Operational business intelligence (BI), or real-time business intelligence, is an approach to data analysis that enables decisions to be made based on the real-time data companies generate and use on a daily basis. Operational BI technology is primarily targeted at front-line workers, such as production employees, who need timely data to do their jobs.

As organizations turn to data analytics to improve business operations and increase the efficiency with which they respond to changing conditions, operational BI tools and techniques become more mainstream. This is a positive move, since operational BI is necessary for many companies these days, regardless of size.

Adding operational intelligence to business processes allows organizations to better manage their work. Many companies, especially in the manufacturing industry, have sophisticated and complex processes — the more data they have available about these procedures, the better they can prospect for customers, manage current client business and build profitable products. Intuition-based management no longer cuts it. Today companies are looking for hard data to support their operations.

Of course, before operational BI can truly support a business it must be successfully deployed. This means that executives must understand what their business community needs. What information is required to make decisions in your company, especially at the front-line? What decisions are being made on a day-to-day basis? What is the sequence of business decisions users are making? The answers to these questions will help you find operational BI that best suits your company.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV offers a range of business intelligence capabilities, from built-in reports and wizards, to advanced tools allowing users to gain the insight required to optimize performance across the entire organization. This complete, flexible solution meets the requirements of both small businesses and larger organizations.

If you are in the market for a viable operational BI solution or other business management software, contact Accent Software today.