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The Global Expeditionary Logistics Symposium (GELS) 2024, co-hosted by the Association of Marine Corps Logisticians (AMCL) and Christopher Newport University's (CNU) Center for American Studies (CAS), was a notable event for industry leaders, logisticians, and Marine Corps members alike. Among the attendees were CANA's Shawn Charchan, Technical Director of Energy Solutions , Rob Cranston, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Bowmer, Principal Logistics Analyst. Mark Bowmer, attending GELS for the first time, found the event to be an inspiring learning experience. "As a first-time GELS attendee, it was amazing to learn from fellow logisticians and be inspired by Marine leadership to achieve new expeditionary capabilities," said Bowmer. "The opportunity to develop and exchange ideas was enormous. I can’t help but recall some poignant words by Russell Rumbaugh, assistant secretary of the Navy, Financial Management and Comptroller, who said, 'Having people who are willing to be those interlocutors and help put that together, identify operational needs, identify technological solutions and bring those together is invaluable. The more tools we have to reach out [and] create relationships that continue on to the benefit of everybody, the better off we are.' GELS was the perfect interlocution. Industry and the Marines are better because of opportunities like this." Rob Cranston echoed Bowmer’s sentiments, highlighting the event's ability to bring together diverse participants. “It was really awesome to reconnect with several USMC in and out of uniform and old business owner friends at the Global Expeditionary Logistics Symposium (GELS) 2024,” Cranston said. He praised the hosts, AMCL and CNU CAS, for organizing a phenomenal event, particularly noting the interactive war game led by Travis Reese and Kevin Williamson, which engaged attendees in unique collaborative sessions. "Guest speakers like MGen Bill Bowers, CG, MCRC, Pat Kelleher, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Materiel Readiness, and the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, Dave Berger, really challenged and interacted with the audience on challenges in logistics distribution facilities installations as a war-fighting position, supply chain failures, maintenance planning and positioning, and health and wellness of recruiting." Cranston expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, "The CANA Team is 100% looking forward to participating once again at GELS 2025 at the same CNU location!” Shawn Charchan also valued the networking opportunities GELS provided. "GELS was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old classmates and colleagues from the Marine Corps logistics community," said Charchan. Representing CANA, Charchan had the honor of moderating a panel alongside industry leaders in DOD energy. "In that capacity, we aimed to ask questions that would be both insightful and actionable for the audience, particularly the many uniformed AMCL members in attendance. The panel highlighted both specific emergent tech and how audience members could effectively balance DOD acquisition guidelines with the need to calibrate requirements based on the current state of the art for DOD and industry technologies related to alternative fuel sources, energy storage, and energy transmission." Overall, GELS 2024 proved to be a rich forum for sharing ideas, learning from industry leaders, and exploring innovative solutions in logistics and expeditionary capabilities. With its successful outcome, anticipation for GELS 2025 is already building among attendees like Charchan, Cranston, and Bowmer, who look forward to furthering the dialogue and collaboration initiated at this year’s symposium. #AMCL #CANA #GELS

The 2024 NFL season marks 105 years of thrilling gridiron action. With 32 teams playing a grueling 17-game schedule, the league generates a staggering amount of data. Yet, despite this abundance, the NFL presents a unique challenge for data analysts: predicting the unpredictable. Football, unlike many other sports, is inherently unpredictable. Every play is a new opportunity for momentum to shift, and the outcome can be drastically influenced by a single errant pass or a lucky bounce. The game's unique dynamics, coupled with the limited number of possessions per game, make it challenging to extract meaningful patterns from the data. This unpredictability is further compounded by the constant evolution of strategies and rule changes, which can render previously effective models obsolete. Compared to other major sports, the NFL plays a relatively small number of games, both in the regular season and the playoffs. This limited dataset poses significant challenges for analysts seeking to develop accurate predictive models. Moreover, the changing nature of the game, with evolving strategies and rule modifications, can render previously effective metrics obsolete. To address the data limitations, analysts can turn to simulation techniques. By running thousands of simulated