What is 'talk to your data'?
What was the team's occupancy rate last month? A question like this often ends in a reporting request and an answer that only comes the next day. 'Talk to your data' means you simply type such a question and receive an answer or graph back immediately.
How does talking to your data work?
An AI layer, like Copilot in Power BI, converts your question into a query within your data model. You then receive the answer as text, table, or graph. You only see the data you have access to. The same applies to your reports.
What do you need for this?
To reliably talk to your data, you need three things:
- A well-structured data model, with clear names and defined terms.
- Reliable data, as the AI bases answers on the information available.
- Paid capacity for Copilot.
Especially the data model is crucial. If it is not well structured, an answer may sound convincing but still be incorrect.
Does it replace your dashboards?
No. Fixed dashboards remain necessary for management and accountability, as everyone then looks at the same, verified figure. Asking questions to your data is an addition for the question that arises on Tuesday afternoon for which there is no report yet.
How do you approach this?
1. Choose one topic
For example, start with sales or occupancy: a topic for which the data model is already in order.
2. Make the model AI-ready
Describe tables and calculations and document important concepts. This way, the AI function knows exactly what you mean by terms like 'revenue' or 'active customer'.
3. Assemble a test set
Collect twenty questions that colleagues ask in practice. Verify the answers against figures you know are correct.
4. Teach employees to work critically
Have employees formulate their questions clearly and check answers before using them, for example, in a meeting.
'Talk to your data' does not replace Power BI, but makes it more accessible. The foundation remains a well-structured data model. Axelio helps you set up that model, tests it with practical questions, and teaches employees to work responsibly with it.
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Data is the foundation for AI applications. When it is well organized, AI can truly be a growth engine.