Reclaiming Data’s True Value: The Activity Schema Revolution

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Reclaiming Data’s True Value: The Activity Schema Revolution

Data is the lifeblood of modern business—but today’s approach to managing it has lost its way. Ahmed Elsamadisi, the visionary founder of op‑level and the mind behind the Activity Schema, believes it’s time to pivot from process-heavy, costly data practices to a value-driven model that delivers rapid insights. In this post, we break down his ideas into easy-to-scan sections complete with bullet points, callouts, and key takeaways.

Why Data Has Lost Its Way

Data teams today are caught in a maze of overly complex processes and bloated technology stacks. Here’s a snapshot of the current state:

• Excessive Tooling:
  • 50+ tools ranging from data dictionaries and anomaly detection to code editors and SQL processors.
• Soaring Costs:
  • Ballooning expenses from compute costs, data movement, and repeated processing.
• Overcomplicated Processes:
  • Instead of a simple, direct answer, a question now triggers a long chain:
    Question → Product Manager → Backlog → Data Analyst → Analytics Engineer → Data Engineer → ... back to the questioner.

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Data’s true value lies in informing decisions—not in managing endless layers of processes.

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The Data vs. Product Engineering Divide

Ahmed highlights fundamental differences between data and product engineering that have driven the current inefficiencies:

• Purpose & Value:
  • Product Engineering: Value is measured by building and deploying features.
  • Data: Value is realized in the decisions made because of the insights.
• Code Dynamics:
  • Traditional Code (e.g., JavaScript, Python): Linear and additive; past functionality remains unaffected.
  • SQL for Data: Any change in SQL can retroactively affect past outcomes—a phenomenon akin to the join concept in relational databases.
• Timing & Impact:
  • Product Features: Non-blocking; users adapt as features roll out.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Completely blocking; delays mean decisions are made without the critical data insights.

Remember:
When data delays decision-making, it loses its purpose. Your data processes should empower fast, accurate decisions—not hinder them.

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Enter the Activity Schema

Over eight years ago, Ahmed introduced the Activity Schema—a fresh, fluid approach to data management designed to replace convoluted layers with simple, agile building blocks.

What Is the Activity Schema?

• Fluid & Flexible:
  • Think of data like water or Lego blocks: easy to shape and reassemble quickly.
• Simplified SQL:
  • Average queries hover around 25 lines—significantly less than the thousands often seen in traditional setups.
• Streamlined Dependencies:
  • With just one layer of dependency, you reduce complexity and the risk of cascading errors.
• Cost & Speed Benefits:
  • Lower compute costs and faster query responses lead to actionable insights in minutes.

High Learning:
The Activity Schema transforms the data journey—from question to answer—into a rapid, efficient process that truly unlocks value.

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Achieving Operational Leverage with Data

Operational Leverage is the concept of multiplying every decision’s impact by harnessing the true power of your data. Here’s how op‑level helps you get there:

• Focused Consulting:
  • Rapid onboarding: Understand your business in weeks, not months.
  • Tailored building blocks: Assemble the essential pieces to answer your most critical questions.
• Value Over Process:
  • No massive data dictionaries or endless bureaucratic processes.
  • A simple question-answer model that drives actionable insights fast.
• Smart Integration:
  • Leverage modern compute power and AI to merge data sources.
  • Trigger automated actions (e.g., emails, homepage updates, leaderboards) based on real-time insights.

Takeaway:
Operational leverage means transforming your data from an expensive, cumbersome cost center into a strategic asset that fuels better, faster decision-making.

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Key Takeaways

• Simplify Your Data Architecture:
  Embrace the fluid, Lego-like approach of the Activity Schema to reduce complexity.
• Focus on Decision-Making:
  Prioritize generating insights that drive business decisions over merely maintaining process-heavy systems.
• Reduce Costs & Increase Speed:
  With shorter, more efficient SQL queries and streamlined dependencies, operational costs drop while speed and accuracy improve.
• Rethink Data’s Role:
  Shift from treating data as a byproduct of process to recognizing it as a dynamic tool for achieving operational leverage.

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Conclusion

Ahmed Elsamadisi’s call to rethink our approach to data is both timely and transformative. By moving away from outdated, process-driven methods and embracing the simplicity of the Activity Schema, businesses can reclaim the true value of data—turning it into a powerful tool for making smarter decisions quickly.

‍Are you ready to transform your data strategy?
Discover how a focus on rapid, actionable insights can bring unprecedented operational leverage to your organization.

Final Thought:
Reclaim your data’s potential by focusing on what truly matters: the ability to make fast, informed decisions that drive value.

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Interested in learning more? Stay tuned for more insights on how to streamline your data operations and drive real business value!