Business Intelligence

There are many different definitions that try to elaborate the significance of Business Intelligence (BI). Some focus on the technical or IT process of extracting data from various source systems, the transformation of such data in information and loading this into a data warehouse or data mart. At the end the information is distributed to the end users using reports, analysis cubes, dashboards and scorecards. Other definitions focus more on the business value of BI where it supports the decision making process. In order for BI to be successful it contains both IT as well as a business Elements. Any definition of BI should reflect this as well.

Another element that is crucial for a BI definition is the pervasive use of information within any organization. On all levels (strategic, tactical, operational) BI is used for making strategic decisions, monitoring and adjusting processes or monitoring set goals or targets. Successful or intelligent organizations are able to support their workforce in this by supplying them with the right information at the right time.

This information can be based on data generated by both internal business applications and systems as well as external information received from relevant parties such as suppliers or customers. This information can be both structured as well as unstructured (blogs, e-mail, website). By sharing the information with other stakeholders the value increases.

It can be concluded that BI is a systematic process of acquiring both structured as well as unstructured data from internal and external sources to enable business decisions on all levels by providing and sharing relevant and actionable information at the right time, location and form.

Jorgen Heizenberg
Principal Technology Officer