Alter.Nation
Community news, customer stories, and more!
Today’s ACE spotlight is @albert_alaluf! Keep reading to learn more about Albert and what makes him a unique Alteryx super user.
Tell us a bit about your professional background.
I started my career as a Telecommunication Presales Engineer, lending a helping hand to my sales team and working on projects involving LAN, WAN, Wireless and Teleconference technologies. One cool thing I did was use Wireless Radio (2.4GHz Free Band) to connect Asia and Europe, enabling video conferencing between the two continents. It was a big deal back then because wireless and video conferencing were still in their early stages.
Then, I tackled the Wireless Radar Project in Turkish Cyprus with the support of the UN. This project was a huge success, paying for itself in just two weeks! It showed off my skills and ability to come up with creative solutions.
After moving to the States, I continued my journey in Telecommunications, becoming a 911 SME and working with Enterprise customers. I ensured that 911 systems were reliable and efficient by collaborating with public safety organizations and emergency services.
Now, I'm a Data Scientist in Verizon's Internal Audit Department. I’ve been at Verizon since 2012, and I use my analytical skills and tech background to dig through data, spot patterns, and provide insights that help the company manage risks and stay in line with the rules. The switch to Data Science lets me apply my problem-solving skills in a new field, using the latest tech to make decisions based on data and improve the way the company operates.
What is your favorite Alteryx tool, and why?
My one and only favorite tool is InDB. I'm in love with its functionality. As much as I'm working in Big Data, InDB gives me an opportunity to analyze everything on the database side without having to pull all the data from the server. Especially working from home during COVID, I believe I saved my company's bandwidth by using InDB. InDB is a super cool tool that I absolutely love because of how well it works.
What has been your favorite Alteryx project? Can you tell us about the business problem you solved?
One day, my manager approached me with a challenging request. The task involved integrating data from multiple databases and flat files, analyzing the combined information, and creating a comprehensive report for project stakeholders. The complexity and sensitivity of the data presented a significant obstacle, and my team estimated that completing the project using Python would take several weeks.
I decided to take on the challenge. I spent the first three days immersing myself in the data, studying its structure, and identifying the key relationships between different elements. With a clear understanding of the data, I began to develop a custom solution that would efficiently handle the various data sources and formats.
I developed a robust data integration pipeline that seamlessly merged the disparate data sources. Leveraging my skills in data analysis, I then applied advanced techniques to extract meaningful insights from the combined information. The result was a comprehensive report that provided valuable insights into the project's progress and performance.
But I didn't stop there. Recognizing the importance of effective data visualization, I spent the next two days creating an interactive dashboard in Tableau. This dashboard not only presented the key findings of the report but also allowed stakeholders to explore the data in real-time, facilitating deeper analysis and decision-making.
In just five days, I had successfully completed the project, delivering a comprehensive report and a powerful dashboard. My solution not only met the initial requirements but also exceeded expectations by providing an immersive and engaging data visualization experience. The project stakeholders were highly impressed with the results, and my team members were amazed by the speed and efficiency of my work.
What advice do you have for new community members?
The Alteryx community is an incredibly vibrant and supportive group of individuals. We genuinely believe that there are no stupid questions. Each one of us has been in a position where we've had to ask for help, and we're always happy to lend a hand to others. Whether you're just starting out with Alteryx or you're a seasoned pro, don't hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple or complex they may seem.
It's also important to remember that there are no easy answers when it comes to data analysis. Every problem is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. That's what makes data analysis so challenging and rewarding. So, don't get discouraged if you can't figure something out right away. Just keep at it, and you'll eventually find the answer.
One of the best ways to learn Alteryx is to challenge yourself. Try to solve those weekly Alteryx challenges, even if they're not your forte. That's how you'll learn new things and grow as an analyst. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
Remember, the Alteryx community is here to support you every step of the way. So, don't be shy, reach out and ask for help when you need it. We're all in this together, and we're all here to help each other succeed.
What is your favorite way to engage as an ACE? Also, what area of the online community do you spend the most time in?
In my day-to-day role at my company, I dedicate a significant portion of my time to engaging with colleagues through our Alteryx Slack channels. Regardless of my workload, I make myself readily available to assist them with any queries or challenges they may encounter. If I don't immediately have the answer, I promptly embark on a research endeavor to gather relevant information and formulate a helpful response. I approach their problems with the same level of urgency and care as if they were my own, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed.
Beyond my direct interactions with colleagues, I actively participate in the broader Alteryx online community. I regularly visit the community forums to identify unanswered questions and contribute my knowledge and expertise to provide solutions. While I prioritize my responsibilities within my team, I recognize the importance of expanding my reach and fostering connections beyond my immediate work circle. By actively engaging in the online community, I aim to make a positive impact on a wider scale and contribute to the collective growth and success of the Alteryx user base.
What discussion topic(s) could Community members tag you in for help?
I am open to discussing and attempting to answer questions on a wide range of topics. While I have no specific limitations, I must clarify that I am not proficient in R or Python coding. Therefore, I would prefer to refrain from answering questions directly related to those programming languages.
What is one fun thing about you that community members might not know?
There's something about me that only a handful of people know. You might think I'm a straightforward and outgoing person, but that's not entirely true. Deep down, I'm a bit of a shy person. I remember one time at a conference when I was presenting, I actually fainted! Talk about embarrassing!
On a lighter note, I have a huge sweet tooth, especially for stuffed grapes. I can't get enough of them. If I had my way, I'd eat them all day long!
