latest insights into data analytics and business intelligence.
Don't miss out on expert tips to help you optimize your data strategies!
Blue Margin increases enterprise value for PE-backed, mid-market companies by building and managing their data platforms. Our strategy, proven with over 250 companies to-date, expands multiples through data transformation, as presented in our book, The Dashboard Effect.
For a free, downloadable copy click https://bit.ly/3RmBGWQ, or buy a hardcopy or Kindle version on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3UTvTLm).
Get more episodes of The Dashboard Effect podcast on your favorite podcast app or at https://podcast.thedashboardeffect.com/
Visit Blue Margin's library of additional BI resources here: https://bit.ly/3fwNmcg - Mostra di più
