--- title: The Top 10 Business Intelligence Requirements Template & Checklist --- # The Top 10 Business Intelligence Requirements Template & Checklist Last Reviewed: March 18, 2026 21 min read [9 comments](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/?noamp=mobile#comments) [ ![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) [Written by Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Sr. Technical Content Writer [ ![Hunter Lowe](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-Hunter-Headshot-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/hunter-lowe/) [Edited by Hunter Lowe](https://www.selecthub.com/author/hunter-lowe/) Content Editor [ ![Sagardeep Roy](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sagardeep-Roy-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sagardeep-roy/) [Technical Research by Sagardeep Roy](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sagardeep-roy/) Senior Analyst [ ![Nate LaFerle](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Nate-LaFerle-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/nate-laferle/) [Contributions by Nate LaFerle](https://www.selecthub.com/author/nate-laferle/) Expert Contributor Table of Contents Explore the Business Intelligence Hub What's your top priority today? * [Learn](#) * [What is Business Intelligence?](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) * [Types of BI Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/key-types-business-intelligence-tools/) * [Excel for BI](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/excel-for-bi-tool-using-replacing/) * [BI Software Features](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/critical-business-intelligence-features/) * [BI Software Benefits](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/business-intelligence-software-benefits/) * [BI Software Examples](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/business-intelligence-examples/) * [Microsoft BI Tools Guide](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/microsoft-business-intelligence-tools/) * [Plan](#) * BI Software Requirements * [Top BI Requirements](#Top%5FBI%5FRequirements "Top BI Requirements") * [1\. Dashboarding and Data Visualization](#1%5FDashboarding%5Fand%5FData%5FVisualization "1. Dashboarding and Data Visualization") * [2\. Data Management](#2%5FData%5FManagement "2. Data Management") * [3\. Data Pre-Processing](#3%5FData%5FPre-Processing "3. Data Pre-Processing") * [4\. Data Transformation](#4%5FData%5FTransformation "4. Data Transformation") * [5\. Reporting](#5%5FReporting "5. Reporting") * [6\. Embedded Analytics](#6%5FEmbedded%5FAnalytics "6. Embedded Analytics") * [7\. Advanced Analytics](#7%5FAdvanced%5FAnalytics "7. Advanced Analytics") * [8\. Augmented Analytics](#8%5FAugmented%5FAnalytics "8. Augmented Analytics") * [9\. Geospatial Visualizations and Analysis](#9%5FGeospatial%5FVisualizations%5Fand%5FAnalysis "9. Geospatial Visualizations and Analysis") * [10\. Mobile BI](#10%5FMobile%5FBI "10. Mobile BI") * [Why Is Requirements Gathering Essential?](#Why%5FIs%5FRequirements%5FGathering%5FEssential "Why Is Requirements Gathering Essential?") * [How To Create a Business Intelligence Requirements Checklist](#How%5FTo%5FCreate%5Fa%5FBusiness%5FIntelligence%5FRequirements%5FChecklist "How To Create a Business Intelligence Requirements Checklist") * [1\. Start With a Software Selection Committee](#1%5FStart%5FWith%5Fa%5FSoftware%5FSelection%5FCommittee "1. Start With a Software Selection Committee") * [2\. Create a BI Requirements Checklist](#2%5FCreate%5Fa%5FBI%5FRequirements%5FChecklist "2. Create a BI Requirements Checklist") * [3\. Get Stakeholder Feedback](#3%5FGet%5FStakeholder%5FFeedback "3. Get Stakeholder Feedback") * [4\. Finalize the Requirements Document](#4%5FFinalize%5Fthe%5FRequirements%5FDocument "4. Finalize the Requirements Document") * [5\. Till Next Time: Fine-Tune Your Requirements Process](#5%5FTill%5FNext%5FTime%5FFine-Tune%5FYour%5FRequirements%5FProcess "5. Till Next Time: Fine-Tune Your Requirements Process") * [FAQs](#FAQs "FAQs") * [Next Steps](#Next%5FSteps "Next Steps") * [BI Software RFP](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/business-intelligence-rfp-template-guide/) * [Compare](#) * [Best BI Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/best-bi-tools/) * [Best Free BI Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/free-business-intelligence-tools/) * [Best Open-source Reporting Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/pros-cons-open-source-reporting-tools/) * [Best Data Visualization Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/data-visualization-tools/) * [Best Dashboard Software](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/businesses-need-dashboard-software/) * [Tableau Competitors](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-competitors/) * [Power BI Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/power-bi-alternatives/) * [Power BI vs. Tableau vs. Qlik Sense](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-and-qlikview-and-microsoft-power-bi/) * [Looker vs. Tableau](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/looker-and-tableau-bi-tools/) * [Tableau vs. Domo](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-and-domo/) * [Tableau vs. Excel](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-and-excel/) * [Power