Business Intelligence Scorecard

A business intelligence scorecard is a term used to describe two types of solutions. A business intelligence scorecard can be used to define a set of measurements defined to compare how two or more business intelligence software tools compare. In this definition, a business intelligence scorecard is akin to a comparison matrix designed to help you select software platforms. The other definition for a business intelligence scorecard deals with what is also known as a business intelligence balanced scorecard. This type of scorecard uses dashboards inside business intelligence platforms like cognos or business objects to measure how strategy and operational activities align.

Comparison Business Intelligence Scorecard

The first type of business intelligence scorecards are also known as competitive matrices. This type of business intelligence scorecard is a comparison of features among various business intelligence software vendors. With this type of business intelligence scorecard the key use is in making balanced comparisons between BI platforms. When selecting a BI platform a business intelligence scorecard can present an objective view of available features to better compare platforms. The business intelligence scorecard in this case is nothing more than a comparison tool.

Business Intelligence Scorecard for Decision Making

The more traditional definition of a business intelligence scorecard, also known as business scorecard, is the use of BI software to help organizations employ balanced scorecard management methodologies. In this definition, the business intelligence scorecard is a tool to help managers understand how their tactical operations are aligning with corporate strategy. BI platforms like cognos, buisness objects and EMANIO can be used by managers to create reports and charts that help them measure company performance in a business intelligence scorecard approach.

Choosing your Business Intelligence Scorecard Platform

When selecting a business intelligence scorecard platform it's important to note that balanced scorecard management has less to do with BI and more to do with management. The business intelligence scorecard in this case is simply a tool to aid in reporting and the creation of dashboards. the dashboards that are part of the business intelligence scorecard should be set up in a way to create and measure metrics that will help managers understand if projects are still on track and if they still align with company strategy. The business intelligence scorecard in this case can be applied in any aspect of company management.

Business Intelligence Scorecard Dashboards

The dashboards created in a business intelligence scorecard must track metrics and measurements that are defined based on strategy and based on metrics that management feels align with the strategy. The business intelligence scorecard in this case simply reports via dashboards on goal vs. attainment. The business intelligence scorecard must be simply a result of the planning and reporting that has already been previously defined. In this case the business intelligence scorecard is nothing but a presentation tool.