games, it's possible to generate synthetic data that can supplement the real-world data and improve the accuracy of predictive models. Simulation can help to create a larger dataset, allowing analysts to explore more complex relationships between variables and develop more robust models. When working with limited data, there's always the risk of overfitting models to noise or assigning undue importance to metrics that have little impact on the outcome of the game. This is particularly true in football, where the unpredictability of the game can make it difficult to distinguish between meaningful patterns and random fluctuations. It's crucial to approach data analysis with a critical eye and to continually validate the effectiveness of key predictors. The challenges faced in NFL analytics, such as limited data and the unpredictable nature of the game, are not unique to this sport. Many other analytical problems, particularly in fields like finance, healthcare, and social sciences, also involve dealing with small datasets, complex systems, and the need to predict future events based on limited information. For instance, financial analysts may struggle to predict stock market trends due to the volatile nature of the market and the limited historical data available. Similarly, healthcare researchers may face challenges in developing accurate disease prediction models due to the complexity of human biology and the limited availability of patient data. By understanding the challenges and techniques used in NFL analytics, researchers in other fields can gain valuable insights and apply similar approaches to their own problems. Key Takeaways for Applying Analytics to Football Embrace the challenge of limited data:  The NFL's unique characteristics present a formidable obstacle for data analysts. Utilize simulations to augment data:  Synthetic data generated through simulations can help overcome the limitations of real-world data. Continuously validate key metrics:  As the game evolves, it's crucial to regularly assess the effectiveness of predictive metrics. By understanding these challenges and leveraging innovative approaches, data analysts can continue to contribute to the fascinating world of NFL analytics and help teams make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty and, when applied more generally, other challenging business decisions. #NFL #NFLanalytics #Sportsanalytics #footballseason #NFL2024 #DataAnalytics #PredictTheGame Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics  here at CANA. You can contact Walt via email at wdegrange@canallc.com   or on Linkedin .

In today’s busy business world, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers and targets, but we must not overlook the importance of workplace culture—the true heart of any organization. A positive culture impacts everything from employee happiness to overall success. When employees connect with their workplace culture, they feel valued and engaged, leading to lower turnover rates. This not only saves time and money but also helps retain experienced talent. In a competitive job market, candidates are increasingly looking for more than just a paycheck; they want to join a company that shares their values and passions. A strong, positive culture becomes a magnet for top talent. Moreover, a healthy workplace culture inspires collaboration and innovation. When employees feel trusted and empowered, they’re more motivated to perform at their best. Even in times of conflict, a culture built on respect and open communication allows for quicker, constructive resolutions. Employees are more willing to voice their concerns, which helps maintain a harmonious work environment. A vibrant culture also promotes diversity and inclusion, enriching ideas and solutions. HR plays a crucial role in fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Additionally, a culture that prioritizes integrity helps organizations comply with laws and regulations, reducing risks and building trust within the team and with external partners. Change is a constant in the business landscape, whether through new strategies or technologies. A strong workplace culture can help employees embrace these changes with confidence, fostering adaptability and resilience. Finally, organizations known for their positive cultures often enjoy strong reputations, attracting loyal customers and partners. A good reputation not only enhances brand loyalty but also positions the company as a preferred choice in the market. In conclusion, workplace culture is not just a buzzword; it’s essential for success. By investing in a positive culture, HR can create an environment where employees thrive, innovation flourishes, and businesses succeed. Let’s embrace the power of culture and work towards creating workplaces where everyone can truly shine! #work placeculture   #WFH   #CANA   #HR   #HRAnalyst   #humanresources   #HRTips  #workculture Megan Randolph is our Human Resource Analyst here are CANA. If you would like to get in touch with Megan, you can do so at mrandolph@canallc.com   or on   Linkedin .

