Davide HananDavide Hanan


Everyone knows that Formula 1 is as fast-paced as it gets, going from 0 to 124 mph (200km/h) in four seconds and at a speed of 225mph. But success does not just lie in speed. Behind the scenes, engineers and mechanics need to know exactly what they are doing – and make any fixes as quickly as possible.

An organisation needs to keep track of what’s going on in the company via CRM and ERP systems, while comparatively Formula 1 teams need to keep up to date with everything that’s going on around them. Not only do they have to understand the condition of their cars during the race but they need to have information on previous races and pit stops, so they can act as efficiently as possible, taking on board what has happened in the past - how much slower or faster they were.

People don’t often think of similarities between the business world and Formula 1, and even less think of big data, but the three are actually closely linked. With correct use, big data plays just as big a part in the success of a team as it can to the success of a business.

For the engineering team in Formula 1, access to this data in real-time is invaluable when it comes to pit stop situations. To know exactly what is wrong with the car before it pulls up means they are prepared to make any quick fix as soon as possible – saving precious seconds and seeing that the car can get back on to the track. For a business, this is also imperative. When it comes to beating competitors and staying ahead of the market, any organisation needs to know exactly what is happening in real-time, so they can not only respond to customers faster, but ensure they are reacting to market changes as they happen.

Speed is clearly of the essence, both in the business world and on the race track. So next time you’re watching speed around the circuit, remember that as much data analysis has gone into his drive as you are using to make a success of your business.

About the author: , MD of QlikView SA