There are many very good books on Business Intelligence (BI) that talk about the theory and importance of BI. There are also a lot of very good books that review how to use reporting tools with Microsoft Dynamics GP. However, we have not seen a book that cites specific examples of BI needs and GP tools, so we decided to write one and fill it with real world examples.
When we talk to GP users and to Microsoft Dynamics GP partners about their GP users, there is always one statement that rings true: I want BI, but I do not know what I want to see and how to see it.
In this book, we will review examples from real GP users, using most modules in Microsoft Dynamics GP. We'll briefly walk you through the process of how the BI needs were determined and how we selected which GP tool to use. We'll then recap the benefits obtained, frequency of use, and distribution methods for each example.
No worries if you are not a technical person. With GP and the tools being used in the following chapters, you will be able to replicate and repeat the steps in your software, using the Fabrikam sample data and then your own data. Each example will include a small section for technical matter, which includes items such as security, SQL views, and so on. This will enable you to enlist the support (if necessary) for a small portion, giving you full control of everything else.
Using these examples as a starting point will give you the experience to figure out what you need to see in your company. With each example, we'll throw in "extras" that cover some broad areas. BI reporting is one of those areas where starting can be hard, but once something exists, edits become much easier.
Building reports of all kinds, particularly those that make our customers prosper, is incredibly rewarding and fun. We hope you have fun improving your own business, using our words as your guide.
So let's define BI with no assumptions. To us, BI is the ability to make decisions based on accurate and timely information. It's neither a report nor dashboard, nor is it just data. It is the insight obtained from the content and its presentation that gives us the information essential to make sound decisions for our business. It is your insight and experience combined with your data.
Imagine going to a dinner party and seeing a bowl of green beans with almonds on the table. You love green beans; they are your favorite vegetable. However, you have a nut allergy, and you visually see almonds with the green beans, so you know not to eat the beans. If we asked you, "Why aren't you eating the green beans, aren't they your favorite?" You'll respond, "I see almonds and I'm allergic to almonds." It's your knowledge combined with the visual of the dish that provides you with personal intelligence to stay away from the beans.
When you are trying to determine what BI your business or organization needs, ask yourself what information would make it easier for your firm to obtain its goals. Ask what problems you have and what information would help solve or prevent them from happening again. Focusing on a report or dashboard first will limit your options unnecessarily. As fast as the economy and technology change, one bad or misinformed decision can ruin your company and/or your career.