Looking to gain a sustainable competitive advantage? Business Intelligence (BI) products provide companies with the tools they need to gain next-level insight on consumer and industry trends, and have the unlimited potential in improving functions and streamlining communications between departments. While BI solutions were once only available to large companies with big IT budgets, emerging technologies have provided options for small-mid sized organizations in recent years. So, how can you ensure that you choose a BI solution that is right for you, and what are the steps towards proper implementation?

1. HOW TO ENSURE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
INTELLIGENCE IMPLEMENTATION

2. 1. ALIGN AND PRIORITIZE YOUR GOALS
• Well-aligned strategy will help you match your goals with the vendor’s
• Will make following a delivery schedule more manageable

3. 2. IDENTIFY YOUR CRITERIA
• Set clear objectives
• Separate your “wants” from your “needs”

4. 3. USE A TOP-DOWN APPROACH
• Train upper management to use the system and assist others
• Results in less resistance in transition to new system

5. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT METRICS
• Identify key performance indicators
• Seek solution with actionable insights and intuitive interface for improved decision making

6. 5. SELECT THE RIGHT VENDOR
• Investigate product and company and get feedback on reputation
• Review all of the terms in the contract and consider adding service level agreements

7. ESTABLISH IT GOVERNANCE
• Align your IT strategy with your business strategy
• Follow previous steps to establish framework, and continuously monitor processes

8. VISIT OUR BLOG TO LEARN MORE
• http://us.cmsw.com/company/blog