Ray Wang just posted an awesome and insightful article about how to approach the use of software to improve business in these tight times. I especially loved the last 2 suggestions quoted below, because it captured the essence of SaaS BI – a byte sized approach to tracking metrics:
- Choose your entry points to add business value. It makes no sense to boil the ocean. Today’s analytic solutions require bite-sized entry points. Clients often start with analysis of metrics and KPI by department and work their way to cross-departmental initiatives. Advanced customers focus on external entry points such as customers and partners. (see Figure 1.)
- Define the metrics that matter. Begin with the end in mind. This Coveyism always rings true in transformational activities. Metrics should be aligned with your entry points. Quantify the baseline and determine the effort. Adjust your ROI targets to align resources with efforts to move the needle. (see Figure 2.)