THIS IS HOW CANA DOES SUMMERTIME ☀️ You know the saying, "Work Hard, Play Hard"? Here at CANA, we excel in that arena! CANA values work-life balance to keep our team refreshed, motivated, and inspired. CANAers are embracing sunny days with activities like fishing, DJing, off-roading, and more this summer. Here's to a summer filled with fun, relaxation, and great memories! Check out some photos from our CANAers and their summer activities below 😎 Not only have CANAers been having fun in the sun on their own time, but the Business Operations team also had the opportunity to meet up in person for a mini offsite in Pennsylvania! The Biz Ops team had a great time working together face to face while enjoying the beautiful views of Seven Springs Mountain Resort  and quality time together. They even went down the infamous Alpine Slide! As we go back to working together virtually, we are forever grateful for the times we are able to get together in person. Check out some photos from the offsite below! CANA IS HIRING! BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT ALL THINGS CANA!

A Decade of Milestones, Memories, and the Magic of In-Person Connection A decade ago, I embarked on a journey with CANA that I could never have fully imagined. As I reflect on the past ten years, it's clear that the milestones and memories we've created together are intrinsically tied to the power of in-person connection, even while working virtually. From Humble Beginnings... I'll never forget our first offsite. There were only 10 of us, squeezed into a small conference room at Rob and Liz's neighborhood clubhouse. It was a scrappy, intimate gathering, buzzing with ideas and a shared sense of purpose.  We were laying the groundwork for what CANA would become. ...To a Growing Community Fast forward to our most recent offsite. The scene couldn't have been more different. A large conference room filled with an inner and outer "U" of chairs, each occupied by a dedicated CANAer. The growth was astonishing, but the energy remained the same – a palpable excitement about our mission and the camaraderie that only comes from sharing physical space. Conferences: Where Connections Spark CANA has been fortunate to participate in countless conferences over the years. These events have been more than just opportunities to share our work; they've been catalysts for new partnerships, introductions to future CANAers, and the exploration of uncharted territory. The conversations held in bustling exhibit halls or over coffee breaks have often led to breakthroughs that simply wouldn't have happened online. Small Gatherings, Big Impact It's not just the large-scale events that have left a mark. The smaller in-person meetings, whether project-focused or our monthly CANA Raleigh Cowork days, have been equally valuable. There's something about sitting across a table from colleagues, sharing a meal, or brainstorming on a whiteboard that fosters a level of trust and collaboration that's hard to replicate virtually. The Virtual Paradox Working virtually for the past decade has, in a way, amplified the importance of these in-person moments. When face-to-face interactions are less frequent, they become all the more cherished. We don't take them for granted like we might if we were commuting to an office every day. Instead, each gathering feels like a special occasion, a chance to truly connect on a human level. Here's to Many More Years of In-Person Magic As I look ahead to the next chapter of my CANA journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the memories we've made and the friendships we've forged. I'm also keenly aware that it's the in-person experiences that have fueled our growth and shaped our culture. Here's to many more years of offsites, conferences, coworking days, and impromptu gatherings – the moments that make CANA not just a workplace but a community. Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics  here at CANA. You can contact Walt via email at wdegrange@canallc.com   or on Linkedin .

We said we were going to make waves at the 92nd MORS Symposium... and WE MADE WAVES! CANA's time at the MORS Symposium was a memorable one, and we have some of our CANAers who attended MORS here to tell you about their experience. "At the 92nd Military Operations Research Society Symposium in Monterey, California, I presented my research on enhancing the defense of commercial and military shipping against attacks using one-way drones and missiles. Much of the world’s container ships now avoid critical routes, such as the Red Sea, due to security threats. The model I demonstrated explores a more sustainable defense strategy by evaluating the effectiveness of systems of various multi-domain unmanned defensive systems. This model assesses different combinations of unmanned systems and subsystems—such as sensors, weapons, energy transfer packages, and communication tools—under varying conditions to determine the optimal deployment for maximizing the probability of neutralizing drone and missile threats. The approach demonstrated aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient method for securing maritime commerce against persistent threats. My two presentations