Unit 6: Data Processing
Data Processing 2
Reporting and Business Intelligence
ICT 110: IT for Business
Session Roadmap (60 Minutes)
- 0-15 min: Data extraction and reporting lifecycle
- 15-30 min: Reporting layers and dashboard strategy
- 30-45 min: Financial analytics tools and KPI monitoring
- 45-55 min: Market trend analysis and visualization choices
- 55-60 min: Integration summary and manager checklist
From Raw Data to Decisions
Business reporting converts raw operational data into insight that supports planning,
control, and performance improvement.
Data Extraction
Pulling relevant data from ERP, CRM, HRIS, accounting, and external sources.
Business Reporting
Formatting and visualizing that data so teams can make confident decisions.
Reporting Lifecycle
- Extract: Collect data from internal and external systems.
- Transform: Clean, standardize, and validate.
- Load: Store in a central repository for consistent reporting.
- Visualize: Build reports and dashboards for users.
- Act: Use insights to adjust strategy and operations.
Data Source Architecture
Internal Sources
- ERP (finance and operations)
- CRM (customers and pipeline)
- HRIS (people and payroll)
- Accounting systems
External Sources
- Market and industry reports
- Government economic datasets
- Social and web analytics
- Competitor intelligence
Reporting Pyramid by Decision Level
Strategic
C-level and board decisions, long-range trends, enterprise KPIs.
Analytical
Manager and analyst deep-dives to explain "why" outcomes happen.
Operational
Daily tracking for teams executing frontline activities.
Executive Dashboard Concept
A unified dashboard links cross-functional performance in one view.
- Finance KPI: Net margin and cash flow
- Operations KPI: Fulfillment cycle and stock health
- HR KPI: Attrition and hiring velocity
- Marketing KPI: Customer acquisition efficiency
Financial Analytics Tool Stack
Spreadsheet Layer
Detailed modeling, variance analysis, scenario testing.
BI Layer
Interactive dashboards for revenue, margin, and risk monitoring.
System Layer
ERP and accounting tools as core source of truth.
Management value: Faster close cycles and more reliable decisions.
Market Trend Intelligence
Seasonal
Recurring demand patterns in fixed cycles.
Cyclical
Longer market movements tied to economic conditions.
Secular
Long-run structural shifts in behavior and technology.
Internal vs External Trend Inputs
- Internal: Sales history, CRM behavior, product returns, campaign data
- External: Economic indicators, competitor prices, social sentiment, policy updates
- Best practice: Blend both to avoid narrow conclusions
Trend Analysis Tool Spectrum
Operational Tools
- Excel and Google Analytics for quick diagnosis
- Suitable for short-cycle reporting
Advanced Tools
- Power BI and Tableau for interactive trend exploration
- Social listening for emerging customer behavior
Selecting Visuals for Trend Reporting
- Line: Time-series direction and momentum
- Bar: Cross-segment comparisons
- Heatmap: Intensity and concentration zones
- Dashboard: Combined KPI monitoring for management review
Nepal Business Application Snapshot
Banking
Financial and risk dashboards support credit and fraud decisions.
Manufacturing
Cost and operations reporting improve production planning.
E-commerce
Trend dashboards optimize pricing, promotions, and inventory.
Key Takeaways
- 1) Strong reporting begins with disciplined extraction and transformation.
- 2) Decision levels need different report styles and depth.
- 3) Financial and market analytics should be connected, not isolated.
- 4) Dashboards are most valuable when they combine internal and external signals.
- 5) Next: Operational execution through collaboration, scheduling, and monitoring.