To receive our newsletter, please click here.
Business Intelligence
When we say “business intelligence” (BI), we’re referring to a set of tools that help improve the decision-making process by providing data-driven historical, current and predictive views of customers and operations. It’s the process of turning that data into usable information. But BI doesn’t just reside in data warehouses. It’s in Word documents, emails, and PowerPoint slides. Microsoft technology supports BI by offering solutions that assist in information extracting, analysis and reporting across data sources using the affordable and familiar platforms that are not only designed to work together, but also keep everyone working toward the same company goals and support better decision making across the organization.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Microsoft Dynamics CRM offers predictive analysis with dashboards and Key Performance Indicators. When combining these analytics with workflows and business processes, companies have the ability to react to information presented and put findings into predictive scenarios to determine the most efficient ways to respond.
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is the most commonly used tool to access, analyze and share information. Because employees are already familiar with Excel, distributing data across the organization in a timely manner is very easy. And since CRM offers multiple exporting points throughout the platform, users can view and manipulate CRM data using the tool they already know. Microsoft also offers tight integration between Excel and SQL Server Analysis Services so that the familiar Excel spreadsheet environment can be used for data mining, visualization and exploratory data analysis.
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint is a fully integrated portal designed to improve communication and collaboration among individuals, teams and the entire organization. When used as the central delivery point for all BI data, users have access to enterprise search, content management, communication and collaboration. Centrally deploy and manage business information and applications through a Web environment to ensure a single location where people can find the information they need. SharePoint’s Excel Services provide access to real-time, interactive spreadsheets that can be protected, shared and reused throughout the organization.
Microsoft PerformancePoint
Microsoft PerformancePoint’s ability to incorporate data from multiple departments and divisions offers the ability to analyze trends in a more holistic way. PerformancePoint is built to support formal BI and performance management processes. It enables progress monitoring in scorecards or dashboards, analysis against anticipated outcomes, and provides the information needed for companies to adjust plans or budgets to meet changing business conditions. And working with SQL Reporting Services, information can be sent to CRM to offer monitoring, budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
