Completing the BI Project on Time

This is the continuation of the transcript of a Webinar hosted by InetSoft on the topic of "How To Deliver A Good BI Application." The speaker is Abhishek Gupta, Product Manager at InetSoft.

Prototyping

Even in small organizations the processes and methods, the prototyping, the sprint zero, the validation, and the business modeling helps. It really doesn’t have to do a lot with organization size. I do think any organization can definitely benefit. I think large organizations certainly do because they tend to be somewhat IT heavy. They might gain more benefits because there is a lot more to be gained simply because they become more efficient.

Okay. Another one here is asking about are there any challenges that you run into when you’re trying to help organizations move from the waterfall to an agile approach? Have you run into any cultural challenges or resistance from certain stake holders, and if so, how do you address that?

That's another great question. We see resistance from a couple of fronts, the first one being largely PMO. It’s hard for them to comprehend how this is different or why it’s different or why it’s better, and there are a lot of emotions attached to the methodologies that are in play and a lot of structure. It does have structure. It’s also somewhat unstructured.

It does require a different PMO lifecycle. I think the business very quickly gets the idea, see the benefits and adjusts to it. I think the other pushback we typically get is from architects who can’t seem to see how going through this type of methodology allows you to have a consistent architecture. If you go out to the BI network or the agile BI channel you can read a couple of articles around these types of themes of how this really does align with good architectural constructs. And the other thing is, it's funny because I think the younger people in our group seem to do this, or like this a lot better. People who are 15, 20, 30 year veterans just don't want to change. We get pushback from there as well.

Okay I think we have time probably for one more question here about how long does it take organizations to get over the learning curve of the new methodology and start seeing the benefits of Agile BI?

That’s another great question. I think as you saw in one of the slides I showed you where we saw 66% productivity gains from sprint 2 to sprint 4, that was the first project -- one of the first projects we ever did. So I think you’re going to see the benefits almost immediately, certainly with the first six months. The efficiency gains and the trust that gets built between IT and the business because of the prototyping, hitting that home run, delivering precisely what you wanted, coming in on schedule, and on budget. Everything starts to fire on all cylinders, like a well-tuned engine, in three to six months, and if you’re not seeing the benefits by then, then something deeper is going on.

Reasons StyleBI Keeps BI Projects on Time

StyleBI, InetSoft’s cloud-native business intelligence platform, ensures BI projects stay on schedule through its intuitive design, rapid deployment, and collaborative features. By minimizing technical complexity and empowering users, it reduces delays caused by IT bottlenecks or integration challenges. Below are the key reasons StyleBI facilitates timely BI project delivery.

• Rapid Cloud-Native Deployment

  StyleBI’s microservices architecture enables quick setup in public, private, or hybrid cloud environments, reducing infrastructure setup time. Its small footprint eliminates the need for extensive server configurations, allowing projects to launch in days rather than weeks. This ensures faster time-to-value, keeping timelines on track.

• User-Friendly Self-Service Analytics

  StyleBI’s drag-and-drop interface allows non-technical users to create dashboards and reports without coding, minimizing reliance on IT teams. This self-service approach accelerates development cycles by enabling business users to iterate quickly. Reduced dependency on specialists prevents delays in design and testing phases.

• Seamless Data Integration

  StyleBI’s data mashup capabilities integrate diverse data sources, such as databases, APIs, and cloud apps, with minimal setup effort. This streamlines data preparation, reducing time spent on complex ETL (extract, transform, load) processes. Quick integration ensures data is available for analysis early in the project.

• Real-Time Collaboration Tools

  StyleBI supports collaboration through shareable dashboards and scheduled report deliveries, enabling stakeholders to provide feedback in real time. Role-based security ensures secure sharing, keeping teams aligned without delays from miscommunication. This fosters efficient iteration and decision-making throughout the project.

• Flexible Embedded Analytics

  StyleBI allows dashboards to be embedded into existing applications, such as CRMs or ERPs, reducing integration time with business workflows. This eliminates the need for custom development to align BI with operational systems. Embedded analytics speeds up deployment and user adoption, keeping projects on schedule.

• Scalable Microservices Architecture

  The platform’s microservices design supports scalability, allowing teams to add features or users without significant rework. This flexibility prevents delays as project requirements evolve, such as handling increased data volumes. Scalability ensures the BI solution grows with project needs without timeline disruptions.

• Automated Monitoring and Alerts

  StyleBI’s monitoring tools track system performance, user activity, and data quality in real time, identifying issues before they cause delays. Automated alerts notify administrators of potential bottlenecks, such as server overloads or data errors. Proactive monitoring keeps development and deployment on track.

• Customizable Visualization Templates

  StyleBI offers pre-built, customizable chart and dashboard templates, reducing the time needed to create visualizations from scratch. Users can quickly adapt templates to meet project requirements, speeding up the design phase. This ensures rapid delivery of actionable insights to stakeholders.

• Agile Development Support

  StyleBI aligns with Agile methodologies like Scrum, supporting iterative development through rapid prototyping and user feedback loops. Its flexibility allows teams to adjust dashboards or reports during sprints without major overhauls. This iterative approach keeps projects aligned with deadlines and stakeholder expectations.

• Cost-Effective Resource Allocation

  StyleBI’s cloud-based model and low maintenance requirements reduce infrastructure costs and IT staffing needs, freeing resources for project execution. This cost efficiency prevents budget overruns that could delay timelines. By minimizing resource constraints, StyleBI ensures projects stay within schedule and budget.

StyleBI’s combination of rapid deployment, self-service analytics, and robust integration capabilities ensures BI projects are completed on time. Its user-centric design, scalability, and collaboration tools eliminate common bottlenecks like IT dependency and complex setups. By leveraging StyleBI, organizations can deliver BI solutions efficiently, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality and stakeholder satisfaction.

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