Consulting Archives - https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/category/business-intelligence/consulting/ We are a highly qualified custom software development company with very strong data engineering, data science, BI, and AI practices as well as stellar customer satisfaction ratings - see our 5 stars at independent review site Clutch. We provide staff augmentation and project development services. Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:13:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-logo_bix-e1658935623249-32x32.png Consulting Archives - https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/category/business-intelligence/consulting/ 32 32 There’s Still Time: Build Your Project in 2023 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/develop-your-project/ https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/develop-your-project/#respond Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:38:32 +0000 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/?p=15476 Within the dynamic realm of technology and innovation, the significance of time cannot be underestimated. If you’ve contemplated initiating a project that harnesses software development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, analytics, or business intelligence, you may be curious about the feasibility of realizing your vision in the remaining months of the year. At BIX Tech, your […]

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Within the dynamic realm of technology and innovation, the significance of time cannot be underestimated. If you’ve contemplated initiating a project that harnesses software development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, analytics, or business intelligence, you may be curious about the feasibility of realizing your vision in the remaining months of the year. At BIX Tech, your nearshore solution experts, we’re here to tell you that there’s still ample time to transform your ideas into reality before 2023 comes to a close.

Seize the Remaining Time: Realize Your Vision

The clock might be ticking, but that doesn’t mean your project aspirations need to be put on hold. BIX Tech’s agile and efficient approach to project development allows us to adapt to timelines and deliver high-quality solutions within a reasonable timeframe. Whether you have a software product in mind, want to harness the power of AI, or need to make data-driven decisions through analytics and business intelligence, we have the expertise to bring your project to fruition.

Why Choose BIX Tech for Your 2023 Project?

Our nearshore model sets us apart. With teams strategically located, we bridge geographical gaps and ensure real-time collaboration, enabling seamless communication and swift project execution. BIX Tech’s multidisciplinary teams of software developers, data engineers, AI specialists, and analysts are ready to align with your goals and drive innovation within the remaining months of the year.

Let’s Make 2023 Your Year of Innovation

Time is on your side, and BIX Tech is here to help you maximize it. Don’t let the calendar dictate your project’s fate – take action today. Schedule a meeting with us by clicking here, and together, we’ll ensure that your project becomes a reality before 2023 ends. Let’s turn your ideas into tangible solutions and make this year a testament to your innovation and success.

Embrace the opportunities that 2023 still holds. With BIX Tech by your side, there’s no better time to bring your technological vision to life and position your business for growth and prosperity.

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The Cost of a Technology Project in 2023: Factors to Consider https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/cost-technology-project/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:58:06 +0000 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/?p=15269 As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, organizations are increasingly investing in technology projects to stay competitive. However, one crucial aspect that often demands careful consideration is the cost associated with these projects. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors that influence the cost of a technology project in 2023, […]

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As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, organizations are increasingly investing in technology projects to stay competitive. However, one crucial aspect that often demands careful consideration is the cost associated with these projects. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors that influence the cost of a technology project in 2023, and how BIX Tech’s comprehensive services can help you navigate this landscape effectively.

Factors Affecting the Cost

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  1. Scope and Complexity: The size and complexity of a project significantly impact its cost. Projects with intricate requirements and a larger scope tend to require more resources and development time, leading to higher costs.
  2. Customization and Integration: If your project involves custom software development, integration with existing systems, or specialized features, the cost may increase due to the additional effort and expertise required.
  3. Data Engineering and Analytics: Projects involving data engineering, artificial intelligence, analytics, and business intelligence often require specialized skills and tools. These factors can influence the cost, depending on the complexity and volume of data involved.
  4. Nearshore Development: Leveraging nearshore development teams can offer cost advantages while maintaining quality. BIX Tech’s nearshore services provide access to highly skilled professionals at competitive rates, reducing overall project costs.

BIX Tech: Your Cost-Effective Technology Partner

At BIX Tech, we understand the importance of delivering high-quality technology solutions within budgetary constraints. Our team of experts offers a wide range of services, including custom software development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, analytics, business intelligence, and nearshore development. By leveraging our expertise, you can achieve cost savings without compromising on quality.

