How to optimise your BI in 2018

Automate processes and secure data quality: The visualization race is to a large extent over. All tools can look attractive. But the key issue is the same as it’s always been, getting the right data to the right people with the right quality. Make sure to gather and combine your data with minimal manual effort. Invest in your ETL structure to automate your processes and make people responsible for data quality.

Embrace the latest technologies: There will be more commercial use of AI, ML, DL this year, helping companies get better usage of non-transactional data. Like in our project with the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation where, using historical patient journals, they have been able to identify high risk individuals and detect cancer early. So, use the latest technologies to exploit the full potential in your data.

Take control with low code: More business people will start build or enhance (self-service) the BI solutions themselves. This way, the new generation of IT savvy biz people will finally erase the gap between IT and business. Important factors here are to invest in BI architecture and infrastructure so you don’t end up in excel hell on steroids.

Promote your BI solutions Internally: Usage is the key to getting value from Business Intelligence. Because, what happens if the competition gets ahead using their data (and sometimes even your data) in a smarter way? Increase usage by spreading the word about what you have achieved, both to other potential users and the people financing the solutions. Monitor and measure how your apps are used to and follow up together with the users.

Leap into the cloud: Smaller and mid-sized companies want to cut costs and complexity with Software as a Service (SaaS) instead of owning licenses and infrastructure themselves. Just look at how the cloud can give you access to the latest and greatest tools, with low entry costs and no capital expense, making up/down scaling easier, while banning upgrade headaches forever. What’s more, letting us host your BI solutions will reduce complexity even further.

Foster a BI mentality: Promoting a company culture that values an understanding of the benefits of BI and the value of data-driven decision making is essential. Define what to measure and how to follow up your business using BI. Then find the data that is most crucial to your business, set up processes that assure data quality and involve your staff. For BI to become ingrained in the company culture, BI tools that awaken the curiosity of your employees are a must. Bring in expertise to get the right foundation – one that facilitates Self Service and prioritizes smart functions and an attractive interface that enhances user experience. With the right solution, everyone will understand the value of data.