Decision support systems, often referred to as business intelligence (BI), have become an essential tool for organizations that want to make informed decisions based on facts rather than intuition alone. At Syntell, we prefer to talk about decision support systems, as this better reflects our vision: structured and strategic use of data to support decisions at all levels—strategic, tactical, and operational.
Companies already have valuable data in their IT systems. When properly leveraged, this data can become a real asset for decision-making. Whether for finance, sales, inventory management, or operational efficiency, there are many applications. Effective prioritization, guided by the company’s real needs, will allow efforts to be focused where the impact is most significant.
Once reserved for large companies, business intelligence is now accessible to SMEs thanks to powerful and affordable tools such as Microsoft Power BI, which deliver results very quickly.
Addressing the challenges facing SMEs
SMEs must not wait any longer: the challenges they face are no less significant than those faced by large organizations.
SME leaders must deal with a constantly changing environment: trade disruptions (the infamous tariffs), technological advances, competitive pressure, labor shortages, etc. In this context, decisions can no longer be based solely on intuition. Intuition remains valuable, but it must be supported by facts, analysis, and reliable indicators.
Becoming a data-driven organization
Raw data is available—and increasingly abundant—but it is difficult to exploit without the right tools and best practices.
Excel, the world’s most widely used business intelligence tool, quickly reaches its limits. Modern tools such as Power BI, which is essentially Excel on steroids, offer far greater power and flexibility. Their potential is immense, but disorderly use can lead to errors, wasted effort, hidden costs, and security issues.
To succeed, it is essential to adopt best practices and structure projects around business objectives. This involves defining a clear strategy, implementing a robust data architecture, and gradually progressing toward greater analytical maturity. A structured data and analytics program transforms raw data into actionable information through dashboards, reports, and advanced analytics.
The good news is that companies can start where they are and gradually gain maturity while reaping the benefits of business intelligence. The not-so-good news (!!!) is that this maturation is a constantly evolving process.
Artificial intelligence: a logical next step
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the next natural step in business intelligence: business intelligence helps us understand what has happened, while AI helps us predict what might happen and recommend concrete actions. This is no longer a futuristic promise: it is already helping companies save time and innovate.
Tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude make it possible to quickly create content, automate repetitive tasks (writing emails, summarizing documents, generating code), and improve customer relations through personalized responses. However, if AI can rely on reliable and well-structured data, it can go far beyond these applications. It is important to keep in mind that artificial intelligence is only as intelligent as the data that feeds it.
For SMEs, these technologies represent a unique opportunity to increase their productivity. To reap the real benefits, it is important to avoid miracle solutions and adopt a pragmatic approach.
An appropriate data strategy, implemented within the context of a structured data and analytics program, will enable AI to deliver its full potential.
- An approach based on actual needs will enable investments to be managed effectively.
- A robust data architecture and the ability to integrate these technologies into operations (MLOps) will enable AI solutions to be put into operation and move beyond simple proofs of concept.
- A strong data-driven organizational culture will enable decision-makers to have complete confidence in AI recommendations.
Business intelligence and artificial intelligence are no longer luxuries reserved for large companies. They are now strategic levers accessible to SMEs, provided they are well managed. At Syntell, we believe that every organization can make this shift, at its own pace, by focusing on rigor, clarity, and business value. It is by gradually developing their data maturity that SMEs will be able to truly leverage the full potential of business intelligence and artificial intelligence.
By Patrick Schwarz
Syntell
