First BI, Then AI: Why a Strong Data Layer Is the Key to Smart Organizations
Data is everywhere. But insight? That’s a different story. Many organizations work daily with systems such as Dynamics 365 or Exact, which contain enormous amounts of valuable data. Yet they often limit themselves to isolated reports and operational figures. The greater benefit goes untapped.
During the Think Tech, Speak Human days we'll spend in the session First BI, Then AI: How Analytics4Dynamics & Exact Are Shaping the Data Layer of the Future understand why a strong Business Intelligence (BI) foundation is essential before you make the transition to AI. And, most importantly, how to actually achieve that.
From data to insights, and only then to AI
AI is all the rage. But without reliable, structured data, it’s of little use. In fact, without a solid data foundation, you run the risk of AI drawing the wrong conclusions.
That is why our message is clear:
First BI, then AI.
With BI and a central data layer, you ensure that:
- Your data is accurate, complete, and consistent
- definitions are unambiguous
- reports are reliable
- everyone within the organization uses the same figures
Only then can you really let AI add value.
The challenge: fragmented data and limited reporting
Many organizations can relate to this:
- Reporting takes too much time
- Data is spread across multiple systems
- Unfortunately, Excel exports and manual processing are the norm
- Insights are scattered and not always reliable
Standard reports from ERP systems often lack sufficient depth. They show what’s happening right now, but not why, or whether there’s a deviation, let alone whether you need to take action.
The solution: Analytics4Dynamics & Analytics4Exact
In this session, we'll show you how Analytics4Dynamics and Analytics4Exact solve these challenges.
These solutions provide a ready-to-use, pre-built data layer on top of your ERP system (both MS Dynamics BC and Exact), built entirely on Microsoft technology and using Power BI as the reporting tool.
What does that mean, specifically?
- Your ERP data is converted into an understandable and rich data model
- Data from multiple records and systems is consolidated
- Dashboards can be created in a snap and are easy to expand
- You work with predefined, consistent KPIs
- You don't have to rely on technical colleagues
The result:
From disparate data to integrated insights.
What makes this approach so powerful?
Its strength lies in the combination of simplicity and flexibility.
Quick start, without a complex IT process
You don't have to set up long-term data warehouse projects. The foundation is already in place, so costs are lower.
Data that's always up to date
With flexible data refresh, you'll always be working with up-to-date figures.
Fully scalable
Whether you work in the cloud (Azure) or on-premises, the architecture adapts to your organization.
A single source of truth
No more discussions about numbers—let's focus on steering and improving.
Foundations of AI
AI can be applied to controlled and prepared data
From Insight to Action
With the dashboards in Power BI, you can get immediate answers to questions such as:
- How are we performing financially?
- Where are the variances in performance, margin, or costs?
- How are our sales and inventory trending?
- Where do we need to make adjustments?
And perhaps even more importantly:
You can easily zoom in on the details behind trends and anomalies.
Why This Is Relevant to Your Organization
So the transition to data-driven work doesn't have to be complicated. But it does start with the right foundation.
With Analytics4Dynamics and Analytics4Exact:
- Save time on (monthly) reports
- you improve the quality of your insights
- make faster and more well-informed decisions
- you lay the foundation for future AI applications
What You'll Learn During the Session
During the session, we'll take you through:
- Why BI Is the Necessary First Step Toward AI
- How to Quickly Set Up a Robust Data Layer
- How organizations are already benefiting from this approach today
- Specific examples of dashboards and insights in Power BI
Ready to turn data into value?
Do you want to spend less time on reporting and more time on management?
Do you want to get a handle on your numbers and be ready for AI?
Then this session is a must-attend.
We look forward to seeing you at the Think Tech, Speak Human days.