Take the Quiz and Get a Rough Idea of Project Costs

To help you get a rough estimate of how much your technology project may cost with BIX Tech, we invite you to take our quiz. By answering a few simple questions about your project requirements, you’ll receive a preliminary cost estimation tailored to your specific needs. Visit our website and take the quiz today to gain valuable insights into your project’s potential costs.

When embarking on a technology project in 2023, understanding the factors that influence the cost is crucial for effective planning. By partnering with BIX Tech, you can benefit from our extensive range of services and nearshore development capabilities, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Take our quiz to get a rough idea of your project’s cost and embark on a successful technology journey with BIX Tech.

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Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/cybersecurity-in-digital-age/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:36:40 +0000 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/?p=14552 Businesses face numerous security challenges that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. As technological advancements continue to shape the digital landscape, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, maintain trust with customers, and comply with regulatory standards. This article explores the security challenges faced by businesses in the digital age […]

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Businesses face numerous security challenges that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. As technological advancements continue to shape the digital landscape, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, maintain trust with customers, and comply with regulatory standards. This article explores the security challenges faced by businesses in the digital age and provides insights into effective strategies and best practices for protecting sensitive data, mitigating risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Evolving Threat Landscape

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The rapid evolution of technology has led to an equally dynamic threat landscape. Cybercriminals continuously develop sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to valuable data. Businesses must stay vigilant against threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and insider threats. Employing advanced threat detection and prevention mechanisms, including intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and robust authentication protocols, is crucial for staying one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Data Protection and Privacy

With the proliferation of data-driven operations, organizations collect, store, and analyze vast amounts of sensitive information. Safeguarding this data is of paramount importance to prevent breaches that could lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. Implementing robust data encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention (DLP) measures can help protect sensitive information throughout its lifecycle.

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Cloud Security

Cloud computing has revolutionized business operations, enabling scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, organizations must also address the unique security challenges associated with cloud environments. Understanding shared responsibility models, employing secure configuration practices, implementing strong authentication, and regularly monitoring cloud infrastructure are vital for maintaining cloud security.

Employee Awareness and Training

Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches. Businesses must prioritize employee awareness and training programs to educate staff about potential threats, the importance of strong passwords, phishing detection, and safe browsing practices. Regular security awareness training sessions and simulated phishing exercises can significantly enhance an organization’s overall security posture.

Incident Response and Business Continuity

Despite preventive measures, security incidents may still occur. Having a well-defined incident response plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and communication channels is essential to mitigate the impact of a breach. Regularly testing the plan and conducting tabletop exercises can help identify gaps and ensure a swift and efficient response. Additionally, implementing robust backup and disaster recovery mechanisms is crucial for maintaining business continuity.

Regulatory Compliance

In an increasingly regulated digital landscape, organizations must comply with data protection and privacy regulations specific to their industry and geographical location. This includes standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Implementing appropriate security controls, conducting regular audits, and staying informed about evolving regulations are essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding costly penalties.

Closing statement

As businesses embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity becomes an indispensable component of their operations. By acknowledging the security challenges present in the digital age and implementing comprehensive strategies and best practices, organizations can protect sensitive data, mitigate risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. 

BIX Tech, a leading provider of software development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, analytics, business intelligence, and nearshore solutions, can assist your organization in fortifying its cybersecurity defenses and navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. Safeguard your valuable assets and maintain trust with customers by prioritizing cybersecurity in the ever-evolving digital era. Click here and learn more!

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Why Nearshore? https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/why-nearshore/ https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/why-nearshore/#comments Sat, 22 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.bix-tech.com/?p=5160 Nearshore outsourcing is a cost-effective way for companies to outsource and offshore their business. Here are some reasons why you should consider nearshoring your project and all the benefits it has to offer. International customers like nearshoring because it helps them keep an eye on their product, monitor quality control, and gauge the performance of […]

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Nearshore outsourcing is a cost-effective way for companies to outsource and offshore their business. Here are some reasons why you should consider nearshoring your project and all the benefits it has to offer.

