Thursday, May 24, 2012

Increase Your Profits By Means Of Business Intelligence Tools


Business intelligence tools are software tools that analyze vast amounts of data, stored in a data warehouse, and generate reports that help managers make profitable decisions. Every business must learn from history and its interactions with markets, business associates, competitors, economy, vendors, customers, and employees. Business intelligence tools, which cover a very vast area, help businesses learn from the past and current data and become geared up for the future. Here is how such tools can enhance a company’s productivity and profitability:

Customers and Business Intelligence

Every business likes to retain old customers and see new ones walking in. Customer behavior and preferences can be analyzed using business intelligence tools. With such knowledge, businesses would be able to improve their marketing strategy and go about their operations in accordance to the demand of customers. These tools will help businesses in analyzing the data that is collected from customers at various points like from invoices, surveys, point of sale, marketing communication, etc. and from there understand what marketing techniques were successful and those that were not.

Business Intelligence and the Competition

The times are tough and competition is cut-throat. Every business must be nimble and stay a step ahead of its competitors. Competition must be regularly evaluated so that businesses can outsmart market strategies. Business intelligence tools can help in evaluating strategies of competitors and figure out what are the most effective tactics. Knowing and understanding these strategies will help you refine your marketing plan and adopt savvy tactics that keep competition at bay and help your business become more profitable.

Business intelligence and service providers

Suppliers deliver critical raw materials, service providers handle processes and provide other important services, marketing and advertising agencies contribute by enhancing your brand image and sales, customer support companies keep your customers informed and happy - so, service providers, vendors and other business associates are a critical aspect of business. A smooth relationship with these vendors is a must-have for every business. The supplier must supply high-quality goods and services on time and be paid on time as well. Suppliers must also be kept in the loop about business needs and forthcoming events. Business intelligence software shares critical information with suppliers and helps the management understand and track supplier performance.

Business intelligence and in-house operations

Multiple processes are being handled by a business. At the same time, every manager has to be knowledgeable with regards to the performance of his department. Profits, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of a business are checked by the management; the accountant keeps a close look on day-to-day cash balances, budgets, receipts and payments; the department managers want to make sure that their systems are running well and that their inter-department delivery is productive; successful campaigns are to be delivered by the marketing department, as well as benchmark marketing expenses with ROI; and so on. Business intelligence software helps a business measure all these metrics and informs them of any deviations.

Business intelligence and the economy

Critical economic data are also monitored by business intelligence software. This data includes bank rates, global economy, consumer spending, Fed action, non-farm employment, inflation, etc. This helps business owners understand how the economy is performing and where it is headed.

This is how business intelligence tools can assist you in carrying out company operations successfully.