Embedded analytics is the integration of business intelligence tools and reporting capabilities directly into applications. The purpose is to let users do data analytics natively instead of relying on external software.
Embedding reporting within an existing application has many advantages as opposed to setting up reporting and analytics as a stand alone system. Integrating inside the application makes it a seamless experience for the user, instead of logging in to and using multiple systems. That is why you have to choose the right system, something like dotnet Report, that lets you seamlessly integrate reporting and analytics as part of your solution.
Here are ten tips for making good embedded reports and business analytics even better.
- Start slow. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Business intelligence via embedded reporting requires a substantial development ramp and learning curve. You can’t flesh out your systems overnight.
- Get everyone to buy into your idea. Business intelligence is only as successful as the people who use it. So if critical employees aren’t on board with the idea, then they won’t use it.
- Choose your KPIs early. Ensure that everyone in your organization from sales, marketing, finances, and operations are reading off the same page.
- Use query caching or server side paging. This technique speeds up the rate at which users get reports associated with a particular dataset.
- Use preloading. Preloading downloads all of the elements required to display a report (such as CSS files, Javascript, and so on), ready to be populated by the data of interest for the user.
- Don’t use iframes. Stay away from any solution that uses iframes. It is an outdated and unsecured technology and you would have to jump through hoops to make it work right. Even then, it will likely not render correctly most of the times.
- Keep your SDK packages up to date. Always download the latest tools and updates. Check for enhancements and release publications.
- Select suitable data sources. If you are in a position where you are setting up your system, think carefully about which systems are most suited to your organization long-term. There are many database options available, Oracle, MS SQL, My SQL and so on. You definitely want to make sure your embedded bi solution can export to CSV or Excel.
- Avoid giving everyone business intelligence access immediately. Only use assets sparingly and according to agreed-upon policies. It also important to be able to provide access or restrict access to data and reports according to user roles.
- Make data sexy. Lastly, try to create a data culture in which everyone can see the value of information. Having the reports and insights looking aesthetically and visually pleasing can help with that goal.
Let us know if there are any questions or comments.