International customers like nearshoring because it helps them keep an eye on their product, monitor quality control, and gauge the performance of the team. Not only that, but they also save time and money by not having to travel overseas themselves – they can just visit their virtual office anytime they want! US customers benefit from this strategy as well, because it gives them the ability to keep tabs on production while saving both costs in travel expenses as well as other resources.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.

Besides all the time and cost benefits, nearshoring is also good for business improvement. When an offshore company works on your project, it applies its team of specialists and thus becomes more adept at the process. As your project nearshores, you can be sure that better quality work is being done and that efficiency is going up.

A variety of companies outsource their projects to nearshore countries like Brazil because this strategy enables them to save money in the long run as well as meet their goals in terms of time management and performance quality. Plus, nearshoring is not only cost-effective but is also a great way to get more bang for your buck.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash.

Do you want to invest in nearshore in your company?

Nearshoring is a smart move if the company wishes to invest in nearshore while it is still growing. This is because it not only helps the company get more work done at less than half of the original cost but also because this approach reduces the risk of losing your business in case something goes wrong at a later date. If your project turns out to be bad quality and/or does not follow up on its timeline, you can always look for another nearshore service provider or lose your investment.

Some companies want to outsource their very first project, and there are a few good reasons for that as well. This can be beneficial to the company because they can get a feel of what outsourcing looks like before they have to commit to a project. In this case, nearshoring is not only cost-effective but is also going to help the company learn about how the process works on a smaller scale.

Companies should outsource their projects because it frees up time for them to focus on other important things, like running their business or concentrating on other areas that matter to them. When you consider all of the benefits that nearshoring has for both companies and consumers alike, it seems like an obvious choice.

Businesses should outsource their projects to nearshore because it is a good way to save money and increase their productivity. This strategy is not only cost-effective, but it has all other benefits as well, such as improved time management and higher performance quality.

Conclusion

Nearshore outsourcing is now a cost-effective way for companies to outsource and offshore their business. Not only does it offer the countless benefits that this style of work offers, many companies like nearshoring because it helps them keep an eye on the project being developed, monitor quality control, and evaluate team performance.

In addition to all the time and cost benefits, nearshoring is also suitable for business improvement. It’s also worth remembering that nearshoring is not only cost-effective but also a great way to get more bang for your buck.

Want to find out how nearshore can help your business achieve the goals you want? Click here and schedule a meeting with a consultant specializing in this matter.

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How much would a tech project cost my business? https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/how-much-would-a-tech-project-cost-my-business/ https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/how-much-would-a-tech-project-cost-my-business/#comments Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:45:00 +0000 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/?p=9069 The price of a technology project can divide opinions in the corporate world. While some business people think that the cost of this investment is a simple dollar amount, many entrepreneurs do not invest in digital solutions because they think that such solutions would cost a huge amount of money. Regardless of your specific opinion, […]

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The price of a technology project can divide opinions in the corporate world. While some business people think that the cost of this investment is a simple dollar amount, many entrepreneurs do not invest in digital solutions because they think that such solutions would cost a huge amount of money.

Regardless of your specific opinion, it’s important to have a rough idea of ​​how much this would cost you. Thus, from this base, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not it is worth investing in technological improvements in your business.

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What is the difference between cost and investment?

It is important to keep in mind that there is a difference between cost and investment in any area of ​​business, especially technology. Simply put, the cost is how much something costs to buy, borrow, or earn. Investment is how much something will be worth in the future at some point after the initial purchase or after it has become moderately useful.

The total cost of an investment is the total of all expenses involved in making that investment from start to finish. This concept also includes any potential revenue that may be generated from selling the product or service at some point in the future.

The operating costs of an investment, in turn, are expenses related to things like running a business over time that is incurred during production and benefits to consumers. Here, we have as an example the quality of production and rate of return on investments, an extremely important concept for your business.