BI Pro vs Premium](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/power-bi-pro-and-premium/) * [Launch](#) * [BI Software Implementation](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/business-intelligence-implementation/) * [BI Software Integration](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/business-intelligence-software-integration/) Sam from accounting wants handy dashboards, while the CFO says, “Just give me the numbers, Sam, and I’ll tell you what to do.” Critical metrics can be hard to pin down; the same is true for gathering business intelligence requirements. Is there a method to the madness? Well, yes. [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) Tapping into the expertise of our in-house analysts and SMEs in the industry, we put together a requirements checklist for [BI software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/business-intelligence-tools/). We’ll also answer the all-important question: **Does organization size matter when planning a formal requirements-gathering process?** ## Top BI Requirements [Dashboarding and Data Visualization](#group%5F373) Make impactful decisions without resorting to guesswork. Create interactive, drillable views that bring your data to life. [Learn more](#1%5FDashboarding%5Fand%5FData%5FVisualization) [Data Management](#group%5F123) Prepare and model data for analysis. Ensure data is accurate, secure, accessible and serves your business objectives with data governance. [Learn more](#2%5FData%5FManagement) [Data Pre-Processing](#group%5F100) Organize, cleanse and explore data with confidence, thanks to data lineage and metadata management. [Learn more](#3%5FData%5FPre-Processing) [Data Transformation](#group%5F526) Support informed decision-making by uncovering valuable insights. Convert raw data into a structured, clean, consistent format using various techniques. [Learn more](#4%5FData%5FTransformation) [Reporting](#group%5F203) Generate interactive reports and automate delivery. Stay on top of things by subscribing to alerts. [Learn more](#5%5FReporting) [Embedded Analytics](#group%5F198) Drive user engagement by embedding visualizations directly into external applications and websites. [Learn more](#6%5FEmbedded%5FAnalytics) [Advanced Analytics](#group%5F541) Uncover trends, optimize operations, and forecast outcomes with sophisticated queries and calculations. [Learn more](#7%5FAdvanced%5FAnalytics) [Augmented Analytics](#group%5F775) Support decision-making with predictive models. Automate modeling, querying and reporting tasks with AI. [Learn more](#8%5FAugmented%5FAnalytics) [Geospatial Visualizations and Analysis](#group%5F597) Support field operations and logistics with location-based insights. [Learn more](#9%5FGeospatial%5FVisualizations%5Fand%5FAnalysis) [Mobile BI](#group%5F918) View metrics and share insights with your team when away from the office. Switch seamlessly between devices, wherever you are. [Learn more](#10%5FMobile%5FBI) We’ve onboarded over 100,000 users into our software selection platform. This has given us a wealth of insights into their usage patterns based on industry, company size and user persona. By leveraging this data, we’ve identified key requirements you should consider to minimize the risk of selecting the wrong software. Our goal is to empower you to benefit from the collective experience of your peers who’ve embarked on the same journey before you. ![BI Requirements project summary with progress, requirement breakdown, and priorities in SelectHub Express App]() Make a requirements checklist to start your software search. Capturing diverse stakeholder needs and recording them in an official document is extremely crucial. It’ll set the stage for preliminary outreach and subsequent vendor discussions. ![BI Tools Features and Requirements Checklist]() Here’s the list of BI requirements. ### 1\. [Dashboarding](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/businesses-need-dashboard-software/) and [Data Visualization](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/data-visualization-tools/) [EMD Serono](https://www.emdserono.com/) is the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the US. They develop and deliver innovative therapies to improve the lives of patients with complex conditions such as infertility, multiple sclerosis and cancer. The team uses [Tableau](https://www.selecthub.com/p/business-intelligence-tools/tableau/) dashboards for financial analytics. [Suresh Martha](https://www.linkedin.com/in/suresh-martha-85209629/), the company’s Head of Data-Driven Analytics had this to say about the platform. ![Suresh Martha]() (We) leverage Tableau for financial performance dashboards that provide insights into profitability, cost management, revenue growth, and forecasting. Suresh Martha Head of Data Innovation and Analytics, EMD Serono [Tableau](https://www.selecthub.com/p/business-intelligence-tools/tableau/) is a market leader in [data visualization](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/data-visualization/), but it’s got [competition](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-competitors/). Many [data analytics platforms](https://www.selecthub.com/c/data-analytics-software/) offer animations and visualization recommendations and support third-party