Definition

operational business intelligence

Operational business intelligence, sometimes called real-time business intelligence, is an approach to data analysis that enables decisions based on the real-time data companies generate and use on a day-to-day basis. Typically, the data is queried from within an organization’s enterprise applications.  Operational business intelligence technology is primarily targeted at front-line workers, such as call center operators, who need timely data to do their jobs.

With operational BI, analysis can take place in tandem with business processing, so that problems can be spotted and dealt with sooner than with conventional after-the-fact business intelligence (BI) approaches. It enables the creation of a performance and feedback loop in which decision makers can analyze what’s happening in the business, act upon their findings and immediately see the results of those actions.

Data must be extremely current, which isn’t always possible with the traditional bounds of both enterprise reporting and data warehousing. However, most business processes at a typical company don’t require real-time data. With that in mind, a key part of every operational BI project is determining which business users need up-to-the-minute data for BI purposes and how they will handle getting data delivered to them in that fashion.

Related glossary terms: Learning Guide: ROI
This was last updated in November 2010
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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