This requirement implies that application of data and definition of data must be separated by the system into a so-called semantic layer.ģ.4.4 System guided data interaction and explorationInteraction with data and data exploration are two vital features of a BI system that allow users to answer questions fast and autonomously. For example, users of the BI system must be able to access data in the BI system using natural terms such as 'Customer' and 'Sales amount' rather than for example table and field names in the database.ģ.4.3 Unified, centrally managed subject definitions and targetsAll definitions of business terms and KPIs must exist in one version only and they must be managed from a central point to avoid redundant definitions, reports referring to outdated definitions etc. These requirements are explained in more detail below.ģ.4.2 Subject-orientedAll data in the BI system must be interfaced using natural terms corresponding to the organization's business' reality. System supported data documentation and validation.Automated data collection and distribution.System guided data interaction and exploration.Unified, centrally managed subject definitions and targets.To ensure that these goals are met we shall define the following minimal requirements for a Business Intelligence System as follows: Align the organizations towards its business objectives.The minimal requirements adhere closely to the most important benefits of business intelligence described in the previous chapter. Let us define more accurately what we mean by a Business Intelligence System. it is both the methods, processes and technologies. We need to restrict ourselves to discussing systems, which aim to make business intelligence processes more efficient by using an architecture and providing functionality that ensures attainment of the previously described benefits of business intelligence.īy contrast we shall use the term business intelligence to describe collection and utilization of data for improving business performance in a broad sense. With this definition you may wonder 'is a calculator a BI system'? Most common definitions of business intelligence are quite broad, such as: 'The use of data to increase profits and competitiveness'. But how exactly do we define a BI system? This book is about designing and implementing BI systems.

Business intelligence definition edu