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Solutions Corner
The Need for Speed
5 questions to expedite time to value.
by Lori Janies
Company leaders are challenged to quantify the return on investment (ROI) of their business intelligence (BI) solution proposals. Often, officials in an organization want the business and operational information that a data warehouse can provide, but they are not yet able to secure stakeholder buy-in for a full-fledged enterprise data warehouse design and development initiative.
A recent trend in data warehouse deployment is to offer customers packaged solutions—bundled elements such as pre-configured hardware and software components, as well as consulting, training and support services. Typically designed to solve a specific industry problem, these solutions can provide proof of value to others in the organization and help create a springboard for data warehouse expansion and growth.
Beyond one-stop shopping, such bundles can eliminate or simplify implementation tasks such as information requirements analysis, solution procurement, installation, integration and reporting. They also deliver on their promise to provide rapid time to value.
It pays to ask questions
Not all combinations are created equally. Visit multiple vendors to find the packaged solution that is designed to best fit your organization’s current needs and future business goals. Research and evaluate what the various offerings promise to deliver by asking:
1. What is my company’s risk?
The answer should be, “Almost none.” A good product takes the guesswork out of defining project requirements and processes. Rather, it should offer technology tools that are optimized for the job and integrated with one another.
Additionally, the provider should be knowledgeable about industry best practices and have relevant experience. Before deciding on a product, ask all prospective vendors to furnish examples of implementations they’ve completed in your industry that are similar to the one your company is considering. Be sure to check the references they provide.
2. What is included?
Get the total project cost up front, without surprises. For a comprehensive offering, look for a partner that goes well beyond simply bundling software and hardware components together to deliver a complete solution. In addition to providing an optimized technology product, the vendor should offer implementation expertise and support, as well as the detailed description of the reports and information assets that will be available to you at the project’s end.
3. How long will this take?
Depending on the complexity of your organization, your business problem and the bundle you select, a vendor experienced in implementing rapid time-to-value solutions should be able to have your system up, running and generating ROI quickly. Simple implementations take as little as 10 days. More detailed ones are complete in about 120 days.
Bundles can eliminate or simplify implementation tasks such as information requirements analysis, solution procurement, installation and integration.
4. Can I build on my solution in the future?
The end product should easily expand to address other data needs throughout your business. Ensure that the foundation you are building on can easily expand to add other applications, users and data.
5. What benefits can my organization realize?
Upon installation, a packaged solution should immediately start solving an existing business problem and generating ROI. Make sure the vendor you choose offers a package that will quickly solve your most immediate business need. Also, ask for specifics about the benefits your company could realize by selecting each vendor’s package. Some examples include:
- Improved portfolio analytics
- Streamlined business operations
- Improved reporting and communication
- Enhanced inventory tracking capabilities
A well-rounded solution
Asking the right questions up front will enable you to intelligently select a vendor whose product can help you realize ROI quickly and easily. The pre-packaged bundle that fits your criteria should also provide your company a solid data and technology framework with which to answer an immediate business need and allow for further growth.
Finally, a reputable solution that includes training, expertise and support will meet your BI needs now and into the future.
Lori Janies writes about business and technology for various publications.
Photography by Getty Images