The Role of Business Intelligence Systems in an Organization

Unforeseen incidents and unexpected circumstances are parts of today’s businesses. Actually, the manner that an organization uses to handle such turbulent events determines its successfulness. Technology has developed diverse tools to help organizations vanquish unanticipated incidents that may have an undesired effect on their performance. One important technological tool is business intelligence, which consists of gathering organizational data and converts it into clear, meaningful and significant information that could be utilized in various organizational contexts. Large size organizations use business intelligent systems to develop effective strategies and make right decisions in order to overcome business difficulties that may be faced throughout their activities. The present study examines the role of business intelligence systems at SONACOS, a large size Moroccan public company that operates in agricultural activities. This case study adopts a qualitative methodology that consists of conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 managers and a focus group with the IT department within SONACOS. The result of this study adds a significant and a considerable value to the literature and the practice as well. Indeed, the study finds out that business intelligence systems enhance operational efficiency through improving predictive analysis and facilitating decision-making. Consequently, this study discusses that business intelligence systems and tools have a positive influence on managerial decision-making, operational efficiency and organizational performance.