Over the past few years we have had an increased number of requests for reports and information from the Vision database, we initially thought that setting up some database views would stop the influx of requests but this made matters worse as customers were running reports with limited database knowledge and managing to bring their systems to a grinding halt, in addition this opened up customers data to a potential threat, which is something we try to ensure we never have.
We took the decision to then build a new BI module much like the one we had in the Vision Commerce application, however this module would be integrated into the system with user access controls and we would not only provide data but we would provide reports, on the back of this we then thought it would be a great idea for customers to have their own developer so that they could develop the reports where they were capable of doing so.
In April 2016 the BI module was launched with customers taking this with upgrades during Q2, 2016, the intention at this time is to provide this at no cost to customers for the period until 31 December 2016, it will enhance reports and information within the system and over the 8 months from the launch we want to gather feedback from customers.
What does the module provide?
There are three key components to the BI Module
Enquiry
Reporting
Designer
The Enquiry and Reporting Component
These parts known as "BI Enquiries" and "BI Reports" are menu options that appear on the applications where the Business Intelligence module has been integrated.
"BI Enquiries" provide data grid output from the various enquiries made on the database, this allows you to access data and drop it into Excel, CSV or PDF formats. You could then import this into external applications or simply just view it on the screen.
"BI Reporting" provides access to built-in reports which can contain tables, grids and graphs. These reports can be printed and used internally or provided to a customer, they can also be used to display live information on demand.
Until the end of 2017, we will provide customers access to all enquiries and reports we add to the system.
What Vision applications does the module cover?
It is now possible to run this in all the Vision core applications, although some have had no enquiry requests so there may be no reports.
Can more enquiries and reports be added?
Yes, you can request additional enquiries to be added to the "BI Enquiry" and you can also request a "BI Report" to be added.
We charge from £90 for each additional enquiry or report but it will depend on the complexity of the report for the cost of it. You can request these through the RFC portal, implementation can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks and does not require a new application install.
In comparison, if you add something to the main application then this will require a new release and prices for this begin around £600.
Can I have a trial?
You can have a 3 month trial of the "BI Enquiries" or "Bi Reports".
There is a charge for this module but existing customers who trial the system and wish to keep it before 31 Dec 2017 will only pay a monthly fee. This is to cover the support and maintenance for this module in the future.
For each application, you wish to have the BI Enquiries or Reports module for the charge is £35 per application per year.
The Designer Component
For those who want to design their own reports, you can take advantage of the designer component. This provides a powerful report writing tool where you can build your own reports, tables, charts and graphs using the existing sets of data views we provide.
This is an advanced module and requires the user to have some previous experience in databases and report writing.
What data is available?
Due to the large number of data tables within Vision which include our control tables, audit tables and tables specifically for HMRC auditing, we provide you with a set of data views that allow you to access customers, stock, invoicing, orders and goods inwards information. For example, the orders tables require 60 separate tables to be joined, we provide you access to this information using 6 different views which so far has provided everyone with enough information to generate the reports they require.
What we will not show you in this data are.
Passwords
Security information of any sort
System Configuration settings or any system tables
HMRC audit tables
Transactional databases where transactions flow through them (such as EDI)
Temporary or virtual tables
When will the designer component be available?
This is already available in all systems.
Is there a charge for the designer component?
Yes, there is a charge for this module which includes a days training session and then it is licensed per designer per month.
Each designer must undertake a training course before we unleash them on the system.
Hosted Vision systems are able to run this module with no changes, it is simply installed and go. Customers who have their own servers may find that this module requires more resources or updates to allow it to work.
As part of the training, we will provide you with 2 free database views. You will be able to use these within 4 weeks of the training in order to help you build the reports and output you require.
Is there support for the designer component?
Yes there is but this will be named user support only. If you have not been trained then you can not log a ticket about your report.