Operational intelligence is a fairly new term, but is only beginning to be pinned down with a clear definition. According to a recent Smart Data Collective report, Ventana Research has defined operational intelligence as the process of using event-centered information and analytics that play a key role in enabling employees to take the right strategic actions in response to operational needs. Business process management fits neatly within this definition, as BPM software provides the technological catalyst needed to give employees the data they need to improve day-to-day processes.
Considering the role of operational intelligence
The report, which was written by Ventana Research vice president and research director Tony Cosentino, explained that pinning down a definition for operational intelligence has taken years and proven difficult. However, the end result is a term that encompasses the technologies, like BPM solutions, that allow organizations to take data and use it to improve processes, but is not so broad or restrictive that it creates confusion in the market.
While Ventana Research has pinned down a clear definition for operational intelligence, the term is not finished evolving. The news source explained that the global business market is shifting away from in which designed data is being replaced by organic or unstructured data. At the same time, many analytic technologies, like big data and business intelligence, are converging, creating a market that will likely look significantly different in a few years than it does now. As a result, the definition of operational intelligence will continue to evolve as the technology changes.
How businesses should respond
The rise of operational intelligence could lead to major changes for the average organization. The need to imbue day-to-day functionality with more data-based intelligence is becoming critical for companies, creating an environment in which the right technological solutions are integral to supporting efficiency. Business process management platforms can play a key role in enabling the type of functionality described by operational intelligence. The solution provides support for back office systems and end users, enabling a holistic shift toward more intelligent process functionality. As a result, organizations can take the strategic goals they set for operational upgrades and make them a reality through automation and technological integration.
Malcolm Ross
Vice President of Product Marketing
