by tyler garrett | Jan 20, 2023 | Solutions
Here’s a polished rewrite of the piece with a more modern, consulting-savvy tone, built for blog or LinkedIn visibility—and a few links to dev3lop.com added in naturally to align with your offerings:
The Finance Industry’s Over-Reliance on Data: The Risks and Drawbacks
In today’s finance world, data is king. From algorithmic trading and credit risk modeling to customer segmentation and fraud detection, data-driven strategies have become the norm. But as the industry races to automate, quantify, and optimize, it risks leaning too far into the data pool—and drowning in unintended consequences.
At DEV3LOP, we help businesses strike a healthy balance between data automation and human insight. And in the finance space, that balance is more crucial than ever.
The Hidden Dangers of Biased Data
The finance industry’s love for data often masks a serious issue: bias. Much of the data being used is self-reported, outdated, or pulled from limited sources, creating blind spots in analysis. As a result, decision-making skews toward reinforcing past patterns rather than adapting to changing market realities or underserved demographics.
Without proper data audits or a strategy to ensure diverse inputs, financial institutions risk building tools and processes that serve the few—while alienating the many. This is why we recommend regular data quality assessments and architecture reviews as part of any analytics strategy.
Over-Automation Undermines Accountability
From robo-advisors to loan approval algorithms, automation is everywhere. But when you replace too much human oversight with machines, things go wrong—quietly and at scale.
Automated systems can deny loans, flag transactions, or misjudge creditworthiness based on flawed logic or outdated models. Worse, they often lack transparency. Customers and regulators are left in the dark, unable to understand why a decision was made. At DEV3, we advocate for hybrid systems—automated where it helps, but always layered with explain-ability and human review.
Innovation Takes a Backseat
Chasing yesterday’s KPIs can stall tomorrow’s progress. A hyper-focus on metrics and historical trends can trap teams in a feedback loop of incremental optimization instead of bold innovation.
Many financial organizations struggle to evolve beyond what’s measurable, ignoring qualitative insights, customer empathy, and market intuition. That’s where data consultants can play a key role—unlocking creative solutions that aren’t confined to dashboards and spreadsheets.
The Cost of Keeping Up
Data isn’t cheap. Between storage infrastructure, security protocols, machine learning tools, and full-time data science teams, even mid-size firms can find themselves buried in technical debt.
Smaller players in the financial sector face an uphill battle just to participate. And when data becomes a barrier instead of an advantage, it’s time to reassess your stack. At DEV3LOP, we’ve helped firms trim unnecessary tools, simplify pipelines, and find scalable alternatives to bloated platforms.
Privacy and Trust Are on the Line
As the industry continues to harvest and analyze personal financial behavior, trust hangs in the balance. Data breaches, misuse of personal information, and the creep factor of overly personalized insights can quickly damage brand reputation.
In a post-GDPR, privacy-first world, data ethics are no longer optional—they’re strategic. Transparency in how data is collected, processed, and applied is essential, and your systems need to be designed with accountability at their core.
The Bottom Line
Data is powerful, but it’s not a silver bullet. Over-reliance on it—especially without governance, context, or critical thinking—can introduce risk, erode trust, and stall innovation. The financial services industry needs to rethink the role of data: not as the driver, but as the co-pilot.
Need help building a smarter, more balanced approach to data strategy in finance? Let’s talk.
by tyler garrett | Jan 2, 2023 | Business, Solutions
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in the business world, and one AI technology that has gained a lot of attention is ChatGPT. ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a natural language processing (NLP) system developed by OpenAI that allows businesses to create chatbots that can understand and respond to human language in a conversational manner.
There are many potential uses for ChatGPT in small businesses, and one of the most obvious is customer service. ChatGPT chatbots can be used to handle simple customer inquiries, such as answering frequently asked questions or providing information about products and services. This can free up time for human customer service representatives to handle more complex issues, or allow businesses to provide 24/7 customer service without the need for staff to be available at all times.
Another potential use for ChatGPT in small businesses is for marketing and sales. ChatGPT chatbots can be used to engage with potential customers, providing information about products and services and helping to guide them through the sales process. This can be particularly useful for businesses with a high volume of leads, as it allows them to personalize the sales process for each individual customer.
In addition to customer service and sales, ChatGPT chatbots can also be used for a wide range of other applications in small businesses. For example, they can be used to automate simple tasks, such as scheduling appointments or sending reminders. They can also be used to gather feedback from customers or employees, allowing businesses to continuously improve their products and services.
Overall, ChatGPT has the potential to significantly impact small businesses by providing a cost-effective way to automate simple tasks, improve customer service, and generate leads. While there are certainly limitations to what ChatGPT chatbots can do, they can be a valuable tool for small businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line.