Photo credits by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

Want to succeed? Think about the ROI of your project!

When thinking about technology projects – and especially when aiming for success – it is worth focusing on the return on investment (ROI) rather than the financial cost you will incur.

Conceptually ROI is an indicator widely used by companies from all segments to assess how an investment will affect financial results in the medium and long term. Its calculation takes into account a series of variables, providing managers with a comprehensive view of its impact on different areas of the business. The following factors that make up the ROI in technology can be highlighted:

  • Investment value and performance gain;
  • Reduction of operational errors and decrease of operational cost;
  • Increased customer satisfaction and market share gain;
  • Increased profitability of the company’s products and services and internal improvements;
  • And many others!

As it is an indicator that embraces the operation of the company as a whole and can cause a great impact within the corporate environment, it can be used to assess whether the use of new technologies will be able to eliminate recurring costs or reduce their financial cost. In this example, your company may have a leaner and more effective budget.

In the specific case of including ROI in your decision-making process before investing in a technology project, it will be useful to help you make choices aligned with the company’s objectives, attracting better results and generating positive impacts on the day-to-day business.

Okay, but how much would a technology project cost approximately?

To help you estimate the value of your technology project, we’ve developed an easy and quick test to answer. Remember that this material is an estimate and not a proposal, an accurate budget can only be defined with a specialized BIX Tech consultant.

That said, ready to have a rough idea of ​​how much your project will cost?

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How AI Can Help Your Business During a Recession https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/how-ai-can-help-your-business-during-a-recession/ https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/how-ai-can-help-your-business-during-a-recession/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:13:59 +0000 https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/?p=6768 In the second half of 2022, major economists already indicated: the arrival of next year would be accompanied by a global recession. According to the Center for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), this economic phenomenon would occur due to the high costs of loans intended to combat inflation. Such an action described would cause the […]

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In the second half of 2022, major economists already indicated: the arrival of next year would be accompanied by a global recession. According to the Center for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), this economic phenomenon would occur due to the high costs of loans intended to combat inflation. Such an action described would cause the contraction of several economies, as it just happened.

“The world economy is likely to face a recession next year as a result of interest rate hikes in response to higher inflation.”

Despite the scenario of the global economy has passed the gigantic mark of US$ 100 trillion for the first time last year, the annual table of the World Economic League already indicates the previously premeditated stagnation that accompanies the recession. This paralysis grows progressively as policymakers continue their fight against rising prices.

What should companies expect from the recession?

According to forecasts released in October 2022 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), more than a third of the world economy is expected to contract. In addition, there is also a 25% chance that the global GDP will grow by less than 2% in 2023, an event that would characterize the global recession. However, even with this pessimistic scenario, the IMF predicts that by 2037 the world Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will have doubled as the developing economies catch up with the richest ones.

It is worth noting that the Center for Economic and Business Research takes its basic data from the IMF’s World Economic Outlook. Based on this information, CEBR data scientists use an in-house model to forecast growth, inflation, and exchange rates.

Photo credits by Karolina Grabowska.

CEBR's top 5 predictions for a recession:

  • The Chinese economy is not expected to overtake that of the United States as the world’s largest economy until 2036.
  • By 2032 India will become the third largest economy in the world, accumulating $10 trillion by 2035.
  • The UK will remain the sixth largest economy in the world and France the seventh for the next 15 years. However, the British should no longer outperform their European counterparts due to the lack of growth-oriented policies that the country has.
  • Emerging economies with natural resources will receive a substantial boost as fossil fuels play an important role in the shift to renewable energy.
  • The global economy will be a long way from the $80,000 per capita GDP level where carbon emissions decouple from growth. This means that more policy interventions will be needed to reach the goal of limiting global warming to just 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

Ok, but how can artificial intelligence help your company in times of recession?

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence technologies have become increasingly important. Surveys by major international research firms, such as Gartner, already expected that by 2022, AI will generate $3.1 trillion in business value for organizations, helping them to increase efficiency and navigate digital disruption. This reality came true in advance, in December 2021.

