Gaining Insights – Part I - By Sanjay Jotwani

Introduction

We live in a digital world!! Every interaction is a “transaction”, and recorded into the computer’s storage.

So, what is the primary need of capturing this transactional data?

·         Proof of Interaction

·         Grain for Business Analysis

·         Case for Predictive Analysis

As we have digitized every piece into a bit, the challenge faced today is more in terms of

·         Volume of Data and,

·         The disparate forms of Data in a Domain.

As mentioned, data has a purpose to serve; the major is that of participating in analysis, leading to the intelligence required by the business to make informed decisions.

In this multi part blog series, we will try to cover the need, along with the design & implementation practices for a Business Intelligence Application.

The Framework for Business Intelligence

A Business Intelligence Application, from a layered architecture perspective would be represented as shown in Figure 1.

This framework is conceptual, and technology agnostic.

Figure 1.

1.       The Data Integration will result in the Consolidated Data Storage

2.       Data Analysis and Rich Visualization such as decomposition trees will use this Consolidated Data

3.       The Consolidated Data can be termed as Data Warehouse OR Data Mart.

 In the next blog, we will explore the Application Data Layer.

Until then; Cheers!!

Using Business Intelligence for better governance

On Network Computing News, Using Business Intelligence for better governance.

The Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust is a unique initiative by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to ensure quality healthcare for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

BPL families are connected to over 350 network hospitals through primary health centers and medical camps. The network hospitals, along with third-party insurance agencies ensure cashless diagnosis and treatment of ailments for BPL families.

Availability of real-time critical information for all stakeholders is a critical factor for the success of this mission. While the previous application helped Aarogyasri gather critical data from the various stakeholders and made this data available centrally, Aarogyasri was unable to rapidly transform this data into actionable information.

To ensure that the scheme delivered the desired results, the firm specifically required details on critical information such as occupancy records, expenses, fund allocation, repeat cases and yearly insurance reports. Finding actionable data in this flood of information was difficult and proved ineffective when it came to tracking results.

To meet its information needs, Aaragyasri selected IntelliVIEW, a business intelligence solution from Synaptris, that could help users who had minimal computing skills, to easily find actionable information with minimal training.

Post deployment, the solution has made actionable information available to all stakeholders, with estimated savings of over 90 percent for report development time and effort. As a result of deploying the solution, the firm now has accurate information on key parameters such as people covered, people screened, cases registered, surgeries done and amounts claimed. In effect, the solution has enabled the members to serve BPL families better, providing instant access to critical information.

A Business Intelligence Versatilist :

The Business Intelligence Versatilist candidate would be someone who:

Has one or more technical specialties (e.g. application programming, Project Management, Database Administration).

Has at least a general knowledge of software development lifecycle.

Has at least a general knowledge of the business domain in which they work.

The Versatilist program for Business Intelligence Professional will enhance and empower the candidate with the following skills:

An overview of Business Performance Management

A clear understanding of Business Intelligence Application Development Lifecycle

Architecting a Business Intelligence Solution

Designing & Implementing Data Warehouses

Designing & Implementing Data Integration Requirements

Implementing & Enabling Data Analysis

Administering a Business Intelligence Infrastructure