on this model were well attended, and many good questions were asked. It was also wonderful catching up with old friends out on the town as well. I look forward to MORS next year!" "As one of the three co-founders of the Women In MORS Community of Practice, I was thrilled to help lead a networking special session at the start of the 92nd MORS Symposium and meet so many operators in our field. At the end of the session, we set out a networking bingo challenge that was taken up and won by Rainey Southworth of Naval Systems, Inc. Later in the symposium, we sponsored a popular professional development session that was led by Dr. Julie Seton, Technical Presentations: How to Remain Calm, Exude Confidence, and Deliver Succinctly. The session touched on key factors necessary to reduce anxiety and increase confidence when preparing for and giving presentations using AIME. Analyzing and thinking through various aspects of a speaking event -- Audience, Instruments, Message, and Environment -- unveils the scary unknown. Coupled with practice, AIME will alleviate some of the fear, build confidence, and focus on one's message. AIME is a tool developed by Dr. Julie Seton, Indelible Enterprises, LLC , over the years as a communication consultant. I am looking forward to next year’s symposium that will be held at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT 9-12 June 2025." "The 92nd MORS Symposium provided CANA with a unique opportunity to interact with the analytics community. From reconnecting with old acquaintances to forming new relationships, there were many interesting conversations over shared analytics challenges and victories." We can't wait for next year's MORS Symposium. Thank you for having us, MORS! #CANA #MORSSymposium #MORS

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is essential to CANA to honor the remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped our world and inspired generations. Among them stands General Colin L. Powell, a towering figure in American history, renowned for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to service.  Colin Powell's journey started on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York. He grew up at a time when racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive in American society. Despite facing formidable obstacles, he refused to be defined by the limitations imposed upon him by society. After graduating from the City College of New York with a degree in geology, he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and embarked on a distinguished United States Army military career spanning 35 years. Rising through the ranks, General Powell shattered barriers, becoming the first African American to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military position in the Department of Defense. However, General Powell's legacy extends far beyond his military accomplishments. In 2001, he made history once again by becoming the first African American to serve as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. In this role, General Powell brought his unparalleled diplomatic skills to bear, advocating for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts and advancing America's interests on the world stage. Beyond his professional achievements, Colin Powell was a beacon of integrity and moral courage. He embodied the principles of honor, dignity, and respect, inspiring millions with his words and actions. General Powell once famously remarked, "[t]here are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." His life story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and determination. Colin Powell's indelible mark on history serves as a reminder of the limitless potential that resides within each of us. His life is a testament to the enduring power of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the promise of a better tomorrow. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us celebrate the extraordinary contributions of General Colin Powell and all those who have paved the way for a brighter future for generations to come.  #GeneralColinPowell #CANA #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM

Get ready for a splash at the upcoming MORS Symposium in Monterey, CA, at the Naval Postgraduate School from June 24-27! Drone Swarms vs. High-Value Targets: Who Will Win? Connor S. McLemore will be taking center stage with a presentation titled "Determining Best Combinations of Many Multi-Domain Unmanned Systems to Defend High-Value Units."  This session tackles the growing threat of low-cost drone and missile attacks on maritime commerce, a battle playing out right now in the Red Sea. CANA's Impact Goes Beyond the Waves The CANA team isn't just about robots. Renee Carlucci, a MORS Fellow, is making waves of her own by coordinating sessions that empower women in MORS and equip presenters with the skills to deliver knockout technical talks. Steering the Course: CANA Leaders at the Helm Look out for Nick Ulmer and Walt DeGrange, both serving on the MORS Board of Directors. They'll be navigating board meetings and shaping the future of the organization. Nick will also be taking on the role of a Rist Prize Team Mentor, guiding the next generation of MORS innovators. Dive Deep with CANA! The CANA team is eager to connect with you at the MORS Symposium.  