Business intelligence (BI) is not simply software or a system, but an integrated set of processes, technologies, tools, and methodologies that enable companies to turn data into useful information to support strategic and operational decisions.
According to the well-known systems analysis company SAP, BI “analyzes business data, transforms it into actionable insights, and enables organizations to make more informed decisions.”
Thanks to BI, a company can gain a complete, historical, and current view of its operations, use these insights to improve processes, and quickly adapt to market changes.
Table of contents
3 key components
BI is built on three key components:
1. Data analysis
Data analysis is the beating heart of business intelligence: it is the process through which raw data – such as numbers, logs, and transactions – are transformed into insights that guide business decisions.
Data analysis makes it possible to:
- identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies;
- uncover opportunities and predict risks;
- improve processes and allocate resources more efficiently.
2. Cloud computing
Cloud computing is a model for delivering computing resources (software, storage, etc.) over the Internet, without the need to rely on local hardware for processing. In practice, instead of using the computing power of local PCs, companies access resources on demand.
3. Computer vision
Computer vision is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that translates data into charts, concept maps, and dashboards to make them more accessible to non-technical staff. Computer vision stems from Industry 5.0 and is often applied in fields such as automotive and e-health.
Why BI is important for companies
Implementing a BI system within a company provides a real competitive advantage that goes far beyond the mere production of reports. In fact, BI makes it possible to shift from decisions based on “intuition” or assumptions to data-driven decisions – those guided by data, numbers, and metrics. This makes it possible to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, waste, or overlaps between roles, departments, and processes.
How a BI system works
A BI system generally follows this flow:
- data collection: from internal sources (ERP, CRM, supply chain) and external sources (market analysis, Google, social media, etc.);
- cleaning: raw data is cleaned using machine learning techniques;
- storage: once ready, the data is stored in a centralized repository (called a data warehouse);
- BI reporting: insights, patterns, and recurring trends are extracted;
- visualization: the data is converted into concept maps, charts, and dashboards;
- action: the results guide strategic and operational actions such as process optimization, marketing and sales strategies, human resources management, and more.
This cycle continues iteratively.
BI has been democratized
In the past, BI was often the exclusive domain of the IT department. Today, thanks to AI, BI has been democratized: business users can independently create reports, obtain real-time insights, and react quickly to changes.
Choose PMF Research to develop your business intelligence
In our research and development (R&D) center, we specialize in BI—data analysis, cloud systems, and computer vision. We believe that adopting a data-driven approach means improving a company’s ability to respond to new market challenges while increasing profitability.
Contact us to learn how we turn data into insights. We will help you make more informed decisions, optimize processes, and gain a tangible competitive edge. Call us Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, at +390957225331, or fill out the contact form to receive a free consultation.
