Business Intelligence (BI)

Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the processes, technologies, and tools that
transform raw data into meaningful insights to support better decision-making
within an organization. BI encompasses data collection, analysis, visualization,
and reporting to provide actionable information.

Key Components of Business Intelligence:

1. Data Collection:
o Gathering data from various sources (e.g., databases, spreadsheets,
APIs).
o Ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and complete.
2. Data Integration:
o Consolidating data from multiple sources into a single repository,
like a data warehouse or data lake.
3. Data Analysis:
o Applying statistical, predictive, or machine-learning techniques to
identify trends, correlations, and patterns.
4. Data Visualization:
 o Presenting insights using charts, graphs, dashboards, and reports to
make data more understandable and accessible.
5. Reporting:
o Generating summaries, forecasts, and detailed analyses for
stakeholders to inform strategy and operations.

Business Intelligence tools

1. SAP Business Objects

(SAP-System Application & Products in Data Processing)

SAP Business Objects is a business intelligence software which

offers comprehensive reporting, analysis and interactive data
visualisation. The platform focuses heavily on categories such as
Customer Experience (CX) and CRM, digital supply chain, ERP
2. MicroStrategy

MicroStrategy is an enterprise business intelligence tool that offers

powerful (and high speed) dashboarding and data analytics, cloud
solutions and hyperintelligence. With this solution, users can
identify trends, recognise new opportunities, improve productivity
and more. Users can also connect to one or various sources,
whether the incoming data is from a spreadsheet, cloud-based or
enterprise data software. It can be accessed from your desktop or
via mobile.

3. SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence

(SAS-Statistical Analysis System)

 While SAS’ most popular offering is its advanced predictive
analytics, it also provides a great business intelligence platform.
This well-seasoned self-service tool, which was founded back in
the 1970s, allows users to leverage data and metrics to make
informed decisions about their business. Using their set of APIs,
users are provided with lots of customisation options, and SAS
ensures high-level data integration and advanced analytics &
reporting. They also have a great text analytics feature to give you
more contextual insights into your data.

4. Yellowfin BI

Yellowfin BI is a business intelligence tool and ‘end-to-end’

analytics platform that combines visualisation, machine learning,
and collaboration. You can also easily filter through tons of data
with intuitive filtering (e.g. checkboxes and radio buttons) as well
as open up dashboards just about anywhere The nice thing about
this BI tool is that you can easily take dashboards and
visualisations to the next level using a no code/low code
development environment.
5.QlikSense

A product of Qlik, QlikSense is a complete data analytics platform and business

intelligence tool. You can use QlikSense from any device at any time. The user
interface of QlikSense is optimised for touchscreen, which makes it a very
popular BI tool. It offers a one-of-a-kind associative analytics engine,
sophisticated AI and high performance cloud platform, making it all the more
attractive. An interesting feature within this platform is its Search &
Conversational Analytics which enables a faster and easier way to ask questions
and discover new insights by way of natural language.

6. Zoho Analytics

Zoho Analytics is great self-service BI tool for in-depth reporting and

data analysis. This business intelligence tool has automatic data syncing
and can be scheduled periodically. You can easily build a connector by
 using the integration APIs. Blend and merge data from different sources
and create meaningful reports. With an easy editor you create
personalised reports and dashboards enabling you to zoom into the
important details. It also offers a unique commenting section in the
sharing options which is great for collaboration purposes.

7. Sisense

Sisense is a user-friendly data analytics and business intelligence tool that

allows anyone within your organisation to manage large and complex datasets
as well as analyse and visualise this data without your IT department getting
involved. It lets you bring together data from a wide variety of sources as well
including Adwords, Google Analytics and Salesforce. Not to mention, because
it uses in-chip technology, data is processed quite quickly compared to other
tools. This platform is even recognised as a leading cloud analytics platform by
various industry experts such as Gartner, G2 and Dresner.
8. Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Power BI is a web-based business analytics tool suite which excels in

data visualisation. It allows users to identify trends in real-time and has brand
new connectors that allow you to up your game in campaigns. Because it’s web-
based, Microsoft Power BI can be accessed from pretty much anywhere. This
software also allows users to integrate their apps and deliver reports and real-
time dashboards.

