| Most small business owners have figured out by now | | | | data-mining, reporting, and querying, BI allows |
| that competition is tough. The problem usually comes | | | | businesses to understand, manage and then respond |
| from the fact that she can't figure out exactly what's | | | | to specific situations. BI software gives key |
| needed to get to the top. | | | | decision-makers, as well as staff, the ability to use |
| Preserving the status quo may not be enough. Pouring | | | | important business numbers in a way previously |
| funds into the latest technology available can be a | | | | unimaginable. |
| wonderful boon -- or the last straw that sends the | | | | BI helps them determine: |
| business into bankruptcy. In this feast or famine world, | | | | · Which customers appear profitable -- but |
| it seems like the majority of small business either (a) | | | | aren't? |
| don't have enough technology or (b) have every new | | | | · Which customers are truly profitable? |
| technology ever created as soon as it's created. | | | | · Is the business close to, or far from, achieving |
| Regardless of the technology spend, though, there do | | | | critical milestones? |
| exist some relatively new technologies that every | | | | · When is the optimal time to launch a new |
| business owner can utilize. This technology answers | | | | marketing objective? |
| questions like: | | | | · What was the best-performing product |
| How can businesses identify important trends? | | | | service in any given time period? |
| How can businesses find existing demands? | | | | Unfortunately, BI software can cost more than some |
| How can businesses make better decisions, faster? | | | | small businesses can afford. But fortunately, there are |
| And this technology is the crystal ball of our time: | | | | BI services available on the Internet at a relatively |
| business intelligence (BI). | | | | reasonable cost. Although there are many to choose |
| Buying BI software can be one of the most rewarding | | | | from, it's important to do due diligence before selecting |
| investments that a business makes. By utilizing | | | | one. |