Business Intelligence in ERP: ERP Software and Business Intelligence Integrating 

  • 22 February 2022
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ERP & BI Function

The two buzzwords of the modern business world are – ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) & BI (Business Intelligence). A clear understanding of ERP software implementation and BI tools helps pave the way towards business success. In fact, today is the time when many businesses are focusing on ERP software and business intelligence integrating. This means that there is business intelligence in ERP embedded in modern enterprise applications. Let us discuss more about ERP in business intelligence and ERP software and business intelligence integrating.

Understanding ERP

ERP can manage various business processes at the same time. It is a software used to automate business processes by integrating financial information, manufacturing data, accounting information, CRM, HR data and insights at every stage of the supply chain. A modern ERP system draws on a standardized, centralized database that aids major efficiency gains, better productivity and cost savings as businesses spend less time searching for critical data. In other words, ERP provides a 360 degree view of your entire business. 

What is BI?

BI software is a business intelligence software that helps to make actionable decisions and analyze business data faster. The software plays a vital role in making accurate forecasts and doing what if analysis smartly. 

ERP & BI Key Difference – Similar, yet distinct!

Yes, both involve data intelligence. Both software are beneficial for micro, small, medium-sized and large businesses. But, ERP and BI are two sides of the same coin. ERP & BI key difference is that ERP manages various business functions — reporting, payroll, inventory control, accounting, staff acquisition, etc. — BI focuses on reporting, data and trends analysis.   

Complimentary Business Management Tools

ERP & BI Work Best When They Work Together!

While ERP aids in collating and streamlining business data, BI tools help analyze this data and turn them into actionable insights. Together, the two software complement each other, just like a symbiotic relationship! In other words, BI requires an ERP to perform well, while the value of ERP software is enhanced once paired with BI.

So if ERP software solutions can foster business efficiency now, the added functionality of BI can prepare your business for tomorrow by providing you with the insights you need. Simplifying further, BI takes the data identified by ERP further, enabling businesses to organize, analyze and contextualize information from around the company to generate actionable insights.

To paraphrase Albert Einstein, “Business Intelligence without ERP is blind and vice versa”.

Have ERP? Unleash the Power of ERP Business Intelligence  

In the digital era, where data reigns supreme, the integration of ERP software and Business Intelligence emerges as a strategic imperative. As organizations embark on the journey of digital transformation, the ERP Business Intelligence module stands as a beacon, guiding them toward informed decision-making and sustainable growth. SAP is the leading ERP software that offers a specialized ERP business intelligence module. It also has embedded analytics capabilities. Let’s explore more about SAP BI ERP system. 

SAP BI: Transforming Raw Data into Business Insights 

SAP Business Intelligence (BI) stands as a pivotal application designed to infuse meaning into an organization’s raw data. This involves the cleansing, storage, and application of business logic to make data useful for enterprise users, facilitating informed decision-making. The output is presented in the form of reports, tables, and charts for efficient analysis and strategic business decisions

Understanding ERP in Business Intelligence 

Throughout various business activities, companies generate data about customers, suppliers, and internal processes. SAP BI encompasses a diverse toolset, with the Data Warehouse acting as the cornerstone for consolidating and loading data from different source systems. Reporting tools like Query Designer, Web Application Designer, and Analyzer are instrumental in creating reports that display consolidated data for analysis. 

Key Components of SAP Business Intelligence in ERP 

SAP Business Intelligence focuses on providing user-friendly representations of data for analysis and decision-making. It transforms raw data into meaningful reports, a crucial process for business forecasting. 

The Need for Data Warehousing & BI 

Organizations deal with diverse data types stored across various units such as DBMS, Excel sheets, and SAP R/3 systems. SAP ERP business intelligence module, coupled with a Data Warehouse, organizes this data, bringing together heterogeneous sources for meaningful reporting and analysis. 

Advantages of SAP Business Intelligence in ERP 

Single Point of Access: SAP ERP business intelligence module offers a centralized access point for all information, streamlining data retrieval. 

Efficient Analysis: Data from different sources is presented in reports for high-level analysis. 

User-Friendly Interface: SAP BI provides an easy-to-use GUI with enhanced formatting. 

Key Functionality: It excels in analyzing multidimensional data, offers flexible dashboards, and ensures scalability. 

Query Performance: SAP BI ERP system is known for outstanding query performance with minimal administration requirements. 

Mobile BI: The platform supports mobile BI for end-users on the go. 

Integration: SAP BI ERP system seamlessly integrates with other platforms, enhancing its versatility. 

In essence, SAP ERP business intelligence module transforms data into actionable insights, empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of business environments and make informed decisions. Its comprehensive toolset and strategic capabilities make it a preferred choice for those seeking an effective BI solution.  

Now, let’s talk about SAP’s ERP in Business Intelligence Offering: SAP Business Objects Business Intelligence 

SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) emerges as a centralized suite dedicated to data reporting, visualization, and seamless sharing. Positioned as the on-premise BI layer within SAP’s Business Technology Platform (BTP), it undergoes the intricate process of transforming data into valuable insights, ensuring accessibility anytime and anywhere. It is the perfect offering of business intelligence in ERP. 

Key Features and Capabilities: 

Flexible Architecture: The SAP BusinessObjects BI suite offers a versatile architecture that aligns with your growth trajectory, accommodating both a few users and tens of thousands, transitioning effortlessly from a single tool to multiple tools and interfaces. 

On-Premise Deployment: Rooted in on-premise deployment, this BI suite provides a robust foundation for your business intelligence endeavors, ensuring reliability and control. 

Real-Time Business Intelligence: Stay ahead in the dynamic business landscape with real-time business intelligence capabilities. SAP BusinessObjects BI enables you to access and analyze data as it happens, fostering agility and proactive decision-making. 

Increased User Autonomy: Empower users across your organization with increased autonomy. The BI suite facilitates user-friendly interfaces, allowing individuals to navigate and derive insights with ease, promoting self-sufficiency. 

Simplified, Personalized, and Dynamic Information Consumption: Experience a streamlined approach to information consumption. SAP BusinessObjects BI simplifies the process, tailoring information delivery to individual preferences, resulting in a dynamic and personalized user experience. 

BI and ERP : Win-win combination!

Uneecops is a CMMI Level 5 company offering digital transformation and business automation solutions to some of India’s leading SMEs and large businesses. We have multiple ISO certifications and 50+ awards in various business categories. What makes us one of the trusted companies is our recognition as Asia’s #1 SAP B1 partner and India’s first Platinum SAP BI partner. We serve over 120 clients such as Mother Dairy, Select CityWalk, Apollo Munich, Mankind Pharma, Lenskart, Uno Minda and DS Group, to name a few. With over 25 years of industry experience, we have built time-tested methodologies that enable us to offer end-to-end ERP software implementation and Business Intelligence tools. What can be better – one reliable company offering both solutions (ERP & BI). We offer business intelligence in ERP modules. 

With Uneecops helping you integrate ERP & BI into your business processes; you get the enterprise-ready software to power ultimate success. 

Roli Agarwal

About the author

As a seasoned technology writer with a decade-long commitment to the industry, Roli stands out as a prominent authority in crafting compelling narratives around SAP innovations. Specializing in the dynamic realms of 360* Tableau, SAP technology, and ERP solutions, Roli is renowned for her capacity to spearhead successful marketing and communication strategies. Having collaborated extensively with software experts, she possesses an intricate understanding of the diverse industries and verticals that SAP serves. Rooted in the art of impactful storytelling, Roli connects with audiences, consistently bringing technology USP suitable to their needs.