Business intelligence (BI) is becoming essential to compete in today’s market. Data and analytics have become commonplace, according to a Gartner study, with nearly half of IT professionals now implementing new data and analytics projects. As a result, business intelligence data is starting to drive business rather than just mirror performance, a trend that will accelerate as the global BI market grows from $ 17.09 billion in 2016 to $ 26 billion. 88 billion dollars by 2021, Markets and Markets projects. Companies that do not use Business Intelligence will increasingly lag behind their competitors, making effective BI crucial to staying ahead of the market.
But the effective use of business intelligence requires the integration of data into a functional workflow, which can be difficult. Raw data is useless unless it can be harnessed for practical applications, but too often the data collected resides in separate software that does not communicate well with each other, making applications cumbersome. Additionally, data needs to be secure every step of the way, which can be difficult as well. Here are three steps to integrate your BI systems and business software into a single, fluid and secure workflow.
Start with your system
The foundation for effective integration of enterprise software systems is mapping the flow of software information to the underlying business processes that the information represents. This is done by business process mapping, a method of documenting business processes using tools such as flowcharts. Business process mapping begins by identifying the existing processes in your business and the personnel involved. You can then gather information from the people involved to create a process map. After creating the map, the next task is to analyze each step of the process. This allows you to optimize and streamline processes by eliminating unnecessary steps, adding new steps, combining steps, and rearranging sequences. You will then have a documented sequence that you can monitor, adjust and improve.
To help you in mapping business processes, a number of software tools are available in free and premium varieties. The most popular free business process mapping tools include Gliffy, Lucidchart, and Open ModelSphere.
Track your information flow
Once you have mapped your business processes, you can use it as a starting point to map the flow of information. This can be done using a data flow diagram. A data flow diagram uses symbols to map the flow of input, processing, storage, and output data.
For example, you can define the process by which sales order data is entered into your invoicing and shipping processes and transmitted to your customer relationship management, inventory, and accounting databases. Make sure to include information entering your system both from software sources as well as other sources such as your virtual telephone system. Software tools like Lucidchart can help you create a data flow diagram.
Examine security vulnerabilities
You can use a data flow diagram to identify potential security vulnerabilities in your company’s software system, TechTarget explains. Examine your data flow diagram and identify where the input and output devices reside and the processes that handle sensitive information on your system. Your review should include all user endpoints, including smartphones, laptops, and PCs. It should also include infrastructure devices such as routers, modems, email and website security gateways, file servers, database servers, and backup servers. It should additionally include output devices such as printers, fax machines, and backup drives.
Note any points in the information flow where the state of data encryption changes. You should also include notes on information lifecycles to identify where data is created and destroyed. Going through this process will allow you to identify potential vulnerabilities that need to be protected with appropriate procedures.
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