In recent years, data has become one of the most valuable business assets. While ERP systems allow companies to collect and organize this data, it’s Business Intelligence (BI) tools that enable its analysis, interpretation, and transformation into concrete actions. BI helps unlock the full potential of data, supporting more accurate operational and strategic decisions. However, to fully integrate BI with ERP systems, it is crucial to understand which solutions work best and what criteria should be considered during selection.

Table of Contents:

• Using BI – Which Tools Work Best with ERP Systems?
• How to Use BI and What Features Should BI Tools for ERP Systems Offer?
• What Are the Technical Requirements for BI Tools Working with ERP?
• Criteria for Choosing the Right BI Solution and Related Technical Requirements
• Examples of BI Use in Various Industries
• How to Evaluate BI Solutions for ERP Systems
• When to Consider BI Consulting for ERP Integration

Using BI – Which Tools Work Best with ERP Systems?

When choosing a BI tool, compatibility with the existing ERP system and the scope of offered functionalities are key. Some tools, such as Microsoft Power BI, SAP Analytics Cloud, or Qlik Sense, are designed for easy integration with a wide range of ERP systems, simplifying the implementation process. However, it’s not just about whether integration is technically possible, but also how it works in practice—whether data is synchronized in real-time, whether the system supports historical data analysis, and whether it provides a user-friendly interface.

A good BI tool should seamlessly complement the ERP system, offering data visualizations, interactive reports, and automated alerts. Although many BI tools are available, only some are proven to meet real business needs. ERP-integrated tools must be capable of handling large data volumes, accessing multiple data sources simultaneously, and offering flexible configuration options.

How to Use BI and What Features Should BI Tools for ERP Systems Offer?

Using BI tools within an ERP environment can fundamentally change how a company is managed. Data becomes more accessible, understandable, and actionable. BI enables not only historical analysis but also trend forecasting, risk identification, and the discovery of optimization opportunities.

Key features include the ability to create advanced reports, automate data analysis, filter results flexibly, and visualize key performance indicators (KPIs). BI tools should empower users to make decisions quickly by providing intuitive access to the most relevant data—regardless of their technical expertise. Well-implemented BI shifts daily operations from reactive to proactive management.

What Are the Technical Requirements for BI Tools Working with ERP?

Before beginning integration, it’s necessary to analyze the BI tool’s technical requirements. Often, an ERP system might be running on a version that doesn’t support the latest technologies or may require additional connectors for BI integration. The environment—cloud, on-premises, or hybrid—also affects integration approach, data security, and scalability.

Security is a critical concern. Data must be securely encrypted in transit, and access to reports should be tightly controlled. It’s also important to check whether the chosen solution requires additional server configuration, what system resources it consumes, and whether it supports real-time operation. Infrastructure mismatches can hinder even the best analytical tools from reaching their potential.

Criteria for Choosing the Right BI Solution and Related Technical Requirements

When selecting a BI tool, both business and technical requirements must be considered. The right solution is one that matches the specific organization’s needs—its size, data structure, business domain, and process complexity. No single tool fits all businesses.

Equally important are vendor support and the availability of updates. ERP systems evolve rapidly, and BI tools must keep pace. It is also essential for the BI solution to be scalable, allowing for future expansion without requiring costly infrastructure overhauls.

Examples of BI Use in Various Industries

BI tools serve different purposes across industries. In retail, they support sales analysis by location, identify best-selling products, and optimize inventory levels. In logistics, they help monitor delivery routes, analyze order fulfillment times, and eliminate inefficiencies in the supply chain.

In manufacturing, BI supports production line management, quality control, and maintenance planning. For service-oriented businesses, BI helps analyze project costs, monitor team performance, and forecast resource needs. Across all these sectors, BI delivers tangible benefits: improved transparency, better process control, and faster reaction to change.

How to Evaluate BI Solutions for ERP Systems

Evaluating a BI tool should go beyond technical specifications and include testing in a real business environment. A pilot implementation is often the best way to validate promised features, user experience, and performance.

It’s also wise to gather feedback from future users—their experience may offer valuable insights on interface usability and report quality. When comparing different solutions, total cost of ownership (TCO) should be considered, including licensing, maintenance, training, and possible extensions.

When to Consider BI Consulting for ERP Integration

While many companies choose to implement BI independently, in certain cases, it’s beneficial to engage external experts. Consulting is especially recommended when the company lacks experience with BI, plans a complex integration with multiple data sources, or needs support in data modeling and report design.

A consulting team can assist with tool selection, capability testing, custom configuration, and user training. This ensures faster, more efficient deployment and reduces the risk of errors that could lead to data loss or operational disruption. Introducing BI into ERP environments can bring major benefits—and if you have questions, we’re here to help.