visualization libraries, the same as Tableau. Animations and chart options sound great, but does your preferred platform adhere to [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines](https://www.accessibilitychecker.org/guides/wcag/) if you want to share reports online? They ensure web content is accessible to special-needs users, such as people with visual impairment, limited motor skills or color blindness. * Does the platform provide descriptive labels for charts, graphs and data points? * Is there sufficient color contrast between the text and the background? * Do images and non-text elements have alternative text? Are dashboards available on all devices and screen sizes? ![Employee attrition dashboard with metrics by department and demographics in Tableau]() An HR attrition dashboard in Tableau. [Source](https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/iaroslava/viz/HRAttritionDashboard%5F17278679162880/GENERALINFO) While dashboards monitor performance, scorecards measure performance against strategic goals. It’s kind of like a GPS and a milestone by the side of the road — one tells you where you are, the other how far you need to go. A sales dashboard may show the number of leads, opportunities and closed deals. A sales scorecard likely shows revenue growth and buyer retention rate over time. ### 2\. [Data Management](https://www.selecthub.com/c/data-management-tools/) This [LinkedIn article](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unsung-hero-modern-business-data-management-andre-davis) by Andre Davis, a data consultant, has a great definition of the term: > Data management isn’t just about collecting numbers and files; it’s an umbrella term encompassing the practices, architectural techniques, and tools for achieving consistent access to, and delivery of, data across a spectrum of data subject areas and associated applications. Data management and governance aren’t the same. According to the data governance coach, [Nicola Askham](https://www.nicolaaskham.com/blog/2021/8/20/whats-the-difference-between-data-governance-and-data-management#:~:text=So%2C%20data%20management%20is%20the,%2D%20questions%40nicolaaskham.com): > Data management is the umbrella term for all the different disciplines that you can use to manage and improve your data better and data governance is just one of those disciplines. Data governance establishes a framework for data quality, ensuring data is accurate, complete, consistent and reliable. It leads to improved decision-making and better business outcomes. Data blending is the software’s capability to combine data from various sources into one dataset for analysis. Ask your vendor about the ease of blending data. Is it a drag-and-drop method? Is metadata available for automating data integration and transformation? ![Power BI dashboard displaying active issues by priority in a donut chart]() Metadata management is an essential business intelligence requirement. [Source](https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/explore-and-monitor-your-project-online-data-in-power-bi/) Live connectivity will likely cost you extra, so it begs the question — how badly do you need it? Which processes or reports are dependent on real-time information? Ask the vendor which technologies they use and how much of a spike you should expect in consumption when pulling data in real time. Connecting to databases should involve visual querying — simple text input or selection to lower the entry barrier for data workers. [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) ### 3\. Data Pre-Processing A designer dress…a well-prepped dish — what do they have in common? A lot of hard work at the back end. That’s what pre-processing is to data analysis — cleaning and organizing data so it’s searchable and usable. A [data catalog](https://www.ibm.com/topics/data-catalog) enables targeted searches and data consistency. What’s more, it keeps enriching data as it changes. Most importantly, it acts as a foundation for data governance processes. ![Online shopping page showing women's dresses with filters and prices]() Filters on eCommerce websites are an example of data faceting. [Source](https://www.coveo.com/blog/faceted-search/) [Data faceting](https://docs.tibco.com/pub/clarity/2.0.1/doc/html/GUID-E4EA92A5-29E0-4AEB-B5B7-02533E3877E1.html) is a powerful technique for breaking down datasets into smaller, manageable chunks. In online shopping apps, it enables shoppers to filter products by size, price, color and brand. ### 4\. Data Transformation Like a treasure map, data holds the key to valuable insights. Which hidden trends can turn the tide, and how can you apply what you have learned to your business? What are the gaps? Where can you cut costs without impacting quality? However, the path to uncovering the answers lies in calculations and mathematical functions, such as SUM, COUNT and AVERAGE. Data tools can’t always detect the correct data types. A date field shown as a string will be unusable in [time-series analysis](https://www.influxdata.com/what-is-time-series-data/), so you need data conversion functions in the BI tool. ![Tableau interface showing options to set fiscal year start for data]() Align your analysis with your organization’s fiscal year with fiscal date functions. Financial functions are important BI requirements for