frequently asked questions & business intelligence benefits

Analytical Application: a pre-built application using a BI toolset and based upon a domain of data, which allows an organisation to track, monitor and effect business performance through analysis of its Metrics.

Business Intelligence (BI): software tools from companies such as Cognos and Business Objects which are employed in the overall delivery of CPM based solutions and Analytical Applications.

Corporate Performance Management (CPM): the process of understanding and effecting the quality of an organisation’s performance, based upon the interplay of BI, Metrics and Methods (also otherwise known as BPM: Business Performance Management or EPM: Enterprise Performance Management).

Data Warehouse: an off line database, which retains all the aggregated and restructured data that delivers the CPM solution through an Analytical Application.

Information Supply Chain: a suite of software programmes which automates the time based and selective extraction, transformation and loading of relevant data for reporting purposes, into the Data Warehouse.

Methods: the process that an organisation employs to fulfil its operational activity. When qualified by Metrics and reported via a BI tool set the results are used to meet CPM objectives.

Metrics: business measures which are quantifiable, including their associated business rules, (also otherwise known as KPIs: Key Performance Indicators).

Reporting: a broadly generic term which includes Business Intelligence, Analytical Applications, Business Performance Management and Key Performance Indicators.

Balanced Scorecard: a management system that enables organisations to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action. It provides feedback around both the internal business processes and external outcomes in order to continuously improve strategic performance and results. It retains traditional financial measures to assist in creating future value through investment in customers, suppliers, employees, processes, technology, and innovation.