20 ChatGPT use cases that could be huge opportunities for small businesses
- “Ask a ChatGPT” – a chatbot service that allows small business owners to get quick answers to their most pressing questions, such as “How do I file my taxes?” or “What’s the best way to market my business on social media?”
- “ChatGPT Concierge” – a chatbot that helps small business owners plan their day, by providing recommendations for local events, restaurants, and activities based on their interests and schedule.
- “ChatGPT HR” – a chatbot that helps small business owners manage their human resources tasks, such as scheduling interviews, creating employee profiles, and tracking time off.
- “ChatGPT Bookkeeper” – a chatbot that assists small business owners with their accounting and financial management tasks, such as creating invoices, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports.
- “ChatGPT Personal Shopper” – a chatbot that helps small business owners find the perfect gifts for their clients, employees, and loved ones, based on their preferences and budget.
- “ChatGPT Travel Agent” – a chatbot that helps small business owners plan their business trips, by providing recommendations for flights, hotels, and activities based on their destination and needs.
- “ChatGPT Social Media Manager” – a chatbot that helps small business owners create and schedule social media posts, and provides tips and strategies for growing their online presence.
- “ChatGPT Event Planner” – a chatbot that assists small business owners with the planning and execution of events, such as conferences, workshops, and networking events.
- “ChatGPT Virtual Assistant” – a chatbot that helps small business owners with a wide range of tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, and creating to-do lists.
- “ChatGPT Customer Service” – a chatbot that assists small business owners with handling customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback, and provides personalized recommendations for products and services.
- “ChatGPT Marketing Assistant” – a chatbot that helps small business owners create and implement marketing campaigns, by providing ideas for content, targeting the right audience, and measuring the results.
- “ChatGPT Project Manager” – a chatbot that assists small business owners with managing projects and tasks, by setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and tracking progress.
- “ChatGPT Website Assistant” – a chatbot that helps small business owners create and maintain their website, by providing tips and resources for design, content, and search engine optimization (SEO).
- “ChatGPT Virtual Receptionist” – a chatbot that handles incoming calls and inquiries for small businesses, by providing information about products and services, directing calls to the appropriate staff member, and scheduling appointments.
- “ChatGPT Lead Generator” – a chatbot that helps small business owners identify and connect with potential customers, by gathering information about their interests and needs, and providing personalized recommendations.
- “ChatGPT Personal Trainer” – a chatbot that helps small business owners create and follow personalized fitness plans, by providing exercises, nutrition advice, and progress tracking.
- “ChatGPT Nutritionist” – a chatbot that assists small business owners with planning and tracking their meals, by providing personalized nutrition recommendations and recipes based on their goals and preferences.
- “ChatGPT Gardener” – a chatbot that helps small business owners plan and care for their gardens, by providing tips and resources for selecting plants, soil preparation, and pest control.
- “ChatGPT Lawyer” – a chatbot that assists small business owners with legal questions and tasks, such as creating contracts, filing trademarks, and understanding regulations.
- “ChatGPT Travel Companion” – a chatbot that helps small business owners plan and enjoy their travels, by providing recommendations for activities, restaurants, and accommodations based on their destination and interests.
All of the use cases listed above are possible with ChatGPT, as long as the chatbot is programmed and trained to handle the specific tasks and responses required for each use case. For example, a ChatGPT chatbot could be programmed to provide answers to frequently asked questions, or to recommend local events and activities based on a user’s interests and schedule. Similarly, a ChatGPT chatbot could be trained to handle customer inquiries and complaints, or to assist with financial management tasks such as invoicing and expense tracking.
Example code for the ChatGPT solutions listed above;
<script>
// Initialize ChatGPT with your GPT-3 API key
const chatgpt = new ChatGPT('your-api-key');
// Set up the chatbot's message container and input field
const messageContainer = document.getElementById('chatgpt-messages');
const inputField = document.getElementById('chatgpt-input');
// Define a function to handle the user's input
const sendMessage = () => {
// Get the user's message from the input field
const message = inputField.value;
// Clear the input field
inputField.value = '';
// Use ChatGPT to generate a response to the user's message
chatgpt.send(message).then(response => {
// Display the user's message and ChatGPT's response
messageContainer.innerHTML += `
<div class="user-message">${message}</div>
<div class="chatgpt-message">${response}</div>
`;
// Scroll the message container to the bottom
messageContainer.scrollTop = messageContainer.scrollHeight;
});
};
// Add an event listener to the input field to send the message when the user hits Enter
inputField.addEventListener('keydown', event => {
if (event.key === 'Enter') {
sendMessage();
}
});
</script>
by tyler garrett | Jan 1, 2023 | Solutions
Data visualization is an essential tool for understanding and analyzing data, and there are countless options out there for creating visually appealing and effective graphics. But with so many choices, it can be tough to know which tool is the right one for you. Even with 10 years + experience in data visualization consulting experience we feel we are always hearing about a new software or open source library, however which data visualization tool do we think will be top 5 in 2023?
