Supporting Business Intelligence platforms in mid to large organizations is not just about technology nor is it solely about the information that the technology delivers.
Striking the right balance between the type of information required and the framework for delivery requires a defined and methodical approach built on solid governance principles that merge business drivers with appropriate enabling technologies.
Organizations have noticed the many fruits of implementing business intelligence data warehouses and are moving at rapid speed to create their very own business intelligence software that seek to leverage an often under utilized and valuable asset - information.
The challenge with many of these efforts centers on 1) Getting their plans finalized 2) Get hold of the right infrastructure so that the program as a whole is fruitful and succeeds.
It quickly became evident that certain BI solutions fundamentals have to be kept in mind.
Defining the Strategy
A solid BI program starts with the basics. A formal data quality program must sit at the base of any effort. If you do wish to form BI software for your very own organization then there are some points to note:
Firstly you will need to form a Data Quality Czar with primary dedicated resources charged with correcting identified errors, conducting independent audits of existing data, and establishing a metrics program aimed at fostering improved data entry and production support.
Ensure that you engage your respective business partners across the Enterprise at the same time to ensure that data mart development is not done in a vacuum. Remember that many functional areas and service teams make use of the same information but express it in unique layouts; this is why you need to take a second glance at them from the functional and also importantly the service view as well. There may be economies of scale opportunities right in front of you.
Do not think that people will come once your project is completed. From the very beginning try to grab the attention of your stakeholders and also your top customers; so that they can see what you have for them and also tell you what they expect to see.
Re-focus ROI opportunities away from the typical "less time" to produce reports and instead incorporate increased capacity estimates, headcount avoidance and demand forecasting from a reporting perspective.
Avoid a common mistake that organizations make when implementing new BI technologies and that is not to over customize. Remember, delivering accurate and reliable information in the most streamlined manner possible has to remain the primary goal of the BI software. Sending the report to a PDA with embedded images can come later.
Finally, don't implement a Cadillac if the Pinto gets you to the same place. For smaller organizations this especially rings true. Leveraging 30-40% of the capability of BI technology asset means that you probably missed a tremendous opportunity on the ROI side of the house.
