We noted in part two of this post series on BI that smart companies today are moving to ‘agile’ business intelligence (BI) systems, and that these decisions are comprised of two key components: interactive, or ‘self-service’ BI tools for quick access to data, manipulated by power users. A power user is simply someone who’s taken the time to become very adept at using a particular software tool or program. Most companies have one, and can call them by name. Every company should.
In a recent report, Aberdeen Research makes the observation that the characteristic that really stands out regarding power users is their aptitude – which they define as not only the ability to learn such tools, but perhaps even more so that “they are always willing to explore and experiment to discover new capabilities of the tool and insights into data.”
Companies wishing to exploit these tools in order to gain more instantaneous access to critical decision-making information need to confront two needs then: they need access to the newer BI tools (via add-ins, or the tools contained in many of the newer ERP system), and they need to have (or to sponsor and nurture) their own power users.
This takes some time. IT staff need to show the way for budding power users, who need to be trained in analytics, in the use of the tools, and who need to have time to experiment. Ideally, the power users, at least in a few cases, will be among the key business managers, so that when quick access to information is required, they become the Go To Guy or Gal to do so.
Firms with a higher proportion of self-service BI users tend in general to have more employees using business intelligence thus leveraging their tech investments more wisely. It’s as though knowledge begets knowledge, as tools and skills proliferate throughout the ‘informed organization.’ It’s a culture to aspire to!
In fact, formalizing the role of a power user can often provide a more decentralized mode of support and information gathering, especially in larger organizations. Regardless, it’s important that firms large and small do everything to further empower their power users, and try to provide them when able the tools to empower their analysis. Again, these tools are often embedded within their ERP systems (at least the newer, more modern ones) and the best of them are integrated with Microsoft Office tools for added functionality.
With the right software and BI tools in place, all that’s left is a dedication to training and a commitment to continuous education.
In our final post of this series, we’ll draw some key conclusions…