investment planning and portfolio analysis. Statistical functions support what-if analysis for brainstorming and decision-making. String functions help clean text data for sentiment analysis. [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) ### 5\. [Reporting](https://www.selecthub.com/c/enterprise-reporting-system/) Modern reports in [self-service BI tools](https://www.selecthub.com/c/self-service-bi-tools/) are dashboards, charts and text summaries with embedded visualizations. Visual analysis enables more people to interpret data. Conditional formatting assists in quick data interpretation. ![Jupyter Notebook rendering Power BI visualizations with filters and charts]() Rendering a report using Jupyter Notebooks with Power BI. [Source](https://youtu.be/5O30NI4x4ho?si=1doeav7u4Txo9R%5FS&t=712) Report templates help you work faster — you don’t have to start from scratch. You should be able to build custom reports if you need something more. Bookmarking will help locate your reports faster as your data piles up, and versioning is important to record all changes to the report. Scheduled report delivery is a life-saver for your team. Ask vendors if they offer report-building services if you don’t have the team or the skills. ### 6\. [Embedded Analytics](https://www.selecthub.com/c/embedded-analytics-tools/) It comprises tools and techniques for data analysis within other software. It avoids context switching which can be a huge distraction when doing focused work. Ask vendors if the embedded BI tool allows you to work while it processes data and generates reports in the background. Thanks to bidirectional filtering, you can apply filters to any table and watch the linked data change. Exploring data from multiple angles enables more informed decisions. ![Dundas BI call center dashboard displaying agent metrics, call stats, and SLAs.]() An embedded application should process data and produce reports while you work. Embedded multi-tenancy might work better for small and medium-sized businesses. However, shared resources might not be enough for large organizations, and customization might be limited. With write-backs, you should be able to update pipeline stages, deal values and close dates in your [CRM systems](https://www.selecthub.com/c/crm-software/), such as [Salesforce](https://www.selecthub.com/p/crm-software/salesforce/) and [Microsoft Dynamics](https://www.selecthub.com/p/crm-software/dynamics-365-crm/). You can also update campaign budgets, target audience and messaging to [marketing automation platforms](https://www.selecthub.com/c/marketing-automation-software/), such as [Marketo](https://www.selecthub.com/p/marketing-automation-software/marketo/) and [HubSpot](https://www.selecthub.com/p/marketing-automation-software/hubspot/). [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) ### 7\. Advanced Analytics It comprises the tools and technologies that support calculated columns, AI-ML and statistics. While raw data provides descriptive analytics, you need to tweak and manipulate it to learn more. What does the future look like (predictive analytics) and what can we do for a favorable outcome ([prescriptive analytics](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/predictive-descriptive-prescriptive-analytics/))? ![Data preparation interface with tools for filtering, merging, and AI modeling in Oracle]() Add machine learning techniques to your BI requirements checklist. [Source](https://youtu.be/X3wsB95Xnkk?si=4d3naDqAz399cs%5F%5F&t=74) AI-ML is your crystal ball for forecasting product demand, buyer behavior and inventory levels. Regression analysis establishes how datasets relate and [what-if analysis](https://the-definition.com/term/what-if-analysis) supports [risk assessment](https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/). Time-series forecasting involves building data models from existing data and using them to predict trends. [PMML](https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red%5Fhat%5Fprocess%5Fautomation%5Fmanager/7.3/html/designing%5Fa%5Fdecision%5Fservice%5Fusing%5Fpmml%5Fmodels/pmml-con%5Fpmml-models) support enables importing data models from your CRM and [ERP applications](https://www.selecthub.com/c/erp-software/) into your BI tool; otherwise, you might have to create a data model from scratch every time. ### 8\. Augmented Analytics If advanced analytics goes beyond traditional BI, augmented analytics uses machine learning and natural language processing to lower the entry barrier for data workers. A BI tool with augmented capabilities will give them the tools to create workflows for data ingestion, preparation and modeling. Imagine your BI tool training data models without human intervention. Yes, it’s possible with the right BI tool and some nifty automation. Feed data to your AI bot and ask it to generate a suitable visualization — plain text summaries highlight points of interest, allowing you to ask open-ended questions. ![Qlik Insight Advisor Chat interface for querying data and selecting metrics]() AI chatbots do the heavy lifting in data analysis. [Source](https://youtu.be/foIItIjMje8?si=yTpInep8nO2YkAEl&t=30) As a small business owner, budget constraints, lack of data maturity and missing skill set can be limiting. We advise assessing your business needs first and then finding ways to remove the above mentioned