Here are our top 5 data visualization tools to consider:
- Tableau: Tableau is a powerful and widely-used data visualization tool that allows users to create interactive dashboards and charts. It’s easy to use and offers a wide range of customization options.
- Power BI: Although we started as a Tableau shop, we have migrated most engagements to Power BI because of it’s ability to out perform Tableau when creating data product with ease. However we will mention here Power BI requires some good Data Governance Practices (AKA creating a data warehouse) in place, or it’s hard to utilize Power BI.
- Excel: Excel may not be the most sophisticated data visualization tool out there, but it’s a tried-and-true option that’s available on almost every computer. Plus, it’s easy to learn and use, making it a great choice for beginners.
- D3.js: D3.js is a JavaScript library that allows users to create dynamic and interactive visualizations. It’s a great choice for those who are comfortable with coding and want to create custom visualizations.
- Plotly: Plotly is a cloud-based data visualization tool that allows users to create a wide range of charts and graphs. It’s easy to use and offers a range of customization options.
- Google Charts: Google Charts is a free and easy-to-use data visualization tool that’s available online. It offers a wide range of chart types and customization options, and is a great choice for those looking for a quick and simple solution.
In conclusion, data visualization is an incredibly powerful tool for understanding and analyzing data, and there are so many fantastic options out there for creating visually appealing and effective graphics. But with so many choices, it can be tough to know which tool is the right one for you. Our top 5 data visualization tools – Tableau, Excel, D3.js, Plotly, and Google Charts – are all excellent options that offer a range of customization options and cater to different skill levels. No matter which one you choose, the most important thing is to find a tool that works for you and your needs. So go out there and start visualizing your data like a pro! And remember, the most important thing is to have fun with it – because let’s face it, staring at spreadsheets all day isn’t exactly thrilling. Happy visualizing!
by tyler garrett | Dec 29, 2022 | Automation, Google, Solutions
To send XML data to Google BigQuery using Node.js, you will need to use the BigQuery API.
Here’s an example of how you can do this:
- First, you will need to set up a project in the Google Cloud Console and enable the BigQuery API.
- Install the Google Cloud client library for Node.js by running the following command:
npm install @google-cloud/bigquery
- Import the
BigQuery client and authenticate your application by creating a JSON key file and setting the GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS environment variable:
const {BigQuery} = require('@google-cloud/bigquery');
const bigquery = new BigQuery();
- Next, you can create a dataset and table in BigQuery to hold the XML data. You can do this using the
createDataset and createTable methods of the BigQuery client:
async function createDatasetAndTable() {
// Create a dataset
const dataset = bigquery.dataset('xml_dataset');
await dataset.create();
// Create a table in the dataset
const table = dataset.table('xml_table');
await table.create({
schema: 'xml:string',
});
}
- To insert the XML data into the table, you can use the
insert method of the Table object:
async function insertXMLData(xml) {
const rows = [{xml}];
const options = {
raw: true,
};
const [insertErrors] = await table.insert(rows, options);
if (insertErrors) {
insertErrors.forEach(console.error);
}
}
That’s it! You should now be able to send XML data to Google BigQuery using Node.js and the BigQuery API.
by tyler garrett | Dec 29, 2022 | Automation, Google, Solutions
To write Node.js code that uses the Sage API to transfer data to Google BigQuery, you will need to use the Google Cloud Client Libraries for Node.js and the Sage API client for Node.js.
First, you will need to set up your environment by installing the necessary libraries and authenticating your Google Cloud account. You can do this by following the instructions in the Google Cloud documentation: https://cloud.google.com/docs/authentication/getting-started
Once you have set up your environment, you can use the following code as a starting point for transferring data from Sage to BigQuery:
Copy codeconst { BigQuery } = require('@google-cloud/bigquery');
const SageAPI = require('sage-api-client');
// Create a client for interacting with BigQuery
const bigquery = new BigQuery();
// Create a client for interacting with the Sage API
const sage = new SageAPI({
// Add your Sage API credentials here
});
// Connect to the Sage API and retrieve data
sage.get('/api/v2/products').then(response => {
// Format the data for insertion into BigQuery
const data = response.data.map(product => ({
id: product.id,
name: product.name,
price: product.price,
}));
// Insert the data into a BigQuery table
bigquery
.dataset('my_dataset')
.table('my_table')
.insert(data)
.then(() => {
console.log('Data inserted into BigQuery table');
})
.catch(err => {
console.error('Error inserting data into BigQuery table:', err);
});
});
This code creates a client for interacting with the Sage API and a client for interacting with BigQuery. It then retrieves data from the Sage API, formats it for insertion into BigQuery, and inserts it into a BigQuery table. You will need to replace my_dataset and my_table with the names of your dataset and table, and add your Sage API credentials to the SageAPI constructor.
