Reporting, analytics and data visualization

Reporting

Reporting is the structuring of information in such a way that it can be used to measure and monitor business performance. It’s the process of converting data into information.

Reporting can supply answers to questions like:

What happened – and when?
How often and how much?
Where exactly is the problem located?
And how can I find the solution?

Based on a pre-determined query (how many of product X did we sell in Q4?), the specific answer can be delivered by analysing and revealing the necessary information from the transactions database. It is about specific answers to specific questions.

Analytics

Business analytics solutions look a step further, helping you use business data to uncover opportunities in the market and to manage risk associated with business activities. It’s the process of converting information into knowledge.

Analytics can supply answers to questions like:

Why did this happen?
Which opportunities am I missing?
What is the impact on my business if this trend continues?
How can we do things better?

It’s a more dynamic system that’s capable of combining information from across the whole system to explore answers to more complex, strategic questions. Rather than creating one report to deliver a specific answer, analytics allows different data sources to be ‘sliced and diced’ at will, allowing a more ad hoc, deeper exploration of the company data.

However, credibility and accuracy of information are not enough.

Infor Birst BI – sample analytical screenshot

Oracle Business Intelligence 12c – data visualization example

Microsoft Power BI – sample analytical screenshot

IBM Cognos Analytics – data visualization example

Data visualisation

Data visualization has long been one of the most important aspects of Business Intelligence.

Data visualization has long been one of the most important aspects of Business Intelligence. The information layer, in order to be useful and at the same time be able to provide convenience to the user, should be delivered to him in a form tailored to his needs and presented in a clear, effective, and at the same time engaging/friendly manner.

Better data visualization in addition to the aesthetics/ergonomics aspect contributes to greater involvement in the use of BI solutions (and others: ERP, CRM, …) and project success and a significant improvement in the effectiveness of the decision-making process.

Infor d/EPM – an example of data analysis, accessible via iPad

Infor Birst BI – example of business travel analysis

How can you prepare a full-value dashboard with a view of your sales actuals in just a few minutes?

Example of using Infor Birst – working with data, reporting, visualization

Cogit has been supporting its customers in the field of consulting and implementation of Business Intelligence solutions for over 25 years. We have knowledge, practice and references in this area, which allows us to select and implement the best-in-class BI solutions of leading vendors.

If you need more information on our Reporting & Analytics Solutions or would like to arrange a consultation, please feel free to email info@cogit.pl or call us on +48 22 496 60 00.