Business Intelligence (BI)
Services:
Consulting:
Specialties
Protecting Confidential and Regulated Data
Overview
Business management needs concise, timely, and accurate information. Providing this is no easy task. Although there are many solutions being touted as the "one-step answer", one must accept the fact providing management information is a ever-evolving task. External data sources are constantly changing and the many internal business system data sources are changing as the business dictates.
The key to providing meaningful information is to first understand business management and operational staff information needs. Once the needs are defined, then and only then can a cost effective solution be provided.
What do we do
Advantageware specializes in assisting business management to get the information they need, when and how they need it. We work with our clients to first define and document the management and operational information requirements. We also carefully explore, document, and analyze the organization's "business speak". Many BI problems are caused by the misunderstanding and misuse business terms. These findings are presented and used as part of the material used to develop the organization's BI Requirements. The BI Requirements are presented in context of business goals so that appropriate measures can be defined and applied to the solution development and management of on-going operational costs. Advantageware takes care to assign staff who has the appropriate business knowledge and experience to develop the Business Intelligence Models and Solution Requirements.
Next we identify and analyze of actual sources of the internal and external data used within the business to determine content weaknesses and strengths. The results of this analysis are reviewed and presented to appropriate personnel. Next the BI Model (people, data, process, and reporting needs and relationships) is developed. Using the BI Model, a recommended solution is formulated. This solution is typically comprised of a process/data model, user scenarios, usage and reporting scenarios, a technology architecture, measures, and control components.
Advantageware gives its clients three options ways to implement the proposed solution.
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Advantageware can partner with the client and work with them on an "as-assigned" basis. The client would manage the project and Advantageware would supply resources on an as-assigned basis.
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Advantageware can also deliver the solution on a complete project basis. In this case, Advantageware would develop and install the proposed solution. Advantageware would also assist the client's staff to integrate the solution into their own environment and train the client's staff as required.
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The final alternative is having Advantageware deliver the solution on an "operational support" basis. In this case Advantageware would develop the necessary solution and deliver required information on a scheduled basis according to a mutually agreed to service level agreement.
How do we do this
Advantageware uses a structured work approach and solid project management practices which facilitate communication throughout the entire project effort. We also use various proprietary methodologies, techniques, and tools as we carefully work with our clients to define and document the exact business goals and objectives and translate them into requirements. The requirements include function, data, and a definition of the client's business and technology environments.
Based upon a client's requirements, Advantageware can either: evaluate, recommend, install, customize a selected best-of-breed information intelligence solution; or build a customize solution using our own tools. We work closely with our clients to ensure that what we recommend and deliver helps our clients to succeed. Care is taken to assist clients to identify what processes may have to be reengineered and what existing information systems and infrastructure technologies may have to integrated, upgraded or replaced. Advantageware then assists the client to do whatever it takes to get the operational processes and technologies prepared for the selected BI solution.
Success stories
Financial Institution's Client Ranking and Rating
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Participated in the examination and developing of a Client Measurement and Reporting Model which is used to provide all areas of the organization to use the same Client information when analyzing a Client's performance. Led focus sessions with appropriate business area stakeholders and designated IT staff to define and develop the new measures and identify where and how these measures would be used. Developed the rules necessary to use these new measures in context of data required. Defined and developed specialized analytic tools and common library code using these rules. Worked with various application teams to integrate Client Ranking and Rating Tools into current and new applications. This project was successfully completed within a very tight deadline.
Property/Casualty Insurance Company Reserve Funding Audit
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Performed a Business/Data Analysis project effort to validate and improve the claims processing and reserve management processes and reporting. The company's Best rating had been downgraded. The project's goal was to provide the company's board of directors, the state insurance regulatory board, and auditors with a third party evaluation and improvement plan.
Telemarketing Center Service Level Performance Review
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Analyzed the performance data from 6 nationwide telemarketing centers. Helped uncover performance trends, areas of training, and inconsistency in reporting among the centers. Made recommendations for training and changes in scripts and organization structure. Built a performance data mart and related reporting tools.