Analogyx BI . . . Not Your Father’s Reporting Tool
“Why do I need Analogyx if my ERP already has built-in reporting?”
This is a question I get asked frequently by ERP users . . . and it’s the same one I’d ask if I was in their shoes.
So, let me set the record straight. Analogyx BI is not just another reporting tool.
To illustrate my answer, let's break this down 3 ways:
1) “Report Tools” found in most ERP's only provide insight into that ERP system.
Face it. We’ve all touted the goal of ERP’s to become the single source of truth. Unfortunately, that just hasn’t happened. The functionality and services needed to run a dynamic company today requires a variety of outsourced vendors and their associated platforms. Payroll, shipping, eCommerce, CRM, and tax services are just a small sample of external sources of data for organizations. Unfortunately, each one of these sources generates data (often in contradicting formats) which must be included in any company’s decision-making process . . . and it’s all outside your ERP Reporting Tool’s reach.
Analogyx's built-in data warehouse, in conjunction with our pre-built data connectors, allows companies to consolidate all their data sources (even spreadsheets on Google drives) into a single repository. Your disparate data can now be transformed into cohesive data sets for analysis across the enterprise, allowing “apples to apples” comparisons for standardized reporting and analytics. Every piece of data generated by, and for, an organization can be made available to all users in easy-to-use graphical visualizations.
2) “Report Tools” found in most ERP’s only provide insight into what has already happened.
The reports generated and used by the majority of ERP users are what we call “backward-looking” or “functional” reports. The two most commonly used are Descriptive (tells you the current situation) and Diagnostic (helps you figure out what may have happened based on historical data). While these 2 report types are extremely important, they are very limited in providing decision-making information for the future. In addition, drilling into transactional historical data is nearly impossible since these records are constantly being overwritten. For example, can you see what your inventory level was 6 weeks ago or job estimates created prior to your last Cost Roll without having to access backups?
Analogyx also provides backward-looking and functional reporting . . . on steroids. Analogyx's powerful web interface allows you to view and analyze ALL of your data across your organization using nearly 100 out-of-the-box dashboards containing over 50 types of charts, graphs, and visualizations in real-time. Our messaging capabilities allow you to be alerted when established thresholds are reached and scheduled reports can be sent to both internal and external staff in a variety of formats. And thanks to our built-in data warehouse, we can create and access snapshots to provide complete views of historical, transactional data.
But that’s just the beginning. The true power of Analogyx lies in our ability to provide your organization with “forward-looking” analysis. While Descriptive and Diagnostic are backward looking reports, Analogyx expands your decision-making with Predictive (what’s likely to happen) and Prescriptive (what do I need to do) analytical capabilities.
Sales and Production forecasts, Cash Flow Projections, Purchasing decisions, Preventative Maintenance scheduling. These are all decisions which can be optimized through the use of forward-looking analytics . . . and impossible to achieve using standard ERP reporting tools.
3) “Report Tools” found in most ERP’s require a high level of IT administration.
Standard reporting tools typically display data for users in dashboards or reports using tabular views. While some are capable of building more complex charts and graphs, most companies don’t have access to (or want to pay for) the skills required to accomplish those visualizations. Users, too, have their own vision for how they’d like to view data which often requires IT to create and administer multiple versions of the same report. Add to this the decreasing lifespan of reports today (due to users' ever-changing analytic needs) and you quickly realize how much of your IT budget and resources are tied up in report creation and maintenance.
While most out-of-the-box ERP reporting provides tabular views or dashboards designed for each user’s viewing preferences, Analogyx BI presents this data in an array of out-of-the-box dashboards using a wide variety of colorful visualizations (charts, graphs, maps, gauges, etc). And believe me, these dashboards aren’t just window dressing. Each visualization allows users to click on graphical icons or select drop-downs to apply countless filters and views to see the data the way they need it . . . eliminating the need to create and maintain countless versions of the same dashboard to satisfy each user.
To expand each user’s power, Analogyx's web-based, graphical design allows dashboards to be linked which enables “overview” (or Executive) dashboards to provide a single point of viewing for each users’ critical metrics. Instead of wasting time scrolling through countless dashboards or spreadsheets, that same user can get a quick snapshot of their top-level data in a single location. Then, if they want to learn more, they can click on each metric to see the dashboard and data driving the numbers.
So you see, Analogyx is not just another reporting tool. Rather, it is one integrated platform to provide complete viewing and analysis of your data across your entire organization.
Have questions? Want more info? Contact us today to see how Analogyx can enable true data-driven decision making for your organization.
Past Articles on Analogyx BI: E1: Accounting Receivables E2: Sales E3: Production E4: Executives E5: Marketing