As information flows more freely in the business world, decisions need to be made quicker and based on sturdier data. The analytical capability that was once reserved for large enterprises has now permeated the world of Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) and provided a solid foundation of visibility into what really matters to these companies. Aberdeen's research shows a marked uptake in the use of Business Intelligence (BI) solutions in the SMB market over the past year. Based on feedback from almost 650 end-user organizations, this report serves as a roadmap for SMBs looking to improve their analytical capability and achieve Best-in-Class performance through the deployment of BI.
Business Intelligence
The Definitive Guide
for Midsize Organizations
SAP White PaperBusiness Intelligence^ 4 New Tools for a Promising ^ 9 The Benefits of BIFuture 4 How to Recognize the Need ^10 Approaches to Implementing BIfor Business Intelligence 10 Getting Started 10 Setting Policies to Assist Users^ 5 Defining Business Intelligence 5 The BI Spectrum ^11 What to Look for in BI Products 5 Queries 11 Key Factors in Product Choice 5 Reporting 11 Keeping Options Open 5 Advanced Analysis 11 Supporting Users 6 Interactive Analysis 6 Graphical Techniques ^12 What to Look for in a BI Vendor 7 Distribution and Control 12 Key Factors in Vendor Choice 7 Function- and Industry-Specific 12 Thinking AheadBI Applications 12 Preparing for Growth 8 Using BI in Different Environments ^13 Conclusion 8 The Importance of Data Quality 13 For More Information
About the Author Michael A. Schiff is the founder and principal analyst of MAS Strategies. MAS Strategies specializes in helping vendors market and position their BI and data warehousing products in today's highly competitive market. He has over 30 years of experience in the IT industry.
Schiff was the vice president of the data warehousing and business intelligence service at Current Analysis Inc., an industry analyst firm where he provided tactical market intelligence and analysis while managing the company's e-business analyst team. He was the executive director of data warehousing and advanced decision support for Oracle Corporation's Public Sector Group and director of software AG's data management program. In 1984, while at Digital Equipment Corporation, he formulated the architecture for one of the first successful data warehouse implementations. He earned his bachelor and master of science degrees from MIT's Sloan School of Management where he specialized in operations research as an undergraduate, and in information systems as a graduate.
Overview
Business intelligence is not a new concept; it's been used for years by IT staffers in large enterprises with the budgets to support it. What's new is the fact that business intelligence tools are now affordable and accessible even for midsize companies - and even for the nontechnical business user. Now managers can use these products for sophisticated analysis of complex information to support their decision-making processes. They can combine data from a wide variety of sources and see an integrated, up-to-date, 360-degree view. For midsize c ompanies the key is to select the right product, the right vendor, and the right approach.New Tools for a Promising Future
Toward More Sophisticated Analysis
If your organization is like Furthermore, you need to determine but your employees are passionate where to concentrate your efforts. about their jobs and committed to your most, your primary focus You can't check every detail, yet there customers. Maybe your company is is acquiring customers, must be a way to monitor operations relatively small right now, but it's on a to find and resolve potential problems high-growth path. You're aware of the increasing revenues and while identifying and leveraging new power of business intelligence and profitability, and outpacing opportunities. And you need to ensure know that larger companies - and that employee and departmental met- m aybe even your direct competitors - the competition. And while rics are aligned with overall strategic are using it to their advantage. At this your organization continues goals. stage of your company's evolution, isn't it time your analysis capabilities to improve its operating effi- Your organization may not have the graduated from spreadsheets to more ciencies, you recognize the resources of a FORTUNE 500 company, powerful tools as well?need to spend more time analyzing what's going on How to Recognize the Need for Business Intelligenceand planning for the future The following represents typical . Need for simple-to-use production than solving operational situations that could benefit from reporting technology - Your improved business intelligence: accounting department uses word problems and putting out . Competing versions of the truth - processing to generate customer fires. Interdepartmental meetings fre- invoices, resulting in errors and quently turn contentious as p artic - customer complaints.ip... [download for more]
