Learning your business intelligence solution doesn’t have to be as daunting as some may feel. Here’s the thing—you already know the benefits of business intelligence (BI). You know that good BI can provide valuable, and profitable, insights for your company. But, are you fully implementing your BI solution and taking advantage of all of its features? Are you aware of the potential your BI software may offer?
It’s time to take control
Many companies fail to take full advantage of their BI solution, and not because of a lack of money or manpower. They simply do not know how to use it. They may be overwhelmed by the seemingly difficult task of learning their software.
I can relate to this feeling. When I got into this field, I was amazed by the potential of my preferred BI solution. However, learning how to use it seemed impossible.
For better or worse, I’m the kind of person who appreciates a challenge. I dived headfirst into the learning material and within a few weeks of dedicated study, I was feeling much more comfortable with the software.
But in hindsight, this journey could have been easier. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the same difficulties. Here are three tips to help make learning your business intelligence solution easier:
1. Simplify your learning goals
Chances are your BI solution has many different features. You may be tempted to learn all of them at once but that can lead to you being overwhelmed pretty quickly.
How about just tackling one thing at a time?
Focus on one feature or function, and study it until you know it very well. And then move on to the next one.
You should also clarify and identify your BI goals. A clear understanding of what you expect from your BI solution will help shape how you learn your software.
2. Utilize your software’s training tools
The developers of your BI software understand that you may not be familiar with the product. And so it’s in their best interest that you become as comfortable as possible with their software.
Therefore, most good software developers and BI creators will provide some sort of product training. This may come in the form of live training, prerecorded videos, or even a certification course.
Of course, this training is not always free. And you may be, understandably, hesitant to spend money on learning how to use software that you just purchased. But when you consider the benefits of a structured curriculum, you might find that it’s worth it.
Check out the Sage Intelligence Learning Portal. It’s the perfect example of how easy it can be to learn your BI solution when the right platform and tools are available.
3. It’s okay to start over
When I was learning my BI software, I did not get it the first time around. If I watched a video tutorial, I was lucky to grasp 25% of it. Admittedly, it was discouraging to watch an hour-long video and not understand most of it.
At the time, I just wasn’t ready for everything in those videos. But that did not stop me from learning. I just kept watching videos, and practicing, and building up my store of knowledge.
When I was ready, I went back to those first videos and watched them again. Without exception, I always had a stronger understanding the second time around. My level of knowledge had grown, and the videos made much more sense.
Your BI software can do amazing things. It can help you find hidden profits or unknown weaknesses in your business.
However, you must be ready to take full advantage of it. You have to get comfortable with your BI software.
Do not settle for minimal use of your BI solution. Take the necessary steps to unleash its full potential and learn the ins and outs so that you can get the visibility your business deserves.
