System Dynamics Corporation

technology leaders since 1975



 

Featured Technology : Business Intelligence

Business intelligence (BI) is a business management term which refers to applications and technologies which are used to gather, provide access to, and analyze data and information about company operations. Business intelligence systems can help companies have a more comprehensive knowledge of the factors affecting their business, such as metrics on sales, production and even internal operations.

WHY BI?

Business intelligence applications and technologies can enable organizations to make more informed business decisions, and they may give a company a competitive advantage. For example, a company could use business intelligence applications or technologies to extrapolate information from indicators in the external environment and forecast the future trends in their sector. Business intelligence is used to improve the timeliness and quality of information and enable managers to better understand the position of their firm in comparison to its competitors.

Business intelligence applications and technologies can help companies analyze the following: changing trends in market share, changes in customer behavior and spending patterns, customers' preferences, company capabilities and market conditions. Business intelligence can be used to help analysts and managers determine which adjustments are most likely to affect trends.

BI systems can help companies develop consistent and "data-based" business decisions--producing better results than basing decisions on "guesswork." In addition, business intelligence applications can enhance communication among departments, coordinate activities, and enable companies to respond more quickly to changes (e.g., in financial conditions, customer preferences, supply chain operations, etc.). When a BI system is well-designed and properly integrated into a company's processes and decision-making process, it may be able to improve a company's performance. Having access to timely and accurate information is an important resource for a company, which can expedite decision-making and improve customers' experience.

In the competitive customer-service sector, companies need to have accurate, up-to-date information on customer preferences, so that the company can quickly adapt to their changing demands. Business Intelligence enables companies to gather information on the trends in the marketplace and come up with innovative products or services in anticipation of customer's changing demands. Business Intelligence applications can also help managers to be better informed about actions that a company's competitors are taking. As well, BI can help companies share selected strategic information with business partners. For example, some businesses use BI systems to share information with their suppliers (e.g., inventory levels, performance metrics, and other supply chain data).

BI systems can also be designed to provide managers with information on the state of economic trends or marketplace factors, or to provide managers with in depth knowledge about the internal operations of a business.

In a nutshell BI represents the fruits of your firm's IT labor. Effective use of BI tools empowers decision makers and gives the organization the tools it needs to extract real ROI from investments in ERP solutions and Information Technology as a whole.

IT BUSINESS QUARTERLY

June 2007 / Issue #2


New Website Launch

SDC is getting ready to launch a brand new website design scheduled for deployment in early July. The site has been completely redesigned. It features a new easier to navigate interface and is packed with new features including a users' forum where users of DYNAMIC 3i ERP and MRP solutions can meet and exchange ideas.

Look for an official announcement on the update site soon.

Major Release Scheduled

There's also been alot of activity in the R&D department this past year with the official release of DYNAMIC 3i version 3.2 slated for late summer. This is one of the most feature packed releases ever for SDC and we're very excited about some of the new technology included in this major release. The release will be supported by some free Information sessions and Webinars that will highlight the new functionality available.

Ed.

 

Upcoming IT Events

  1. Better Software Conference & EXPO 2007
    June 18, 2007 - June 21, 2007
    The Venetian Hotel
    Las Vegas, NV
  2. 2007 RFID Forum
    July 17, 2007 - July 18, 2007
    Metro Toronto Convention Centre
    255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2W6

 
 

FREE Webinars

July 15th : Introduction to ERP and MRP

This free introductory webinar is designed to help users understand how ERP and MRP systems benefit businesses and fuel growth.

 

Special Offers

Attention: users of legacy versions of DYNAMIC 3i applications

Upgrade to DYNAMIC 3i ERP version 3.1 today and receive 3 hours SDC Certified training absolutely Free.

* Offer valid through July 30th 2007.

 

Coming Soon from SDC

Workforce Management Oracle Collaboration Suite 10g

Oracle's BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE STANDARD EDITION ONE includes :

  • Oracle Database Standard Edition One
  • Oracle Warehouse Builder (core ETL only)
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Answers
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Dashboard
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Server
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Server Administrator

To learn more about this exciting new technology, contact us today.

Introducing DYNAMIC 3i OnDemand and SDC Hosting Services

New from System Dynamics Corporation : Hosted Server solutions and applications OnDemand

SDC is pleased to announce the launch of SDC Hosting Services. Reduce IT overhead with Hosted Server and Support solutions from SDC.

To learn more about SDC Hosting Services contact us today.

SDC HEADLINES

SDC set to launch DYNAMIC Updater for DYNAMIC 3i ERP Solutions

Markham, Ontario - SDC is finalizing development of some exciting new technology aimed at helping users of DYNAMIC 3i ERP solutions stay up to date with the very latest patches available.

The system will perform update checks at regular intervals and download patches that have not yet been applied to users' systems.

This new technology will help IT managers and business owners ensure their ERP systems are fully patched and up to date at all times. The system will allow administrators to automatically apply all available patches or to manually apply selected patches. Full version control and patch level management are included with this new intelligent updater.

The new DYNAMIC Updater will be included with this summer's major release: DYNAMIC 3i version 3.2.

Did You Know?

Starting June 30, 2007 new CPA (Canadian Payments Association) requirements go into effect for all Canadian business cheques. The new specifications mean that most businesses will need to order new cheques that meet these new formatting requirements. Most ERP and related AP programs will also need to be updated to meet the specifications.

For more on the new CPA requirements for Cheques please visit the CPA on the web at www.cdnpay.ca.