blockers before going for augmented functionality. Opting for cloud-based BI tools is one option as they’re more cost-effective than dedicated on-premise tools. Using low/no-code BI tools is another option, though I anticipate a slight learning curve, especially when making it work with your CRM, ERP and other business data. There’s another option, though it’ll cost you a tidy buck — outsource data analysis tasks to data consultants or managed service providers. ### 9\. Geospatial Visualizations and Analysis Many BI vendors provide Google Maps integrations to utilize its geographic capabilities and level of detail. What are your location-based data requirements? ![Tableau interface setting a geographic role for data fields]() Include location-based insights in your business intelligence requirements. Some BI platforms compress location data, using less storage, and though it sounds attractive, there are other considerations. Can you annotate the map to provide clarity to users? Can you zoom in for a closer look? I found tooltips invaluable in providing at-a-glance information in maps. GeoJSON and TopoJSON are standard formats for compressed area data. * [Shapefiles](https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/manage-data/shapefiles/what-is-a-shapefile.htm) store information about geographical features. * MapInfo files help the computer understand and present location data. * [KML](https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/data/kml/what-is-kml-.htm) helps define placemarks, images, polygons, 3D models and text on maps. ### 10\. Mobile BI Many industries don’t need mobile data access, such as core R&D, engineering and designing — they have specialized desktop software that doesn’t work on other devices. Additionally, healthcare, banking, and insurance companies must follow strict data privacy rules and might not provide mobile access to their employees. But if you can, opt for a BI tool with a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Check if reports are view-only or modifiable. Can you annotate and share them via email, instant messaging apps and Gmail? Some BI mobile apps also have APIs for WhatsApp. Barcode scanning is a useful BI requirement for retail, [production](https://www.selecthub.com/category/manufacturing/), and [transportation and logistics](https://www.selecthub.com/category/transportation-and-logistics-management/), among others. [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) ## Why Is Requirements Gathering Essential? Sagardeep Roy, a research analyst at SelectHub, found that a systematic approach to requirements gathering provides a clear framework for decision-making and increases confidence in the final choice. It should involve prioritizing and scoring vendors on functional and technical requirements, support services and brand stability. Do smaller organizations need a formal business intelligence requirements-gathering template? According to Roy, a detailed checklist may be less crucial in such cases, as the decision-making is more streamlined and focuses on core features. However, a simplified checklist can still provide clarity and a way to meet key requirements. According to [Nate LaFerle](https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelaferle/), Principal at [Remisphere Digital](http://www.remisphere.com/), it’s beneficial as an internal exercise also. ![Nate LaFerle]() For a smaller organization that’s looking at an implementation as a chance to rethink their business processes, an informal and focused requirements process can be really effective. Nate LaFerle Principal, Remisphere Digital They have the flexibility to adapt to a new product, he said. ![Nate LaFerle]() For a smaller company, the most important questions drive toward the product that has the best features, experience, and operating overhead to enable the organization’s growth trajectory. Changing one or more business processes to align to a vendor’s best practice isn’t a huge deterrent for these companies. Nate LaFerle Principal, Remisphere Digital Large enterprises have set processes and not enough wiggle room to adapt to change. It makes creating a business intelligence requirements-gathering template a necessary exercise. According to LaFerle: ![Nate LaFerle]() I’ve dealt with a lot of sprawling global organizations that simply don’t have the flexibility to fully adapt themselves to any product. In these cases, a robust requirements-gathering phase is unavoidable. There isn’t really a better way to sniff out all the nuances in the various corners of the business that might make a product suboptimal or even unusable for an organization – and you really don’t want to find that out halfway through an expensive implementation. Nate LaFerle Principal, Remisphere Digital However, sticking to one brand can give organizations tunnel vision. Here’s what LaFerle told me: ![Nate LaFerle]() The most common shortcut I see (during requirements gathering) is around vendor loyalty. A company that has already implemented SAP for ERP might jump into their Ariba or SuccessFactors solution for procurement and HR, respectively. They might conduct an abbreviated evaluation of their competitors to tick a box, or skip it entirely. Of course, there are plenty of good reasons to stay within a vendor ecosystem. But those reasons should be part of a neutral