Sometimes, AI makes things easier. Other times, it gives you glaringly inaccurate meeting notes about cults and Molotov cocktails (true story, see below).
While everyone gets more comfortable integrating AI into their daily workflows, we want to share six AI use cases for you to consider leveraging into your data analytics environment. These are proven use cases that speed up coding, governance documentation, workflow automation, and more.
We also share our thoughts on recent tech updates, including the teaming up of Databricks and SAP, Sigma’s rapid growth, and DeepSeek’s sketchy Terms of Use — plus some other trending topics being discussed in our internal #random Slack channel.
You know Generative AI has potential, but where does it actually make a difference in your day-to-day? We break down six real-world use cases — plus key risks to watch for.
💡Inside the blog:
How AI speeds up coding, documentation, and workflow automation
Where AI-powered dashboards and chatbots fit into self-service analytics
What to consider before rolling it out — because bad data = bad AI
📡 Data Signals: Podcast Rec
Rethinking 'Single Source of Truth'
Ever heard of an "aligned source of truth"instead of a single one? This approach acknowledges that different departments analyze metrics through different lenses — without forcing everything into one rigid definition.
💡 Key insight: Data models should be created by the business but modeled by engineers — striking the right balance between business context and technical execution.
The Joe Reis Show podcast episode featuring Sarah Levy, Modern Data Governance for Analytics, covers core data models and the debate over centralized vs. distributed ownership. Worth a listen! 🎧 Check out the episode
Emerging Tech Insights
A few of the tech updates on our radar:
1. Databricks + SAP: Unlocking an Opportunity to Get More ROI from SAP
This new partnership allows for Databricks workloads to be run in SAP Business Data Cloud for seamless access across platforms. Think native AI, data warehousing, data engineering, and data governance capabilities of Databricks within SAP, providing direct access to the rich SAP business semantic layer and data. This is a good opportunity for SAP customers to get more from their SAP spend!
2. Sigma: Scaling Fast & Powering Data Apps
Sigma’s rapid growth isn’t just about expansion — it reflects the real value users are getting from the platform. As Sigma invests in more use cases, its capabilities continue to evolve. The biggest shift? Data Apps. Instead of using standalone applications with separate databases, teams are building tools directly on Sigma — leveraging the data already in their cloud platforms.
Analytics8 is already using Sigma to build Data Apps to simplify our own business processes.
3. DeepSeek's Terms of Use Raise Major Red Flags
Thinking about trying DeepSeek, the ChatGPT alternative from China? You might want to reconsider. Their Terms of Use spell out clear privacy and data ownership concerns:
You don’t own your inputs or outputs – DeepSeek can use your data however they want under Chinese law.
They collect more than just prompts – Their Privacy Policy allows tracking keystroke patterns and rhythms.
Deleting your account won’t erase your data – DeepSeek retains user data even after deletion.
Got concerns? Take it up in China – Any disputes must be resolved in a Chinese court.
Our CTO thinks that with growing scrutiny on foreign AI platforms, DeepSeek may not stay under the radar for long. If you value data privacy, he thinks this one’s a hard pass.
Busting Data Myths
🛑 Myth: “If data governance is working, no one should notice it.”
Reality: Good data governance isn’t just about silently keeping things in check — it’s about making its value clear. Data teams often build critical governance structures behind the scenes, but if stakeholders don’t know about them, they won’t appreciate how governance supports trust, security, and decision-making.
💡 Takeaway: Don’t assume governance speaks for itself. Continually communicate wins, share the impact, and help business leaders see how data governance benefits them.
LOL Moment
When AI Meeting Notes Go Completely Off the Rails 🛤️
Our Bulgarian team tested AI-generated meeting summaries — in Bulgarian. The AI, however, insisted they were speaking Polish and confidently produced a fever dream of a transcript.
Among the gems? A section titled "Cult Documentation, Testing, and Confusion."
Ummm. 😐
Have any good data memes or jokes to share with the group? Send them our way – if you get featured, we’ll send you some swag ;)
