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.