Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Business Intelligence can be a Strategic Solution to Efficient Operations.

Business Intelligence can be a Strategic Solution to Efficient Operations.



Business Intelligence (BI) can empower users by giving them the tools they need to make better decisions.  Users at all levels need to be able trace and track the silos of information across the enterprise.  Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems help by creating a central repository of information, but extracting that information in a useful way can be a challenge.

BI analysis enables users to extract the information needed in a useful and refined way at the right time.  With the ability to slice and dice, then drill down on specific data a good BI tool empowers management with knowledge.  These decision points can help business implement better operational efficiency.

ERP success is dependent on its tight integration between the modules that make up the system, which includes BI.  BI gives insight into a company’s performance by allowing users to share the information collected across the enterprise.  With greater control and visibility management can better match the corporate operations with its goals.

Sometimes an ERP solution has an integrated BI module, sometimes the BI solution is a third-party add on solution.  In either case Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) should be considered with a BI purchase.  There are upfront costs and ongoing costs that include licensing and maintenance.  Do not forget to budget training and development.  You can have the most robust solution, but if nobody can make it work, then you wasted more than money, you wasted your most precious asset, time.

A number of factors will affect the success of implementing a BI solution.  At Dolvin Consulting, we help you look at your operations, strategic goals, and processes to find the right solution to your challenges.  We encourage you to take the first step by contacting us.

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