Cybersoft Computers Business Processes and Supporting Processes • There are several types of business processes that can be involved in business intelligence, they include: 1. Data Integration refers to the process of combining data from different sources into a unified and consistent format. 2. Data Analysis involves the process of using data to identify patterns, relationships, and trends. This may involve descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics 3. Data Reporting refers to the process of presenting data in a meaningful way to help decision-makers understand and act on the information. 4. Data Mining is the process of extracting useful patterns and information from large datasets. This may involve clustering, and classification. 5. Performance Management refers to the process of measuring and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to help decision-makers evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement. 6. Workflow Management refers to the process of automating and optimizing business processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors. Classification of data Criteria Structured data Semi-structured data Un-structured data Data format Data is stored in a specific format such as database or spreadsheet Has a structure but not as structured as structured data. Usually organized using tags and metadata Does not have a specific format and may include fre text and videos Data volume Small in terms of volume Volume may vary but is often larger than structured data Has a massive volume. Data storage Stored in databases. Stored in data repositories such as data lakes and file systems. Stored in data repositories such as data lakes and file systems. 1.3 Application software Benefits Drawbacks 1. Improved Efficiency: Application software can automate many tasks and 1. reduce the need for manual input, which can improve overall efficiency and productivity. High Cost: Application software can be expensive to purchase and maintain, particularly for smaller businesses with limited budgets. 2. Enhanced Accuracy: Application software can improve the accuracy and reliability of tasks that were previously performed manually, such as data entry and calculations. 2. Technical Requirements: Application software often requires specific technical requirements, such as particular operating systems, hardware, or software components, which can be difficult for some businesses to meet. 3. Better Communication and Collaboration: Application software can facilitate communication and collaboration between team members, allowing for easier sharing of information and ideas. 3. Learning Curve: Application software may have a learning curve for new users, which can lead to a temporary decrease in productivity as employees learn how to use the software. Comparison of different types of support • At the operational level, BI and IS can provide real-time data and insights that help employees make informed decisions quickly. • At the tactical level, BI and IS can help managers analyze data and make more informed decisions about how to allocate resources and improve operational efficiency. • At the strategic level, BI and IS can help executives make informed decisions about the overall direction of the organization. Key features of Business Intelligence functionality • Data Analysis: Business Intelligence allows businesses to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, identifying trends, patterns, and insights that might otherwise be difficult to detect • Decision Making: Business Intelligence provides businesses with the information they need to make informed decisions quickly. • Problem Solving: Business Intelligence helps businesses identify and solve problems by analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement. • Innovation: Business Intelligence can help businesses identify new opportunities and innovate by providing insights into market trends, customer behavior, and emerging technologies. Key features of Business Intelligence • Data Integration is a business intelligence functionality that can integrate data from multiple sources, such as databases, spreadsheets, and cloud services, making it easier to analyze and visualize the data. • Data Visualization is a business intelligence functionality offered by business intelligence tools to provide visual representations of data, such as charts and graphs • Self-Service, Business Intelligence solutions provide users with the ability to access and analyze data on their own, without the need for IT support • Predictive Analytics, Business Intelligence tools can use advanced algorithms and machine learning to identify patterns and predict future trends based on historical data. Content of Information System and Technology • At operational levels and strategic levels data Warehousing is applied. At the operational level, data warehousing is used to store and manage transactional data from business operations, such as inventory while at tactical levels (OLAP) On Line Analytical Processing. • Data mining is common in operations l levels and tactical levels of an organization • Reporting analytics is applied in both operation and tactical levels while at strategic levels Strategic plans are used. • Knowledge management systems enable organizations to capture and share knowledge and expertise across the organization. They are applied at strategic levels of an organization • Sharing at operational level is done using mobile business. While at tactical levels sharing is done through collaboration enables mid-level managers to work together on projects and initiatives. • At tactical levels data visualization is applied. Data visualization tools are used to represent complex data in a graphical format, making it easier for managers to analyze and understand. • At Operational levels Data Integration is applied. Data