
Deploying Reporting Software
Deploying reporting or any other type of business intelligence software capability is a complex and difficult process that is often hard to standardize.
Help in accomplishing this capability may come from a concept pioneered by the BI developer, Cognos.
It is called the BI Competency Center and is based on three suppositions:
· The deployment must connect to senior management, users, and vendors.
· There must be adequate financial support from the CEO and CFO levels.
· Appropriate staffing must be provided by the CIO function.
In order for the deployment to be successful and lead to financial and performance gains, the following observations apply:
· The business reporting software must be used at every level of management.
· The functional business areas served must be data driven (retail, multi-site, or vertically integrated manufacturing are examples.)
· The functional engine must be provided from within the IT department.
· Corporate executives must be the ultimate users.