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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
BI and analytics processes form the core of most companies' efforts to leverage information to gain competitive advantages, reduce operational risks and costs, and identify and fine-tune business strategies. More specifically, well-designed BI analytics systems give C-suite executives a 360-degree view of the organization, often with near-real-time updates and alerts; that provides a strong platform for business process analysis and redesign, on-the-fly performance management and agile marketing. In addition, they can be used to incorporate feedback from internal end users and external customers into improving such areas as help desk operations and customer experience management.
The primary users of BI analytics tools are upper management -- such as CFOs and chief marketing officers -- as well as business analysts and other people on their staffs in the marketing and finance departments. For the CFO, reporting is now a keep-the-business-running tool, while analytics allows the CFO to give the CEO insights that show, for example, how business strategies are affecting the quarterly results (and why), and how the company compares to competitors.