The Business Intelligence Solutions Architect: unrecognized orchestra conductor

The role of a business intelligence solutions architect is often overlooked in many companies, yet it is the keystone of an efficient system that meets all needs.

An Archi-What?

During various solution auditing mandates, I frequently find myself inquiring whether a company employs someone in the role of a BI architect. The responses range from "What is that?" to "Yes, but mainly for the data supply aspect," or even "Is it contagious?". Typically, I take a moment to outline the types of issues that arise when this role is either unfulfilled or undefined.

(Check the correct answers below)

• My BI solution does not meet user needs.

• I experience performance issues with restitution and/or data supply.

• I have multiple tools in my company performing the same function.

• The reuse rate of my solution's different modules is almost zero.

• I have mini data stores scattered throughout my company, and my users compile everything with Excel.

• I lack centralized management of errors, rejections, quality, or compliance dimensions.

• Others (and the list goes on).

Just as in healthcare, where differential diagnosis helps identify the disease, what you need is a BI architect! Don't worry; the condition is not incurable, and you will indeed live much better afterward!

A Solo Cacophony at the Expense of Symphonic Harmony

Once the diagnosis is established, we consult all specialists. Here, we discover that expertise is not lacking; what's missing is the overarching vision. We encounter teams where individuals excel in their domain but only possess insight into their technical and/or functional segment. They may develop their component in the best possible way, but they lack the perspective to see whether this piece fits optimally within the global solution. Imagine a concert for classical music enthusiasts featuring an orchestra comprised of the best jazz pianist, the premier metal drummer, a gifted folk guitarist, and the world's top pop singer, all performing in their unique styles. The result would be a series of discordant notes, despite the all-star lineup, leaving the audience disappointed. This is where the BI architect steps in! Their task is to harmonize everything towards a shared objective and vision. They extract the best from each element to produce the finest concert, maintaining a perspective on the complete score.

A square man for a well-rounded business

It's not always an easy role. Navigating between demands that border on the impossible, technical experts who continually challenge their piece of the puzzle, and requests for a miraculous solution at a bargain price, the mission can be daunting. Still, the rewards are substantial. Comparing a BI project to a children's block-matching game, one might observe a user desiring a square, a restitution system shaped like a circle, a star-shaped model, and a triangle supply. Each party takes pride in their contribution, but the user receives only what fits into each shape, which ultimately isn't much.

The BI Architect's responsibility is to unify all these aspects. Whether or not they are experts in every field, they must guarantee the integrity of the global solution. Though an expert may face numerous challenges, they must resist the temptation to exchange their macro view for a micro focus on technical details. They must:

• Engage the user about their needs to steer them towards a feasible shape with the desired performance and functionality.

• Ensure the restitution includes the user's requirements.

• Verify that the modeling supports the needs of both restitution and supply.

• Collaborate with the data architect to confirm that the necessary data is available, properly integrated, and non-redundant.

• And, finally, enhance the entire process with a dash of reusability, industrialization, and centralization.

Addressing these tasks will enable a unified shape in a solution that delivers 100% of its potential.

Navigating the complex symphony of data management and utilization, businesses often find themselves in need of a skilled conductor — this is where Keen BI excels. Our expertise lies in embedding a Business Intelligence Solutions Architect into your operations, an expert who not only harmonizes your diverse data elements but also aligns them with your strategic objectives, transforming disjointed notes into a coherent, value-driven performance. With Keen BI, companies gain more than a service; they acquire a partnership dedicated to maximizing the potential of their BI investments, ensuring that every piece of data plays its part in the grand composition of their business success. Let Keen BI guide your performance, turning cacophony into symphony.