Business Intelligence Blog

Many data analytics vendors give users the ability to measure everything but offer little guidance.  This can be overwhelming for new users. At Phocas, we provide you with the ability to measure everything and determine the metrics that really matter to your business. To get you started, Phocas will help you establish critical metrics, and then teach you how to quickly identify areas of concern to meet the unique needs of your business. 

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics, Job Role - Sales, Job Role - Executive, Job Role - Inventory/Operations, Job Role - Marketing

You don’t have to look very far to recognize the importance of data analytics in our world; from the Weather Channel using historical weather patterns to predict London's summer, to a professional baseball team using on-base plus slugging percentage to determine who is more deserving of playing time, to Disney using films’ historical box office data to nail down the release date of its next Star Wars film.

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics, Job Role - Sales, Job Role - IT, Job Role - Executive, Job Role - Marketing

Are you tired of all the emails that land in your inbox? How about only being notified when there is a problem in your business or when a customer reaches target? These push notifications are called alerts in Phocas and many companies across manufacturing and distribution are using them every day - to stay in control of their business.

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics, Job Role - Sales, Product, Job Role - Executive

We are constantly talking with companies about if and how they are using business intelligence. More often than not, they are struggling with their overwhelming amount of data, the ability to access the right information quickly and the level of detail the information actually provides. 

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics

Nearly all companies in today’s world have one common goal: keeping the user experience simple. This reduction in size, steps, and clicks does not mean the technology is any less sophisticated — in fact, it’s just the opposite. In relation to business intelligence, self-service solutions enable users of all skill levels to independently access, query and analyze company data.

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics, Job Role - Inventory/Operations, Job Role - Marketing

Comparison of sales information against targets has many benefits such as allowing individuals to be more strategic, more motivated and more in control of their actions. This video contained in the Phocas online library shows you how to compare multiple data sources to see sales performance against budget and stretch budget.

Read more

Topics: Job Role - Sales, Job Role - Executive

Your branches are the frontline of your business, leading the charge when it comes to customer interaction and building customer loyalty. At times, it may seem like they’re on an island, isolated from the rest of your company, operating independently or waiting for instructions on how to drive sales and profitability.

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics, Job Role - Sales, Job Role - Executive, Industry - Consumer Goods

Chief Financial Officers (CFO) are the stewards of a company’s financial well-being. As companies have realized that shrewd financial management is necessary for sound decision-making, the CFO has proven to be crucial to the growth and success of a company. The role of the CFO has evolved across every aspect of the business which is especially true as companies are becoming more data-driven.

Read more

Topics: Job Role - Finance

The ability to deliver orders in full and on time (DIFOT) is essential to keeping satisfied customers. And maintaining appropriate stock levels ensures there is enough inventory on hand without tying up capital in unnecessary overstock. Yet, without the ability to accurately forecast stock on hand, keeping optimal stock levels can be a challenge.

Read more

Topics: Business Intelligence Basics, Product, Job Role - Inventory/Operations

Data analytics is increasingly important for KYB Americas with the insights helping the sales team to uncover new customer service opportunities and increase orders.

Read more

Topics: Case Study, Industry - Manufacturing, Industry - Wholesale Distribution