Stop by our table to discuss collaboration opportunities, learn more about their work, or simply chat with a team at the forefront of defense technology. #CANA #PoweredbyCANAAnalytics #MORS #MORSSymposium Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics here at CANA. You can contact Walt via email at wdegrange@canallc.com or on Linkedin. Renee Carlucci Renee Carlucci is the Principal Operations Research Analyst here at CANA. You can contact Renee via email at rcarlucci@canallc.com or on Linkedin. Nick Ulmer Nick Ulmer is the Principal Operations Research Analyst here at CANA. You can contact Nick via email at nulmer@canallc.com or on Linkedin. Connor McLemore Connor McLemore is the Principal Operations Research Analyst here at CANA. You can contact Connor via email at cmclemore@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

Hello, and welcome back to Megan’s Corner! I'd like to offer a few helpful tips on effectively communicating with your HR department and building confidence for those who may hesitate to seek HR assistance. Over my five years in HR, I've noticed that the first thing many people say when they knock on my door is, "I'm sorry to bother you." Why do we, as employees, feel like we are inconveniencing someone whose job is to help us? It could be second nature, a personality trait, or a multitude of other reasons. Personally, I tend to apologize out of habit. As an HR professional, my role is to navigate, assist, and support my team in all HR functions. Unfortunately, I've heard from some employees that they've lost faith in the HR department over the years. My goal is to ensure that employees know they can come to me, trust me to get the job done and communicate effectively. Just as I strive to be approachable and reliable, I expect proper communication in return. HR is all about communication, and it's a crucial component for a smooth and efficient process. Here are some helpful tips for effectively communicating with your HR team, shared from my personal experience: 1. Speak Up: Don’t hesitate to reach out. HR is here to support you, so there's no need to feel like you're bothering anyone. We're here to help make your work life better. 2. Be Honest and Open: When you talk to HR, share what's really on your mind. Being upfront about your concerns helps us understand your situation better and find the best solutions. 3. Respect Their Time: While we’re always happy to help, scheduling a time to talk can ensure you get the attention you need. 4. Follow-Up: If you've discussed something important, it's okay to check back in. It shows you're serious about resolving the issue and helps keep the conversation moving forward. 5. Know Your Policies: Taking a little time to understand your company’s HR policies can make our conversations more productive. It’s easier to address your concerns when we’re all on the same page. 6. Build a Relationship: Get to know us! Building a friendly rapport can make it easier to come to us when something’s on your mind. We're here for you, so let’s get to know each other. 7. Stay Professional: Even if you're feeling upset or frustrated, try to keep things professional. It helps ensure your concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately. Remember, HR is here to support you in navigating your work experience. Effective communication with us can lead to a more positive and productive work environment for everyone. #workfromhome #WFH #CANA #HR #HRAnalyst #humanresources #HRTips Megan Randolph is our Human Resource Analyst here are CANA. If you would like to get in touch with Megan, you can do so at mrandolph@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

While May the Fourth celebrates the iconic phrase “May the Force be with you,” the day after brings forth a different energy. It’s Revenge of the 5th everyone! A Day where we Star Wars fans embrace the more complicated characters and aspects in the Star Wars universe — the villains, the anti-heroes, and the mischievous outliers, and the powers and tactics they use. So, in the spirit of this day, let’s explore how data analytics intersects with the darker side of the galaxy. Let us pay homage, or maybe it’s better to say to respect the darker side of a galaxy far, far away, and it’s allure as we look into the ways analytics can be used that you should be knowledgeable about. Because as Vader himself says “You don’t know the power of the Dark Side!” The Dark Side of Data Quality Just as the Sith Lords wield the dark side of the Force, and Grand Moffs manipulate their sectors, data quality issues can cast a shadow over our analytics endeavors. Here’s how: Burning the Jedi Temple - Incomplete Data: Like a half-trained Jedi, incomplete data leads to incomplete insights. Missing values, gaps, or incomplete records can distort our analyses. And I Thought they Smelled Bad on the Outside - Dirty Data: The equivalent of a Sith Master’s teachings or an Apprentince’s covert mission to corrupt and influence, dirty data contains errors, duplicates, and inconsistencies. It clouds our