The vast amount of data and information that is recorded in a business and exploration and organization of this data has helped us to understand and automate business processes and create varied business reports.
The focus on data has not only changed the way in which our businesses work but it has also brought about a revolutionary change in the way information is processed using the modern web and cloud development tools.This has led to what we recognize now as the digital age.
Information technology and exploration of data is increasingly finding its way into the dynamics of business running and we are delving deeper into the digital age with each passing year.
Company ethics and norms integrate with expanding technology thanks to newer cutting-edge technologies, enhanced business analytics, and intelligence tools. As a result, data analysts can use business intelligence tools and methods to understand product demand and supply better.
It has not only increased the value of information but found ways to present and manipulate data in a way to positively impact business growth.
The growing need for embracing the technology development in the digital age has led to redefining many roles in the business work environment and entrusting existing roles with newer responsibilities so that they are able to take timely decisions that can benefit the business and help increase business growth.
Modern day businesses rely heavily on empowering their end users to meet the needs of the digital age, so that the end users perform their tasks with ease at the same time giving the consumers a satisfying and smooth experience.
“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.” — Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft
Consider a scenario in which an enterprise-level customer acquires business intelligence software. The tool allows comprehensive data reporting and analytic capabilities. Still, it fails to fully train its end users on how to utilize the product.
Instead they use their data analyst team separately to manage the data analytics while the end users perform daily routine business tasks with minimal knowledge. In this situation, the end users are completely dependent on the data team for their input and help and this could lead to multiple meetings between them before taking decisive actions.
By empowering the end users and allowing them to take matters into their own hands instead of relying on the IT team to come to their rescue for every small problem, the company would increase their chances of success and provide employees with personalized user experience.
One thought that the developers need to focus on while working on any ad hoc reporting tool is the paradigm shift in business ethics and functioning that has now realized the worth of end users of the product and bring them in the forefront of consumer dealing.
Empowering end users in an organization means doing user experience research. User testing is critical in the design process.
Following are some key points that developers need to keep in focus when working towards empowering the end users and helping them to contribute their share in the business growth.
Powerful backend
A powerful web based development platform supporting the back end of business intelligence tools allows end users to maximize data collection. The job of the developer is to make sure the back end is well-supported with capability and speed, allowing for quick and accurate transactions.
Easy to use Visual interface
The first quality that the front end of any enterprise level business intelligence software should possess is to have a friendly user interface design. How a user interacts with a product or service is essential. The end products of developers that overlook visual design and the digital experience suffer. It is too difficult for end consumers to comprehend.
Varied report layout
The whole magic of .NET based ad hoc reporting software is the variety of meaningful visualizations and report layouts that are available for the end-users to play with. The different report formats allow end users to look at the data from different angles and bring to light different factors that have an impact on the business outcomes. The data analysts can then use these reports for studying and developing correlation between business entities and how to achieve the desired business objectives.
Clarity of business objectives and outcomes
It is very important for end user empowerment that they are aware of the business objectives and understand the general business processes and activities required to reach the desired business outcomes. Once the end user knows the business objectives, he would be in a better position to contribute their share and play the pro active role that is required for business growth.
Identifying skill gaps
The digital age is all about learning new skills and enhancing the skill set for each individual in the workforce. This would not only empower end users and lead them to personal and professional growth, but would also create a work environment with highly skilled professional employees that would work to their full potential. This can be achieved by regular skill gap analysis and providing opportunities for professional development as a group.
Opportunities for collaboration and adaptation
End users should have lots of opportunities for collaboration as team work can build the foundation of reputable and reliable companies where end users collaborate and adapt to newer implementations in technology with confidence.
“Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined and connected to one another. And, when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.” — Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
The pandemic has also placed greater focus on collaboration and teamwork. Businesses rely on modern age technology and services in all kinds of odd situations to make things work smoothly and deliver their services in a timely manner and avoid any negative impact of the unpredictable situation and this is possible using the digital age communication and cloud based Web applications.
