Before you implement a BI solution…

Below pointers would be help you if you are considering a BI solution.

1. DIKI- Data-->Information--> Knowledge --> Intelligence.
Where you are on this progression line, where do you want go from where you are? Determining where you are could be tough. Stable operational/transaction processing system(s) would meet your data and most information needs. A rightly implemented DWBI solution significantly lower your costs to address complex informational needs and also serves you as a platform to deliver reliable, faster and low cost Level 3- analyses, prototypes, and to let you build Level 4- forecasting and predictive models.

2.Design Organization: Consider following functions - Operations/Infrastructure: Hardware, System software, Database, Feed monitoring teams. Data Architecture: Data modeling & standards, Engineering: Development teams, Standards, Monitoring and support teams, Data governance, stewardship-Business & IT, Data Quality/Arbitrage.
Lack of a particular function/standard poses challenges at a later point in time as your DWBI evolves. At times you can combine some functions based on size of your organization.

3.How will you reach where you want to reach?

(a) Which service provider/Partner will you choose if you’d like to outsource? : Evaluate partners. Rely on your network. Evaluate cultural fit. Rest will fall in place.

(b) Which tools you need? Evaluation of any ETL or BI tool takes 3-4 weeks. Take your partner's advice. Don't rush and buy every fancy thing out there in the market. Buy only what you need; don't go for exotic tools and appliances if you don’t need to. Remember tools cannot bring about Business Improvements; those tools are as good as you want them to be.

4.Define success: Medium term and long term for DWBI solution. Define quantitative metrics and intangibles. Cost benefits analyses, ROI over a period of 2 quarters to 20 quarters. This is very important. Usually no 2 stakeholders give same responses when asked about the success of recently deployed (<8 quarters) DWBI.