Data might be abundant, but turning it into actionable insights is far more complex than it seems.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl chat with Russ Hawkins, President and CEO of Agilence Inc., about how retailers, restaurants, and hotels are using operational analytics to improve revenue, control costs, and maintain compliance.

Russ discusses how organizations can leverage real-time data to drive smarter decisions in areas like loss prevention, inventory oversight, and sales growth, all while enhancing the customer experience. He also explores the complexities of ensuring that store managers and frontline teams are aligned with broader company goals, emphasizing that success comes from balancing people, processes, and technology.

This is more than just a tech upgrade. It's a continuous operational effort that relies on collaboration across leadership, operations, and analytics to deliver tangible results and lasting business impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How companies use data to increase revenue, manage expenses, and maintain compliance
• The importance of aligning internal teams and frontline staff with corporate objectives
• How emerging technologies like AI and RFID are shaping analytics and operational efficiency

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:38) Russ's background: from telecom to three CEO roles (06:34) The three things every retailer is really trying to solve with data (09:10) What internal compliance actually means (09:51) Make money, save money, be compliant (16:33) Using data to know who's upselling and who's leaving money on the table (19:37) The treasure trove already in your transaction logs (25:51) Getting the right product in the right place (30:18) Operations is a people problem (34:37) Where analytics investments go wrong (38:15) AI is exciting and terrifying in equal measure (40:59) What Russ wants to learn next

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Connect with the guest:Russ Hawkins on LinkedInVisit Agilence Inc. at https://www.agilenceinc.com/