In addition to having its commercial value increase from $1.2 billion in 2017 to $3.1 trillion in 2022, AI accounts for 75% of all software spending – and growing year over year. It is worth noting that these statistics are not directly applied to the global recession, but reflect the positive impact of artificial intelligence on business growth worldwide.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the introduction of IA over the last decade is one of the main drivers of economic growth in emerging economies. As companies are investing heavily in this technology as it can help them to develop new solutions to gain a competitive edge.

Businesses alone cannot solve most childhood-related problems, but they will benefit enormously from employing smart technologies. Realizing this, companies must be able to implement AI technologies that increase their productivity while reducing costs and time. The best scenario would be a scenario where these technologies were employed by all companies across the world and made them more competitive than their competitors.

Photo credits by Tara Winstead.

"In the year ahead, organizations will be able to experience the impact of artificial intelligence as they learn more about how they can best leverage AI to increase their ROI."

It is worth noting that deep learning (AI) algorithm technologies have already been applied in different fields such as agriculture and agriculture is the only sector where this technology is used in a price maintenance context. Therefore, given its potential contribution to companies involved in international trade – for example, goods or services -, it should be the object of attention in international forums on trade and development.

3 ways artificial intelligence can help your business in times of recession

While a great tool for automating your business during a recession, investing in an AI solution will pay off in the long run. In the end, you and your employees will have more time for high-value tasks and less time for low-value tasks. This is where artificial intelligence really shines.

Below are three ways AI can help your business in these uncertain economic times.

Way 1) AI as a learning resource

The first way to implement artificial intelligence in your business is to use it as a learning resource. The reason for this is simple. Your team needs to learn new skills quickly, and the only way to do that is if you provide them with the right training materials.

We’ve seen this time and time again with our customers: in times of recession, people tend to avoid spending money on things they don’t need. People also like to do things on their own as much as possible – but there is a limit to what individuals can do without support from outside sources. As a result, your team’s skills can quickly become obsolete and/or obsolete. The solution? Use artificial intelligence to help you train.

Way 2) AI as a resource for everyone

In times of recession, you need to make sure everyone knows the status of the business at all times. You don’t want people wasting time on things that aren’t critical when they could be doing something else. As a result, everyone must know how your business is performing at all times.

To do that, you need feedback loops so people can know whether or not their decisions were right.

Way 3) AI as a resource for decision making

The third way to use artificial intelligence is to help your team make decisions. After all, your entire team can’t be available 24/7, so you need to find ways for them to make decisions even when they’re not around. In addition, you also want a way for everyone to understand the reasons behind these decisions.

You can do this with artificial intelligence by creating decision-making bots and mapping the main reasons why a certain decision was made.

Putting AI to work in your business

When it comes down to it, implementing AI doesn’t have to be difficult or cost a lot of money. It’s hard to argue that artificial intelligence wouldn’t help your team learn new skills quickly, help them make decisions, and understand why those decisions were made. What do you think? Does this sound like something you could use in your business?

If so, feel free to contact an expert on this subject by clicking here. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll share with you more about how we can make it happen for your business.

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4 problems your company can solve with BI Consulting Services https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/4-problems-your-company-can-solve-with-bi-consulting-services/ https://www.bix-tech-ai.com/4-problems-your-company-can-solve-with-bi-consulting-services/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:26:38 +0000 https://www.bix-tech.com/?p=2035 Business Intelligence (BI) as a field has gained a tremendous amount of space in the last few years. As companies generate more and more data, the need for structured systems that can efficiently store, process, and visualize data grows, and that is where BI solutions shine. For those who are unaware, BI can be conceptualized […]

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Business Intelligence (BI) as a field has gained a tremendous amount of space in the last few years. As companies generate more and more data, the need for structured systems that can efficiently store, process, and visualize data grows, and that is where BI solutions shine. For those who are unaware, BI can be conceptualized through the definition of the Tableau Software company, which describes it as:

[…] an infrastructure that collects and analyzes large amounts of data to give organizations a clear and comprehensive picture of their data. The goal of a BI system is to give stakeholders a clear and customized view of their data to empower them to make data-driven decisions.