by tyler garrett | Dec 29, 2022 | Automation, Google, Solutions
Here is an explanation of the code for sending TikTok data to Google BigQuery using Node.js:
const { BigQuery } = require('@google-cloud/bigquery');
This line imports the BigQuery class from the @google-cloud/bigquery library. The BigQuery class provides a client for interacting with the Big Query API.
async function sendTikTokDataToBigQuery(data) {
// Create a client for interacting with the BigQuery API
const bigquery = new BigQuery();
This function defines the sendTikTokDataToBigQuery function, which takes an array of data as an argument. The function begins by creating a new BigQuery client object.
// The name for the new dataset
const datasetName = 'tiktok_data';
// The name for the new table
const tableName = 'tiktok_table';
These lines define the names of the new dataset and table that will be created in Big Query.
// The schema for the new table
const schema = [
{ name: 'id', type: 'INTEGER' },
{ name: 'username', type: 'STRING' },
{ name: 'description', type: 'STRING' },
{ name: 'likes', type: 'INTEGER' },
{ name: 'comments', type: 'INTEGER' }
];
This defines the schema for the new table as an array of objects, with each object representing a column in the table and specifying the name and data type of the column.
// Create a new dataset
await bigquery.createDataset(datasetName);
This line creates a new dataset in Big Query using the createDataset method of the bigquery client and the datasetName variable.
// Create a new table in the dataset
await bigquery.dataset(datasetName).createTable(tableName, { schema: schema });
This line creates a new table in the dataset using the createTable method of the bigquery.dataset object and the tableName and schema variables.
// Insert the data into the table
await bigquery
.dataset(datasetName)
.table(tableName)
.insert(data);
This line inserts the data into the table using the insert method of the bigquery.dataset.table object and the data argument.
console.log(`Successfully sent TikTok data to Big Query: ${datasetName}.${tableName}`);
}
This logs a message indicating that the data has been successfully sent to Big Query.
const data = [
{ id: 1, username: 'tiktokuser1', description: 'My first TikTok video', likes: 1000, comments: 50 },
{ id: 2, username: 'tiktokuser2', description: 'My second TikTok video', likes: 2000, comments: 100 },
{ id: 3, username: 'tiktokuser3', description: 'My third TikTok video', likes: 3000, comments: 150 }
];
sendTikTokDataToBigQuery(data);
This code defines an array of TikTok data objects and then calls the sendTikTokDataToBigQuery function with this array as an argument. This will send the TikTok data to BigQuery.
The complete code to send TikTok data to Google Big Query using Node.js:
const { BigQuery } = require('@google-cloud/bigquery');
async function sendTikTokDataToBigQuery(data) {
// Create a client for interacting with the BigQuery API
const bigquery = new BigQuery();
// The name for the new dataset
const datasetName = 'tiktok_data';
// The name for the new table
const tableName = 'tiktok_table';
// The schema for the new table
const schema = [
{ name: 'id', type: 'INTEGER' },
{ name: 'username', type: 'STRING' },
{ name: 'description', type: 'STRING' },
{ name: 'likes', type: 'INTEGER' },
{ name: 'comments', type: 'INTEGER' }
];
// Create a new dataset
await bigquery.createDataset(datasetName);
// Create a new table in the dataset
await bigquery.dataset(datasetName).createTable(tableName, { schema: schema });
// Insert the data into the table
await bigquery
.dataset(datasetName)
.table(tableName)
.insert(data);
console.log(`Successfully sent TikTok data to Big Query: ${datasetName}.${tableName}`);
}
// Example usage: send TikTok data to Big Query
const data = [
{ id: 1, username: 'tiktokuser1', description: 'My first TikTok video', likes: 1000, comments: 50 },
{ id: 2, username: 'tiktokuser2', description: 'My second TikTok video', likes: 2000, comments: 100 },
{ id: 3, username: 'tiktokuser3', description: 'My third TikTok video', likes: 3000, comments: 150 }
];
sendTikTokDataToBigQuery(data);
This code creates a new Big Query dataset and table, and then inserts the TikTok data into the table. The schema for the table is defined as an array of objects, with each object representing a column in the table and specifying the name and data type of the column.
You will need to have the Google Cloud Big Query Node.js client library installed, which you can do by running npm install @google-cloud/bigquery in your project directory.
You will also need to have the necessary credentials for authenticating with the Big Query API. You can set up a service account and download the JSON key file from the Google Cloud Console, and then set the GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS environment variable to the path of the JSON key file.
