The relevance of BI dashboards has recently become a topic of debate with the rise of Gen AI. Some question whether traditional dashboards are still necessary. From the perspective of dbSeer, we believe BI dashboards are critical infrastructure, as this blog will outline, but their design and functionality must evolve to meet modern needs.
At dbSeer we champion a “3D dashboard” approach that focuses on the user’s ability to interact with and understand data in a clear, summarized format—whether presented in a classic, traditional layout or through more modern, dynamic visualizations.
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Benefits of Using a Business Intelligence Dashboard
Regardless of the format, the goal of BI dashboards is to deliver actionable, accurate insights that drive decision-making. This is accomplished with:
- Centralized Data Collection
BI dashboards create a centralized platform for your data. BI dashboards leverage data source connectivity and build bridges between all your data sources to streamline into a single source of truth. BI dashboards also incorporate customizable data widgets, allowing users to tailor their approach and prioritize the metrics most relevant to their goals.
- Real-Time Data Monitoring
Using automated data integration, users have access to real-time data all in one place. The most up-to-date data is always available to leverage insight for your organization. BI dashboards make data-driven decision making a breeze.
- Improved Data Accuracy
BI solutions have built in data cleansing that standardizes raw data and transforms it into actionable insight for your organization. BI dashboards are instrumental in improving data accuracy, helping organizations identify and address inefficiencies. By surfacing these problems, dashboards empower teams to implement corrective measures, bridging the gap between flawed processes and optimal operations.
Best Practices for Implementing Business Intelligence Dashboards
When implementing your BI dashboard, it’s important to be aware of best practices such as:
Defining Clear Objectives
What trends do you want your BI dashboard to reveal? Where are the pain points in your organization? What are the goals and targets you want to meet? Answering these questions helps assess which metrics need to be under your BI dashboard umbrella and will offer clarity in their analysis, rather than overwhelm. The goal of a BI dashboard is to answer your questions, not give you more questions to answer.
Ensuring Data Quality
Quality data is the lifeblood of a smooth-running BI dashboard. While, BI Dashboards do improve data accuracy, the source of the data is critical. Ensure that the data sources are credible and that your internal data collection methods are standard across the board. This will make your BI dashboard easier to use, and reflective of the objectives set out.
Training Your Team
The biggest challenge in the digital age for business is to build a culture around data for your team. And yet, this may be the most important challenge to overcome in today’s day and age. It is critical that with a BI Dashboard users are trained on its utility and potential to unlock its capabilities. Teaching basic skills ranging from dashboard navigation to how to integrate with workflow will be critical to the success of your organization.
Popular Business Intelligence Dashboard Tools
Another best practice that is key to success with a BI Dashboard is to select the right tool for your needs. Below are a few examples to choose from on your BI journey:
Tableau
This system excels in large data-sets and offers customizable visualizations that are powerful storytellers for the data you use. Tableau can offer a suite of products within your BI Dashboard and offers ease of use.
Power BI
Developed by Microsoft, this BI is a powerful business analytics service that can be extensively shared within your organization. Power BI takes building a connected data culture in your organization to the next level. It offers a variety of visualizations and BI capabilities on an easy-to-use dashboard.
Insight Software
Insight Software specializes in providing pre-built BI dashboards and reporting tools. It aims to go beyond a simple dashboard and provide Gen AI, predictive analytics and advanced data visualizations. Power ON helps users complete monthly reports 87% faster.
Conclusion
At dbSeer we pride ourselves on working with all these different tools, and understanding the best practices required for a successful BI dashboard to be implemented. Reach out today for our assistance, we’re happy to take your business to the next level in its data journey.