decision-making like a well used Sith or Jedi mind trick. This Battle Station is the Ultimate Power - Biased Data: Just as the dark side clouds judgment, biased data introduces prejudice. Biased training data can lead to biased machine learning models, perpetuating unfair outcomes. The Art of Deception: Misleading Visualizations The Sith are masters of deception, and so are poorly designed visualizations. Beware of: These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For - Cherry-Picked Visuals: Like a Sith manipulating the Force, cherry-picked charts can distort reality. Always consider the full context. That’s no Moon - Misleading Axes: A hidden agenda lies in skewed axes. Adjusting scales can make differences appear larger or smaller than they truly are. I See You Have Contructed a New Lightsaber - Darth Pie Charts: These deceptive circles divide data like the Empire divides planets. Opt for cleaner alternatives like bar charts or line graphs. The Power of Dark Patterns Dark patterns in user interfaces mirror the Sith’s manipulation tactics. Watch out for: Obi Wan Never Told You - Privacy Intrusions: Just as Palpatine seeks control, some apps and websites exploit user data without consent. Dark patterns hide opt-outs and consent forms. Search Your Feelings You Know it be True - Nudging Toward Conversion: Like a Sith mind trick, dark patterns subtly push users toward actions they didn’t intend. Be ethical in your design. What I Told You was True From a Certain Point of View - Data manipulation: The Empire isn't shy about manipulating information and neither are many foreign interests, hackers, and manipulating bad actors on the internet. These are entities using AI-powered bots to spread misinformation and propaganda to maintain control, cause dissension, spread misinformation or just manipulate the data. The dark side of analytics is strong with this one! The Temptation of Overfitting Overfitting, akin to the allure of the dark side, tempts us with seemingly perfect models. But beware: This Fully Operational Battle Station - Complex Models: Like Sith Holocrons and Death Star attack plans, overly complex models memorize noise instead of learning patterns. They perform well on training data but fail in the real world. Many Bothan Spies - Data Snooping: The Sith’s lust for power mirrors our desire for high accuracy. Data snooping (peeking at test data during model development) leads to false confidence. The Balance of Ethical Analytics Just as Anakin struggled with his dual identity, we must balance analytics with ethics: What is in There? Only What You Take with You - Privacy vs. Insights: The Dark Side whispers, “Use all available data!” However, ethical boundaries protect user privacy. Feel the Force Flowing Through You - Fairness: Like the Force, fairness must flow through our models. Avoid bias and ensure equitable outcomes. Like a Force Ghost - Transparency: Shine a light on your analytics process. Explain decisions to avoid the secrecy of the Sith. So, on this “Revenge of the Fifth,” let’s remember to look into the shadows, learn from the villains, and wield data analytics responsibly. May your insights be as prophetic as the Emperor's visions and as powerful as a Sith Lord’s lightning! Remember, even in the darkest data, there’s a glimmer of light waiting to be discovered. As our favorite Princess in a Galaxy Far, Far away says, “There is always Hope”. May the Force be with you and may your analytics journey be both enlightening and thrilling! Koa Beam is our Lead Graphic Designer here at CANA. You can contact Koa via email at kbeam@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

Happy Star Wars Day! Every May the 4th, fans celebrate the iconic saga that has captivated audiences for generations. But beyond the lightsabers and X-wings, there's a hidden world that keeps the galaxy far, far away - not so different from our own running: analytics and logistics. Think about it. The Empire maintains control across countless star systems. The Rebellion needs to move supplies and personnel undetected. Even smugglers like Han Solo rely on efficient operations. Here's how these seemingly mundane realities connect to the Force: Rebellion by the Numbers: The Rebellion might be smaller, but they punch above their weight. Imagine the analytics needed to identify weaknesses in the Death Star (thermal exhaust port, anyone?) or plan strategic hit-and-run attacks against Imperial supply convoys. Every victory likely involved complex data analysis to understand troop movements, resource allocation, and potential battle outcomes. Supply Chains make a Rebellion and Power an Empire: The Empire's vastness is a logistical marvel. They need to keep troops fed, ships fueled, and construction projects on schedule across the galaxy. This requires a sophisticated network for transporting raw materials, manufactured goods, and even the dark side itself (think cloning facilities). Any hiccup in this system could be disastrous, leaving entire legions vulnerable. Smugglers with Smarts: He may not want to know the odds but even Han Solo, the quintessential rogue, relies on data. Knowing trade routes, identifying lucrative markets, and evading interdiction