integration tools are used to consolidate data from various sources into a single system, making it easier to analyze and report on operational data. Business Intelligence tools on decision making • Providing Accurate and Timely Data. This enables decision makers to make informed decisions based on current data, rather than relying on outdated or incomplete information. • Enabling Data Analysis. This helps decision makers identify opportunities and threats, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. • Supporting Collaboration. This facilitates better communication and collaboration between departments, helping to ensure that decisions are aligned with the overall business strategy. • Enhancing Forecasting and Planning. This is particularly useful for strategic decision making, where decision makers need to consider long-term trends and opportunities. • Improving Operational Efficiency. This enables decision makers to take corrective action and improve operational efficiency, leading to cost savings and improved performance. User Interface Cybersoft Dashboard Quantity Pricing Payment option Finance scorecard Review of Cybersoft and Business Intelligence Tool • Clear and Simple and easy visualizations have been applied in the Cybersoft business intelligence tool. The different visualization options are graphs, charts, tables, and maps which help in exploring the data in the best way possible. • Cybersoft applies Customization Options so that users can tailor their view of the data to their specific needs. This includes the ability to change colors, fonts, and chart types. • Speed and Performance: The UI should be designed in such a way that it is fast and responsive, allowing users to analyze large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. • Use of collaboration has been applied at Cybersoft. Use of dashboards where different levels of managements can share financial data. • Cybersoft can provide their users with a powerful and intuitive tool for exploring and analyzing data by ensuring that the user interface and user experience of a business intelligence tool meets these criteria. This can lead to more informed decisions and improved business performance. Positive impacts of Business Intelligence tools • Providing Accurate and Timely Data from various sources and present it in a standardized format, ensuring that decision makers have access to accurate and timely information. This enables decision makers to make informed decisions based on current data, rather than relying on outdated or incomplete information. • Enabling Data Analysis to analyze large volumes of data quickly and easily, providing insights into business performance and trends. This helps decision makers identify opportunities and threats, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. • Supporting Collaboration by enabling decision makers to share data and insights with other stakeholders. This facilitates better communication and collaboration between departments, helping to ensure that decisions are aligned with the overall business strategy. • Enhancing Forecasting and Planning can help decision makers forecast future trends and plan accordingly. This is particularly useful for strategic decision making, where decision makers need to consider long-term trends and opportunities. • Improving Operational Efficiencycan help decision makers identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in business processes. This enables decision makers to take corrective action and improve operational efficiency, leading to cost savings and improved performance. Organization using Business Intelligence tools • Data Protection involve the collection, processing, and analysis of large amounts of data. The use of such tools requires organizations to comply with data protection laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. • Privacy. This is a tools can also raise privacy concerns, especially when sensitive or personal data is involved. Organizations need to ensure that the data they collect is used only for legitimate purposes and that the privacy of individuals is protected. • Security often involve the use of cloud-based or third-party services, which can pose security risks. Organizations need to ensure that they have appropriate security measures in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. This includes using encryption, access controls, and monitoring tools to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, or cyberattacks. • Ethical Issues can raise ethical issues related to fairness, transparency, and accountability. Organizations need to ensure that their use of business intelligence tools does not result in discrimination or bias against certain groups or individuals. They also need to be transparent about how data is collected and used, and be accountable for any decisions made based on the analysis of data. Application of Business Intelligence tools • Collect and analyze customer data. This data can be used to understand customer preferences, identify new target audiences, and tailor marketing strategies accordingly. • Monitor market trends. This information can be used to identify new target audiences and develop new products or services that meet evolving customer needs • Improve decision-making. This can lead to more effective marketing strategies, improved customer engagement, and increased sales. • Enhance data by providing real-time monitoring and alerting for potential security threats. This can help prevent data breaches and other security incidents that could compromise customer data and damage the organization's reputation • Implement access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to Business Intelligence data. This can help prevent unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive data and ensure compliance with security legislation