Power BI Explained - Half day course

Database Management and Business Intelligence

When database management systems were deployed, it was the first opportunity to put the theoretical basis of business intelligence into practice. Whilst the creation of hard drive disks ensured data could be stored, it was databases which enabled this data to be used in a valuable way. As well as being able to store data in one location, businesses could now rely on programs to present this data to them in a useable format.

As databases gradually became more capable, businesses increasingly relied on technology to store and present data. When online analytical processing was introduced in the early nineties, it signalled the start of a digital revolution. Technological advancements were commonplace, with businesses adapted accordingly. As well as changing the consumer landscape, the use of new and increasingly advanced tech allowed businesses to operate more efficiently and productively than ever before.

Throughout the nineties, the use of computer and the internet became widespread and ubiquitous. No longer reserved for high-powered corporations and multinational business empires, enterprises of all sizes could access the databases and programs which led to more accurate and effective business intelligence.

SaaS, Cloud Storage and Business Success

First recognised at the turn of the century, software as a service, or SaaS, was t become the favoured model of the future. Freeing users from high purchase costs and delivering subscription-based models, delivering business intelligence programs via SaaS was to pave the way for the industry. As well as delivering value via regular updates and improvements, businesses could create regular cash flow by selling software as a service, rather than as a product.

In addition to this, technology continued to develop at a significant rate. Computers no longer required vast rooms in which to house their hardware, the majority of the world got connected and businesses of all sizes had the opportunity to level the playing field by gaining access to data and tools which were previously out of their reach.

Furthermore, the rise of mobile technology was a pivotal moment for the industry as a whole. Not only did it represent the staggering advancements made within the industry itself, but it also enabled businesses to operate remotely, from anywhere in the world. This, combined with the development of secure Cloud storage, influenced the development of business intelligence software in a significant way.

Static systems and bulky hardware were no longer enough to enable companies to operate effectively. Increased flexibility and versatility were required in order to facilitate business growth, and developers were already in the process of cultivating the new era of business intelligence.

Personalised Business Intelligence

As business intelligence software become increasingly user-friendly, the ability to personal programs and user profiles ensured a range of key personnel could customise their own dashboards and take advantage of the latest developments. Data could be presented in innovative new ways, such as visual storytelling, and business managers were able to use this information to make informed operational decisions.

Major players launched programs designed to collate and analyse data in user-friendly formats, thus bringing them into the mainstream and ensuring that data could be reduced into a realistic framework for the purpose of decision making. Microsoft's Power BI, for example, has become an industry leader in business intelligence. With customisable interfaces and dashboards, they have ensured that their users can view vast amounts of data at a glance and enabled users to put analytics at the heart of every business decision.

As increasing amounts of data could be analysed by business intelligence platforms, the scope of the industry widened. Firms, such as Gartner, are able to produce key market insights by using carefully cultivated algorithms to process incomprehensive amounts of data. With business managers now able to access in-house data sets and external data in usable formats, business intelligence has become an integral part of every company's operations.

Business Intelligence in the Future

Despite its growth thus far, business intelligence is set to become ever more advanced in the near future. As AI and Big Data enable companies to process and analyse more information than ever before and exceed human capabilities, the opportunity to access highly accurate and personalised data will change the way businesses function.

Giving companies complete control over supply chains, unrivalled insights into consumer behaviour and access to improved automation and increased productivity, business intelligence has enabled businesses to thrive in undeniably precarious market environments. Able to predict and resolve issues before they arise, business intelligence won't just be part of the future, it will shape it.