Business Intelligence: Finding Hidden Detail in Data Avalanche
Making sense out of information is the job of “business intelligence,” a growing category of software functions. Until recently, BI may have been most closely associated with leading-edge industries such as online retailing, financial services and pharmaceuticals. As more companies do business over the Internet, however, BI can be expected to play an ever greater role in trucking.
Business intelligence software makes data "dimensional" structured in what is sometimes called a data cube to enable analysts, marketers, managers and executives alike to sift through mountains of material and glean otherwise hidden information. Aggregating data in various ways and viewing it from different angles may also reveal hidden trends and relationships. Those insights galvanize companies to promote efficiencies, cut costs and provide better service.