Undertaking a Business Intelligence (BI) implementation is a big step for most organizations. Even a simple BI project can create concern about job security and the “real” intentions behind implementing a BI solution. Office “myths” and rumors can cause unneeded anxiety in your team. Head off those concerns by addressing them early and often.
Myth #1: BI will replace experienced judgment
Managers and users often perceive that a BI solution may replace or override their knowledge and experience for business decisions that affect their area of responsibility. The reality is that BI empowers decision making and leverages experience by providing supporting detail often otherwise missing. Critical to the success of any BI implementation is a common vision of how BI is going to improve business decisions.
Debunk Myth#1 with clear expectations and assurances that the value your employees experience will only be augmented with better information.
Myth #2: Users prefer to figure it out rather than receive training
Even the simplest BI tool takes time and practice to help users make the most of the solution. Companies that don’t invest in training often end up wondering why no one uses the tool. The entire organization from top to bottom should receive some level of formal training to get full value from the BI solution. Allowing users to focus time and attention on learning how to use the BI solution will help with user adoption and acceptance.
Avoid Myth #2 by scheduling formal training – away from their regular job – that provides users with hands-on training. (But don’t make them work overtime to “penalize” them for training.)
Myth #3: Once the implementation is done, it’s done
A BI project is not over simply because the application has been deployed. BI is an evolution that supports the change and growth of an organization. Start with highly visible and easy-to-implement projects so that people build confidence in its value and in using it. The more complex projects should be scheduled for implementation after familiarity and confidence have been sufficiently built.
The whole point is to leverage the organization’s information assets to new levels of utility and value, so that decision-making across the entire organization, from top to bottom, and with the organization’s external partners, is more effective and productive. Revisiting the uses of BI on a regular basis will ensure that the organization is making the most of their investment.
Debunk Myth #3 by incorporating BI as a strategic component of all business planning activities.
Let’s talk about what BI solution is right for your business. Call us today.
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