9. Google Data Studio

Google Data Studio is a free, web-based business intelligence tool that enables
users to create interactive and customizable dashboards and reports. It integrates
seamlessly with other Google services and various data sources, allowing users
to visualise data in real-time. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and
sharing capabilities, Google Data Studio empowers users to collaborate and
make data-driven decisions effortlessly. Its robust features and accessibility
make it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

10. TIBCO Spotfire

TIBCO Spotfire is a powerful business intelligence and data visualisation tool

known for its advanced analytics capabilities. It enables users to quickly analyse
complex data sets through interactive dashboards, visualisations, and predictive
analytics. With features such as drag-and-drop functionality and extensive data
connectivity options, Spotfire empowers users to gain insights and make data-
driven decisions without relying heavily on IT support. Its robust platform
supports real-time data analysis, making it suitable for a wide range of
industries.

11. Clear Analytics

This is for all of the Excel-lovers out there…This BI tool is an intuitive Excel-
based software that can be used by employees with even the most basic
knowledge of Excel. What you get is a self-service Business Intelligence system
that offers several BI features such as creating, automating, analysing and
visualisation your company’s data. This solution also works with the
aforementioned Microsoft Power BI, using Power Query and Power Pivot to
clean and model different datasets.

12. Tableau
Tableau is a Business Intelligence tool specialised in data discovery and data
visualisation. With the software you can easily analyse, visualise and share data,
without IT having to intervene. Tableau supports multiple data sources such as
MS Excel, Oracle, MS SQL, Google Analytics and SalesForce. Users will gain
access to well-designed dashboards that are very easy to use. Additionally
Tableau also offers several standalone products including Tableau Desktop (for
anyone) and Tableau Server (analytics for organisations), which can be run
locally, Tableau Online (hosted analytics for organisations) and many more.

13. Oracle BI

Oracle BI is an enterprise portfolio of technology and applications for business

intelligence. This technology gives users pretty much all business intelligence
capabilities, such as dashboards, proactive intelligence, ad hoc, and more.
Oracle is also great for companies who need to analyse large data volumes
(from Oracle and non-Oracle sources) as it is a very robust solution. Additional
key features include data archiving, versioning, a self-service portal and
alerts/notifications.
14. Domo

Domo is a completely cloud-based business intelligence platform that integrates

multiple data sources, including spreadsheets, databases and social media.
Domo is used by both small companies and large multinationals. The platform
offers micro and macro level visibility and analyses (including predictive
analysis powered with Mr. Roboto, their AI engine). From cash balances and
listings of your best selling products by region to calculations of the marketing
return on investment (ROI) for each channel. The only setbacks with Domo are
the difficulty in downloading analyses from the cloud for personal use and the
steep learning curve.

15. IBM Cognos Analytics

IBM Cognos Analytics is an AI-fueled business intelligence platform that
supports the entire analytics cycle. From discovery to operationalisation, you
can visualise, analyse and share actionable insights about your data with your
colleagues. A great benefit of AI is that you are able to discover hidden patterns,
because the data is being interpreted and presented to you in a visualised report.
Keep in mind, however, that it can take a while to get familiar with all of the
features within this solution.

Benefits of Business Intelligence:

 Informed Decision-Making: Enables organizations to make data-driven

choices.
 Improved Efficiency: Identifies operational bottlenecks and optimization
opportunities.
 Market Insight: Helps understand customer behavior, market trends, and
competitive dynamics.
 Risk Management: Provides early warnings and insights for mitigating
risks.
 Enhanced Customer Experience: Supports personalization and service
improvements.

BI Tools:

Popular BI tools include:

  Tableau: Renowned for its powerful visualization capabilities.
 Power BI (Microsoft): A user-friendly platform integrated with other
Microsoft tools.
 QlikView/Qlik Sense: Focuses on data discovery and self-service BI.
 Looker: Designed for scalable analytics in cloud environments.
 SAP BusinessObjects: Enterprise-level BI for reporting and data
analysis.

Real-World Applications:

 Retail: Analyzing customer purchase behavior and optimizing inventory.

 Healthcare: Monitoring patient outcomes and resource allocation.
 Finance: Tracking performance metrics and identifying investment
opportunities.
 Marketing: Measuring campaign effectiveness and ROI.

BI empowers organizations to transform data into actionable insights, driving

success and innovation.