Spooky Data Hunts
Is Your Data Spooky?
Bad data creeps in quietly. You don’t always see it coming — a wrong SKU here, a missing PO there — until one day you realize your numbers don’t tell the full story. Some retailers run tight ships. Their reports match reality, their inventory turns are predictable, and they trust their dashboards. But for many, data is a little… spooky. Not because they’re careless, but because the systems underneath aren’t built to catch the ghosts.
When the System Lies
I once went searching for a headset — Giant’s Overdrive system for a TCR Advanced frame. If you know it, you’re already shaking your head. It was a short-lived idea that never quite fit the market. I had both the Giant and Cane Creek part numbers. Three retailers claimed they had it in stock. I ordered from all three. Each one later emailed, “Sorry, it’s actually out of stock.” That’s not an inventory issue. That’s a data issue — and it’s one customers notice long before management does.
Small Misses Add Up
Details matter. It’s like Van Halen and the brown M&Ms — a small test that reveals a bigger system problem. A single mismatch between what’s on the floor and what’s in the system isn’t fatal. But when it happens across hundreds of SKUs, special orders, and warranty claims, accuracy erodes. Pretty soon, you can’t tell what’s actually happening in your business. Maybe it starts when purchase orders are created after product arrives. Or when warranty replacements aren’t removed from inventory. Or when a custom build goes out the door without every part logged. Each one feels harmless, but together they distort the truth your business depends on.
Data Is the Story You Tell Yourself
Your numbers aren’t just for accountants — they’re your business’s story. They show where you’ve been, what’s working, and what needs attention next. When that story is accurate, decisions feel easy. You buy with confidence. You staff according to demand. You see which categories earn their keep. When it’s not, every decision feels like guesswork. And guesswork is expensive.
A Better Way Forward
The goal isn’t to collect more data — it’s to collect the right data and keep it clean. Start with clear processes: every PO created before the product is ordered, every warranty item tracked like a sale, and every custom build documented line by line. Then review your reports like you’d review your service department — consistently and with intent. Retailers who do this well already know the reward: calm clarity. For everyone else, the fix starts with awareness and a willingness to tighten the process.
The Question That Matters
So, how’s your data? Tidy and trustworthy — or a little spooky around the edges? If your data feels a little haunted, I can help. Together we’ll organize your numbers, build systems that actually work, and put you back in control — one step at a time. Imagine spending less time fretting over reports and more time doing what you love.