Information Networks and Business Intelligence

Information Networks and Business Intelligence: Decision Locus and Political Hotbed

Business Intelligence (BI) is very useful tool, especially for larger corporation and businesses. It is a means in which the firm can gather internal information about the firm. This allows the firm to use the information to help implement effective business strategies to assist in attaining a better market advantage. In this case study, I will read about BI implementation within two different firms and discuss the lessons learned by these firms. Then I will discuss any conclusions that I have drawn form this case. I will also discuss any counterarguments to these conclusions. Finally I will review my original position in light of the counterarguments.

Background

Marshfield Clinic

The clinic was looking at different choices in BI systems for the clinic which needed to meet certain criteria. They needed a system which was not only accessible, but has the ability to access the data quickly and the finish product needed to be understandable. It also needed to work and be accessible in various different locations. The best practices for the system was for doctors to be able to access date input from others such as blood pressures, temperatures, lab results and more. One of the goals was for the doctors to be able to see the information right at their desktops and have the ability to use the data as graphical observations about patients (Konitzer and Cummens, 2011). For example the doctor could look at blood pressure trends of a specific patient. They can use the data to monitor the increase of blood pressure over time. Similarly, it could be used for lab tests to graphically observe blood sugars of a patient over time. The information was needed to help with health prevention as well as future diagnosis for patients. The same system can be used to document medical coding for billing purposes, which would allow administrators to prevent a fix these errors which would cause billing errors.

Exclusive Resorts

When choosing their BI system the resort chose a Microsoft system which was helpful for the resort in several ways. First, it offered compatibility with the programs which were already being utilized by the resort. The use of the system for member services was a priority as well as the ability to use the BI system within several different departments was also a key factor (Microsoft, 2011). The system not only met the needs of the resort but has the ability for expansion in the future if needed. The resort executives felt that the ROI from the implementation was worth the cost of the system as it integrated well with existing programs. The most important aspect of the system is the ability of members to use the program to book reservations and requests for the guests (Microsoft, 2011). Data can then be extracted about reservations and specific requests of guests which can be used to accommodate future visits for guests.

Lessons Learned

There were a few lessons learned during the implementation of Business Intelligence in the Marshfield Clinic and Executive Resorts. The most important lesson learned from both companies would be to have a good understanding of the needs of the company in terms of what type of information the firm wishes to gather with the use of Business Intelligence (SAP, n.d.). This will allow a company make a better choice in the type of software that can meets those needs and is compatible with other software that the company currently uses. New software can be very innovative in the types of data that can be mined from a company. As great as this new tool can be, a disconnection with the existing software can be very costly to overall operations. This type of disconnect can lead to inefficiency as well as the lack of continuity in business processes.

Staff training is another key step in successful implementation. In order to increase the value of the software, training programs are needed. The training plan for the software should be addressed prior to rolling out the software. The Marshfield Clinic completed its training using a train-the-trainer approach with follow up meetings monthly to ensure best practices are being used (Konitzer and Cummens, 2011).

Drawing Conclusions

Marshfield Clinic

In regards to the Marshfield clinic, the systems were disconnected which lead to inefficiency and was costly to the organization because checking for accuracy of billing and coding of procedures had become difficult to do. The data for checking accuracy was not available in a manner that was easy to access and that allowed for immediate analysis. Self-service BI is becoming a standard rather than having someone from IT creates the reports (Electrosmart Ltd,