Goals

The value of business intelligence can only be realized if it is used to achieve a goal.  Although it can be used solely to provide insight, your investment in business intelligence will not be sustainable unless it is shown to produce results.

The type of goals that we are referring to are typically summarized in a enterprise mission statement.  While it is very common to find a enterprise mission statement it is also common to find department mission statements.  Strategic planning takes place at both levels and therefore business intelligence can be used to affect strategic decisions throughout the enterprise.  It is important to realize that the use of business intelligence does not have to be top-down. It can be applied to any goal at any level in an organization.

Vision statements may also contain goals however these are aspirational and are meant to be achieved sometime in the future. Business intelligence is best applied to goals that are meant to be achieved in the present and this is why the mission statement is an ideal starting point.  In addition, these goals are tend to be focused on an organization's value proposition.  Tying business intelligence to an organization's value proposition is one of the best ways to demonstrate results.

The example that we use to explain the Weincor business intelligence method is as follows

Provide the college with opportunities to reduce expenses.

Does this goal sound too lofty?  Click on Objectives to learn how they are used to define the measurable outcomes that are needed to reach a goal.