Taming the information beast : ensuring the success of Crickmay and Associates Business Intelligence Systems.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Crickmay and Associates (Crickmay) is a company that implements Business
Intelligence (BI) solutions within Supply Chains, across numerous industries. In their
daily operations they look to manage, enhance and improve their clients businesses.
Crickmay’s slogan is, “Supply Chain Evolution”.
Crickmay’s value proposition lies in their ability to leverage the data produced by
their clients systems in order to find insights. Through continuous evaluation of
operations, coupled with an unwavering determination to uncover potential
improvements, they aim to continually enhance the value chain aspects of their
clients businesses.
As Crickmay’s client base grows and they expand further into differing industries, the
complexities of implementing BI systems increases in parallel. In addition, the
growing African economy and an increasing number of vendors that offer alternative
solutions make for a competitive BI industry.
Companies are compelled to find ways to differentiate themselves. Some employ
cost cutting strategies, others try to reduce the time between design and
deployment.
In an attempt to uncover what the Critical Success Factors (CSF) of a Crickmay BI
solution are, employees were interviewed so as to understand what has previously
been delivered to clients as well as to uncover what makes a BI system successful.
The results were then analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the research
indicated that an equal focus of management effort needs to be placed on managing
three main components of a BI system. People, Process and Technology. An
Integrated BI competency at all levels of the organisation must be developed.
Business Processes must be defined and understood. Technology must be aligned
to support the ever changing needs of the users.
These CSF’s ensure that the reliability, accuracy and longevity of Crickmay’s
systems not only provide a good return on investment for their clients, but
differentiate Crickmay as a BI supplier that provides world class solutions.
Description
Master of Business Administration. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2015.
Keywords
Management information systems., Business logistics., Business intelligence., Theses--Business administration., Business intelligence solutions., Crickmay and Associates.