The Business Intelligence Blog

Chris McAllister at TDWI jots down in a convincing manner , the reasons behind the need for real-time data access. Not just that but why these trends will peak in 2008. A very interesting read.

With a growing number of business users and activities dependent on real-time access to real-time information, it is nearly impossible to find a company or function that wouldn’t benefit from having accurate, up-to-date data. For equity markets and currency changes, account balances and user authentication, help desks, marketing promotions, supply chain, patient care, and sales and manufacturing, any organization can justify a demand for faster and more accurate information. Key trends will drive the demand for real-time data in 2008, including: standardization of low-latency data integration across disparate systems, stricter regulations and service level agreements (SLAs), heterogeneous IT environments, management and maintenance of very large database (VLDB) implementations, and globalization.

From Processor Article -

In a 1958 IBM business journal, German computer scientist Hans Peter Luhn coined the term “business intelligence,” aka BI, to define “the ability to apprehend the inter-relationships of presented facts in such a way as to guide action towards a desired goal.” In an era of nonautomated data collection, detailed analysis on which sound business decisions could be made was limited by human factors. Little could Luhn realize that within 50 years, global organizations would be able to analyze terabytes of disparate information in a fraction of time using powerful and complex BI systems.

“Used correctly, business intelligence can bring significant business benefits to companies in terms of reduced costs, improved business efficiency, increased revenues, and better customer satisfaction,” says Colin White, a 35-year IT veteran and founder of BI Research (www.bi-research.com).

The article also lists Top BI Trends for 2008.

An interesting podcast on achieving audit based practices to achieve excellence in Business Intelligence. Must listen.

From The Three Aspects of Six Sigma Business Intelligence

Applying Six Sigma to the business intelligence world requires a new approach to the creation and management of business intelligence assets. Understanding the business intelligence customer, the goals for business intelligence, and the Six Sigma principles are keys to success. Customer needs are top of the list. Near perfection is the goal. Data, measurement, analysis, and control is the process blueprint for achieving Six Sigma level business intelligence.

The three aspects of a Six Sigma business intelligence initiative are:

1. Strive for a Six Sigma business intelligence product.

2. Identify the customers for business intelligence and define their critical to quality (CTQ) needs.

3. Define and follow a Six Sigma improvement process that:

* Has strong management support,

* Focuses on the customer’s needs,

* Is based on Six Sigma principles, including data, measurement, analysis and control,

* Is iterative and evolutionary, and

* Is pervasive across the business intelligence arena.