Self-service business intelligence architecture offers its users a lot of advantages, but using it effectively takes some planning. To get the most out of new self-service software, make sure you actively use all of the unique advances it provides. The guidelines are simple but critical.
Self-service business intelligence architecture software is only useful when actually used. By giving control over report generation to those who will actually use it through programs like Intellifront BI, you simplify BI and save time. Make sure that you put that time to practical use. Most decision makers would almost always prefer to have more reports available if given a choice. Self-service products give them that option. Encourage them to use it. That is the shortest path to recovering any initial investment and continuing to build the company. End-users get the variety of reports they craved along with the immediacy.
To make the most of self-service programs, create a place for new users to discuss features, ask questions, and share ideas. Someone may have a clever new way to examine quarterly earnings from a new perspective. Another may use a feature that dramatically simplifies a complicated step. Sharing these insights strengthens the abilities of new users and gives them the confidence they need to analyze data seriously.
When in doubt, schedule it in advance. Self-service programs like IntelliFront BI are great, but users will still bump into time constraint issues if they don’t take advantage of all the features at their disposal. Easily the most important aspect of self-service business intelligence architecture is scheduling. It doesn’t matter if a decision maker plans to share reports, or keep them for individual projects. In either case, a regular or semi-regular report needs scheduling. In turn, it gives the user more time for spontaneous and one-time reports, as described in our previous point. It also allows them to make practical use of the data they receive. You must use data must in order to generate fresh profits, after all.
When new users first gain access to self-service tools, make sure there are redundancy procedures in place to protect data security. Most tools are designed to be safe, and the greatest risk to security is almost always user error. Sending confidential data to unapproved recipients represents the greatest risk to security. To prevent the vast majority of these leaks, instruct new users to double-check their list of recipients. Scheduling reports that go out to secondary recipients is a great way to prevent not only future work but also future errors.
Self-service BI is the tool of the future. Quickly implementing new software gives you an advantage over competitors. Just remember to really examine the features of your new software and push for active use. Self-service business intelligence architecture programs allows for a lot of flexibility and innovation, so build on these basics to make your own rapid implementation plan.