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Data Analysis Services


Large quantities of data are the norm in today’s business environment. However, accessing and analyzing all that information is often a challenge. Our team is trained to utilize powerful data analysis tools such as ACL, Microsoft Access, SQL, XML, and OLAP. We use these tools to gather data and perform complex analyses while providing insight for strategic and critical business decision making. These services are often utilized to assist with trend analysis, fraud identification, double billing analysis, evaluation of inventory obsolescence and validation of accounts receivable aging reports. Some common applications include:

Data Mining

Looking for trends in data often produces surprising results. We have the ability to access large volumes of data to determine if something you thought was an exception is actually a pattern. We can help identify business concerns and find transactions that should be investigated.

Cost Recovery

The expenditure process is expensive for businesses. We can evaluate whether expenditure processes are effectively controlled and cost management opportunities are realized. Cost recovery typically encompasses several key areas: duplicate payment identification and recovery, missed discounts, price variance analysis, and global contract opportunities.

Purchasing Audits

Employee purchasing misuse of authority is common. We perform analyses of purchasing card or purchase order transactions to identify activity that is unusual, suspicious, or outside of acceptable limits (e.g., purchases over authority limits, unapproved purchases, split purchases, or unusual activity with vendors).

Inventory Audits

Manufacturing and distribution companies can’t operate effectively when controls surrounding inventory are weak. We can help you identify poor warehouse management by analyzing stock adjustments and reviewing for obsolescence. Analyzing the actual margin achieved on sales can help identify sales programs that are not achieving the desired results.

Fraud Detection

Asset misappropriation, embezzlement and theft can occur at any time within a company leading to significant losses. We help companies assess fraud controls and identify potentially fraudulent activity. Data analysis can be used to help identify check tampering, billing schemes, fraudulent vendors, expense reimbursement schemes, and payroll fraud.

If you're interested in these or other ways we can analyze your data and improve your business, please contact us. At Brown Smith Wallace, we Make a Measurable Difference.

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