Luxury Indian Ocean LUXURY INDIAN OCEAN #8 EDITION 2019 | Page 81

BUSINESS
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics,
Business Intelligence… What’s the difference?
Big Data refers to the large volumes of data that have outgrown
simple databases, like Excel spreadsheets or companies’ internal
IT systems. It can come in structured or unstructured forms, from
internal or external sources like Loyalty Programs, Twitter feeds,
images, text messages, audio files… Data has intrinsic value. But
unless you don’t analyse it, that value cannot be unearthed. Enter
Business Intelligence (BI). BI refers to the technologies and practices
used to collect, transform, report and visualise data in order to make
more informed business decisions. Artificial Intelligence and Data
Analytics are fields that extend well beyond BI: they sift through
mountains of data to extract insightful trends and patterns—which
can help in better anticipating and predicting future outcomes.
What is the core of Sagis’ business?
Since our beginnings as a Marketing researcher and, later, a
Customer Service center in Reunion Island 20 years ago, Sagis has
grown into a Marketing and Business Intelligence consultancy.
We specialise in three activities: Digital Transformation,
Relationship Marketing and Business Intelligence. The thread
that connects them is an emphasis on data, and how to use it
to create value. What differentiates us is our triple expertise:
we merge traditional and digital marketing, data management
and customer relationship management to boost performance.
A one-stop-shop for all your Big Data needs, supported by a
combination of Marketing specialists and Data scientists. Take
Amazon. Their success stems from their ability to master the core
of their business—logistics. They have leveraged digital, data and
customer service to transform their company into the behemoth
it is today. Similarly, Sagis aims to strengthen those same areas of
improvement for our clients, in the public or the private sector.
What are common mistakes companies make when
it comes to data?
Businesses often fall into two traps that hinder their performance.
The first is the collection of random data. Having a sea of irrelevant
data is as detrimental as not having enough data—you will eventually
drown in it. The challenge lies in collecting quality data from the
right sources and defining your goal from the onset. Big data can be
overwhelming, and without a targeted strategy, it doesn’t serve much
purpose. As the saying goes: garbage in, garbage out. The second
mistake is underestimating the value of your data. Many companies
aren’t aware they are sitting on a goldmine, trapped in silos or
outdated systems of analysis. Ignoring data is a pity, and misusing it
is even more regrettable.
Is there potential for Mauritian companies?
Absolutely. All companies in all industries and all countries
can benefit from data. It can help them improve their internal
organisation, satisfy clients and citizens, and increase their revenue.
Better information means better decision-making. Having decades
of experience in Reunion, and some in Mauritius, Madagascar and
Mayotte, we understand the importance of taking into account each
country’s specificities before offering any solutions. We aren’t here
to sell ‘products.’ Sagis provides solutions, even if it means adapting
to your existing BI softwares or infrastructure. We even go further
than that—we accompany our clients in transforming decisions into
results in the Marketing and Sales fields.
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