patrols all require quick thinking and information. He likely uses his own set of analytics to assess risks, calculate profits, and choose the fastest route (especially when the Kessel Run is involved). Target Acquisition: The Death Star wasn't just a space station, it was a giant target. Rebel engineers likely pored over data on Imperial fleet movements, weapon range, and shield vulnerabilities to pinpoint the exact location and timing for a successful trench run. Predictive Maintenance: Keeping a massive fleet like the Empire's operation requires constant monitoring and maintenance. Analytics could be used to predict equipment failures, schedule repairs, and optimize resource allocation to keep ships and starfighters battle-ready. Droid Efficiency: In Star Wars, droids and AI are everywhere. Much like the increasing use and knowledge about AI and automation we use, droids like R2-D2 and C-3PO are more than just helpful companions. They likely have built-in analytics functions to process sensor data, optimize repairs, and even suggest tactical courses of action. Advanced astromech droids like R2 could be analyzing data from starships in real-time, identifying potential problems and recommending solutions to human pilots. And oh so much more. The Force of Information In Star Wars, information is just as powerful as the Force (and usable by more than just Jedi and Sith). By leveraging data and logistics, both the Rebellion and the Empire wage war. It's a reminder that even in a fantastical universe, success hinges on the ability to gather insights, make informed decisions, and keep the goods flowing. So, this May the 4th, as you celebrate the epic battles and iconic characters, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes: the data analysts and logistics experts keeping the galaxy moving. After all, even a Jedi Master needs a well-maintained lightsaber (and maybe a spare thermal detonator, just in case). Happy Star Wars Day Everyone and May the 4th Be With You! Koa Beam is our Lead Graphic Designer here at CANA. You can contact Koa via email at kbeam@canallc.com or on Linkedin.

In the fast-paced world of data analytics, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. New techniques, tools, and insights emerge constantly, and it can be challenging for individual analysts and teams to keep up. This is where the CANA Analytics Roundtable (CAR) has proven invaluable. What is the CAR? The CAR is a monthly, every second Tuesday, one-hour event held at CANA. It features a standard schedule: Three 10-minute presentations: Team members share insights, techniques, and project experiences. One 20-minute in-depth presentation: A deeper dive into a complex topic. Final 10 minutes: Discussion of upcoming analytics conferences and relevant events. Since its inception in July 2016, the CAR has held a remarkable 83 sessions and over 300 topics have been presented by over 20 team members as of April 2024. Benefits of a Knowledge-Sharing Initiative Like the CAR The CAR offers several key benefits that can be replicated in other organizations: Continuous Learning: The CAR helps analysts stay updated on the latest analytical techniques, tools, and industry trends. Cross-Team Collaboration: Project learnings are shared across teams, reducing knowledge silos and promoting collaboration. Practice for Conferences: Presentations offer a low-stakes environment to practice for industry conferences, building presentation skills. Knowledge Dissemination: Conference attendees summarize learnings for those unable to attend, maximizing the benefits of professional events. Community Building: The CAR fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among analytics professionals. How Other Organizations Can Benefit Organizations of all sizes can reap significant rewards by establishing similar knowledge-sharing initiatives modeled after the CAR. Adopting this approach encourages ongoing development, supports collaboration, and strengthens the overall analytics function. Tips for Starting Your Own Roundtable Secure Leadership Buy-In: Obtain support from decision-makers to ensure dedicated time and resources. Set a Regular Cadence: Choose a consistent time and day each month to build routine and participation. Foster a Safe Space: Encourage open sharing and create an environment where all ideas are welcomed. Rotate Presenters: Give team members opportunities to lead discussions and share their expertise. Document Insights: Maintain a shared repository to store presentations and notes for later reference. The Bottom Line The CAR's success and longevity demonstrate the power of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within analytics teams. It serves as a blueprint for fostering a culture where analysts collaborate to enhance their skills and drive innovation. By maximizing this shared knowledge, the CAR ensures that CANA stays at the forefront of the analytics field and delivers superior solutions to its clients. #CANAAnalyticsRoundtable #CAR #PoweredByCANAAnalytics #Collaboration Walt DeGrange Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics here at CANA. You can contact him via email at wdegrange@canallc.com or on Linkedin.