Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page)

Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us info@bi-solutions.co.uk.

What is Business Intelligence?

Business intelligence is a term applied to a range of software tools which enable the information within an organisation to be more easily accessed and understood.

Who might use these tools?

Business Intelligence (BI) tools are aimed at the decision makers in your business. That could be anyone from the chief executive analysing group profits to a warehouse supervisor who needs to analyse restocking levels.

Do we need to replace our existing computer systems?

No, BI systems work by using the data in existing computer systems. It will also combine data from a number of sources e.g., legacy systems, ERP systems, text files, spreadsheets to give a complete view of the organisation.

Aren’t these systems very expensive?

No, ten years ago that would have been the case, BI was only for the large companies with large IT budgets. In recent years the cost of BI software has tumbled mainly due to the entry of Microsoft into the market place. BIS are dedicated to make the advantages of BI available and affordable to the SME sized companies. BI should be seen as an investment and  we would only advise a client to go ahead when we can prove that there is a clear return on that investment.

Where could this Return on Investment (ROI) come from?

BI systems will help you to gain a greater understanding of your business. It may be that you gain an insight into your stock level and can hold less stock. It may be that you can analyse your customers debt profiles and improve your cash flow. You may be able to pinpoint a production problem with a particular product and make changes to increase efficiency. You maybe able to identify some new selling opportunities for your existing customers or identify a new sector to trade in. It will be different for each company but the ROI’s will be there.

What is a data warehouse?

A data warehouse is simply a repository for company data. Before being written to the data warehouse the data is corrected, standardised and may be summarised. A data mart is a small data repository and usually is targeted at a particular section of the business e.g. sales.

How will BI Solutions improve information flow within my business?

We will produce one specialised reporting and analysis database (cube) which will be available to as many people as need the information. They will either access it, on a computer network, over the internet or have the cube e-mailed to them. With one ‘version of the truth’ there is an end to conflict caused by different people using different data sources.

Is my data secure once transformed?

Yes, its very secure, there are multiple levels of security and we will work with you to ensure your employees have access to only the parts that are relevant to their needs.

Once developed how will my company support the Business Intelligence Solution?

We aim to leave the customer completely self sufficient at the end of the development. In the case of a company with in-house IT skills we will work together to hand over the development and deliver knowledge transfer to enable maintenance and enhancement. We have also undertaken developments at companies with no IT skills and trained non-IT staff to maintain these solutions.

Don’t these things take months to develop?

No, BI uses RAD (Rapid Application Development) and most projects take less than 10 days to complete. Solutions are developed with the customer so that there is involvement at all stages and no nasty surprises at the end.

Is it restricted to analysing financial information?

Not at all, we know of BI applications that are as diverse as analysing audience figures for Multi screen cinemas, takings from gaming machines and National Health waiting lists. If you have a complex data problem we can supply you with a BI application to help understand that problem.

Where does BIS’s experience lie?

In business intelligence software and database design in general and in the food industry, IBM AS/400 and Microsoft SQL Server in particular. We can talk about your business first and then work with you to provide a BI solution to match your needs.