Photo by Kevin Ku on Unsplash.

Business Intelligence infrastructures have been bringing its adopter’s plenty of benefits, such as faster reporting, automatization of repetitive tasks, better business decisions, increased revenues, competitive advantages, and more. But all those advantages won’t come instantly, as businesses need to invest resources – time included – into their BI culture, and that is where we see businesses at different stages of Business Intelligence maturity. 

Some companies, surprisingly, still don’t have BI solutions, others are still beginners and some have reached intermediate or advanced levels, but they all share one thing in common: they all still have problems that can be solved through Business Intelligence Consulting Services from the right consultant. 

In this article, we will talk about common issues we see in companies of varied BI maturity stages that can be solved with BI Consulting Services, along with some examples of how we dealt with those complications. Stay tuned – maybe you will see your situation described here!

1. Lack of knowledge about where your company is at

Peter Drucker, known as the father of modern management, once said that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”.

Many companies face a problem that aligns very well with what Drucker said: they don’t generate any data about their processes and operations. This is bad because it leaves management in the dark regarding the company’s current situation, not knowing critical information about their business, such as the number of units sold on that day, customer satisfaction, or their product’s rate of failure. 

These companies are then left unable to effectively improve, as they cannot know whether their actions result in better results for those metrics or not, only having anecdotal proof of it (the famous “gut feeling”). This is why to manage and improve your business, you need to understand its current situation, and the best way for you to achieve that understanding is through data.

If you have good data about something – a manufacturing process, a sales department, or a whole company – and have the means to analyze it, you can easily understand its strengths and weaknesses and come up with plans on how to improve based on that. And that is where BI Consulting Services can help. It is through Business Intelligence that companies build the infrastructure and culture needed to generate and analyze the data needed to improve their processes in a healthy and scalable way.

2. The unpredictability of your business process

Another problem that companies that haven’t hired a BI Consultancy usually have is the lack of predictability about their processes. To illustrate this scenario, I will be talking about sales, but the same logic can be applied to manufacturing, customer satisfaction, employee retention, and more.

In sales, it is common to have different results at different times of the year, and that is called seasonality. Most retail businesses have their best results around the end-of-year holidays, while school supplies will be at their highest at the beginning of and halfway through the school year.

This seasonality is acknowledged through historical data – companies track their daily sales records through many years and can then visualize that some months are consistently performing better than others, and that type of information is crucial for businesses, so they can plan goals, shifts, and stocks accordingly.

But seasonality analysis is only one of many ways that data can bring predictability to your business. Any pattern you can spot may be useful to bring more predictability to your business. An example would be a greater-than-usual increase in sales after airing a new ad that targets an untapped audience. That can be an indicator that this audience has the potential to bring even better results if you invest more into it.

And finally, businesses with more advanced BI systems will use them to fuel Machine Learning algorithms that will be able to predict, with a given accuracy, how much will they grow in the coming months. That provides decision-makers with a lot of information, so they can make the best possible decision at that time.

3. Conflicting data

Another data-related problem that companies that do generate and analyze data may encounter is the non-reliability of data.

Let’s say that you’ve implemented a Customer Relationship Management software that tracks and stores your customers and sales data. This system works in a way that any analyst can export that data to Excel and perform whatever analysis they need to do from scratch, generating their reports and sending them to management, who will take insights from it. While this practice is better than having no data and no reports, it can cause major data integrity problems.

Those issues start when there’s no standard way to treat your data. You may find reports that will have conflicting results for KPIs, since different analysts may have different understandings of that metric, or may have simply made mistakes when handling data. You may also find departments arguing about what is the correct way to calculate a metric, and that may also decrease your employee’s trust in BI and data analytics, which is not good. And this complication runs even deeper when there are reports built on top of other reports, where you’ll need to untangle a web of mishandling of data to understand the root cause of your discrepancies, what will require work from your analysts, work that could be utilized for more fruitful tasks.

