Business Objects software allows businesses to track, understand, and manage all elements of enterprise performance. These products provide reporting tools, query and analysis, data integration and performance management with the desired result of increased productivity.
Some features available in business object software include:
- Standard, pre-developed reports
- Ad hoc reporting
- Query and analysis
- Data integration
- Data cleansing
- Interface with other business tools such as data base and data warehouse tools
- Budgeting software
- Forecasting software
- Financial planning software
Business object applications are sometimes referred to as business intelligence platforms. They should allow employees to access key data without specific database training. The reporting tools should allow easy production of reports to access, format and deliver data in a meaningful format. These tools allow businesses to match their actions to their defined business strategy. This software should help improve profits, reduce costs and automate compliance with regulatory reporting requirements.
Major entries in the business object application market include:
- Business Objects
- Microsoft
- SRC software
Selection criteria for business objects applications aren't nearly as important as deployment of the software. Business must allow time and effort to integrate this software with your current business software and develop the processes necessary to make efficient use of your objects software.
Factors to consider when choosing software include:
- Integration: How well will your objects software interact with other office applications?
- Time required for development of processes and integration
- Ease of use
- System resources: Not usually an issue, but sometimes small business environments are on over-taxed hardware already.