There are several ways to mitigate this trouble. The best one is through the implementation of a Data Warehouse (DW). Data Warehouses are a cornerstone of Business intelligence that compile and standardize data from various data sources through the Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) and Extract-Load-Transform (ELT) processes. There are a variety of tools and online resources that will help you to build your DW, but that task may prove itself challenging. Also, Data Warehouses require consistent maintenance as your business grows, so it’s best to rely on experienced BI professionals to make that implantation as smooth as it can be.

What we described above refers to a situation that occurred with one of our customers. They were managing their data through decentralized spreadsheets, using both Excel and Google Sheets. That led to a general distrust in the reports presented, the lack of a centralized location to access the dashboard and reports, and also their analyst being frequently overworked. 

During our time with them, we built a Data Warehouse for them using Qlik Sense, from the extraction of data from multiple spreadsheets and their CRM to the final dashboards that made it possible to perform complex analyses of historical data and basic sales predictions. That made it possible for sales management to properly identify which shops needed more resources and to act on it, and it also tremendously helped their analyst, improving her efficiency and her results.

4. Delay in information availability

It is not enough for data to be simply available, it needs to be available as quickly as it can. Decision makers cannot afford to wait too long to have the information they need, as that would imply delays in decision-making, and that could potentially cause missing a critical time window for a great business opportunity.

That can happen to all types of businesses, from the ones early in their BI practices that rely on individual analysts’ reports to the ones that have built a Data Warehouse, but that is inadequate to handle the volume of data that is generated. 

Regarding the former, the situation is similar to what was described in this article’s problem #3. Suppose the directory board is trying to cut costs and will shut down its worst-performing store. They request their analyst to a report regarding all units’ performances to identify which one will be cut. Since there’s no standard way to store and process different stores’ data, this analyst will be left with the task of collecting data from multiple sources, compiling and standardizing it to a unified format to finally crunch the numbers to generate the report that the board required. If that business had invested in a proper Data Warehouse, the data would already be stored in a standard way across all stores, and it would be easily accessible to whoever needed to access it, greatly facilitating the analyst’s work.

As for the latter, the mere existence of a Data Warehouse is not enough to guarantee that data will be processed in an adequate amount of time. When companies grow, it is only natural that the volume of data that they produce grows too, so investments in new hardware are needed to keep up with that volume, but it is not uncommon for that not to happen. When this situation occurs, each step of the ETL process takes progressively longer, and it may reach an unsustainable situation where data takes too long to be available. Another reason for this delay may be that the Data Warehouse was built inefficiently. Not all BI Analysts and Consultancies know how to leverage their tools’ potential to build a high-performing solution for their end users, which may cause delays in data processing.

All of this is another reason why it is so important to invest in Business Intelligence consulting services. With proper DWs and ETL processes set up, you make the data you need get back into your hands faster, facilitating your company’s decision-making process.

We, at BIX, have seen this first-hand with one of our clients. They fitted well in the scenario where the company was still mostly dealing with decentralized spreadsheets as data sources, with no defined ETL process to fuel their dashboards. They made the first move in defining their ETL pipeline within Power BI Dataflows, and we helped them refine the process based on business requirements and what they wanted to accomplish. We also worked with their data to build datasets and reports in Power BI for almost every business area in the company, decreasing refresh time from weekly to daily. Most of the work from analysts regarding data was completely automated, and we’ve built complex analyses that weren’t available before, which led to better data-driven decisions being taken by management.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: 4 problems your company can solve with BI Consulting Services! If your business is struggling with some of the problems we described, you should take action to try and fix them, but be careful, as issues can be deeper than they seem to be. A lot of the situations we described earlier won’t present themselves isolated, so you’ll need someone with experience in BI to diagnose exactly what’s wrong and to define what’s needed to fix those problems. 

You could try to solve them alone, but without the resources and know-how, you could be just setting yourself – and your business – to failure, so always trust experienced professionals when trying to improve your company’s Business Intelligence practices.

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