evaluation of leading solutions on the market. In today’s cafeteria-style SaaS market, integration between different systems isn’t a big deal, and I think companies often overestimate the benefits of sticking with a single vendor. In fact, I’ve seen companies fail to realize their projected benefits simply because they chose the vendor they knew over the product that would actually fit their needs. Nate LaFerle Principal, Remisphere Digital Vendor loyalty is like your favorite quilt, warm and familiar. It provides a sense of security and reliability, shielding you from the cold winds of uncertainty. But, maybe it’s time to expand your options, and there’s no time like now. The beauty of the requirements-gathering process is that it’ll help you sift through the available options. Here’s how to do it right. [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) ## How To Create a Business Intelligence Requirements Checklist ### 1\. Start With a Software Selection Committee Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders and prioritizing requirements based on user needs and business goals are Martha’s top tips for software buyers. According to him, identifying all relevant stakeholders from different departments helps in capturing a wide range of needs and perspectives. They conduct interviews and workshops with would-be users to gather qualitative insights about their needs, pain points and expectations from the software. An ideal selection team will have a project manager, department leaders, power users, procurement specialists and the budget owner. ### 2\. Create a BI Requirements Checklist Where do you start? Create a requirements checklist. Our software selection platform offers a pre-filled business intelligence report requirements template fine-tuned over years of industry experience. Procurement teams document the gathered requirements as functional and non-functional features; our requirements checklist template already has them as separate sections. Simply customize it to fit your unique needs by adding or removing requirements, adjusting priorities and selecting relevant modules. ![Project Project settings page selecting company size and relevant BI modules in SelectHub Express App]() Personalize your requirements checklist by industry, modules and company size. ### 3\. Get Stakeholder Feedback Once you’ve captured your initial requirements, involve your entire team in the decision-making process. Use our platform to easily share and collaborate on your checklist, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Be prepared for iterative reviews and revisions of the BI requirements checklist. Prioritize features effortlessly with our intuitive ranking system, saving time and eliminating the need for lengthy meetings. ![Comparison report of BI tools with functional scores and priorities in SelectHub Express App]() Prioritizing requirements builds stakeholder consensus. ### 4\. Finalize the Requirements Document The ranking method will help you whittle your list down to what matters. With it, you can focus on the most critical features and avoid unnecessary complexity. Our platform guides you through each step, helping you create a comprehensive and actionable requirements document. Summarize the results into a formal document and have everyone review it one final time. Get their sign-off on the approval, and freeze and finalize the list. Martha warns that conflicting requirements can get in the way of reaching a consensus and that scope creep can send the project off-track. ### 5\. Till Next Time: Fine-Tune Your Requirements Process Martha emphasized that consistently revisiting and revising requirements is critical. Periodically checking in with stakeholders will ensure your documentation accurately reflects current needs. Which documents are helpful? Beyond requirement specifications, documentation can include: * Meeting notes from stakeholder interviews * Prioritization matrices to track critical features * Change logs to track adjustments made to the documents over time Explore our [Lean Selection Methodology](https://www.selecthub.com/miscellaneous/technology-selection/software-evaluation/) and start your software search. [Select the Right Software with the Free Lean Selection Book](https://pmo.selecthub.com/lean-selection-book/) ## FAQs [How can a BI tool help organizations achieve their business objectives?](#group%5F670) Here’s how BI can improve your bottom line and enhance processes. * **Boost Sales:** Is your team tired of manually entering data into spreadsheets? BI tools enable data integration with easy connections and automated workflows. [Walmart](https://www.projectpro.io/article/how-big-data-analysis-helped-increase-walmarts-sales-turnover/109) increased sales by 10-15% after using big data solutions; one use case was predicting stock levels for inventory management. * **Enhance Customer Satisfaction:** Buyer data holds the key to improving the user experience. When my food delivery order wasn’t delivered, I took to Twitter (now X) to call out the aggregator. Within no time, they reached out and refunded the payment. Do I still use their services? You bet! * **Improve Decision-Making:** Accurate, reliable data gives you the confidence to make impactful decisions. A scalable BI tool can handle big data volumes to give you actionable insights. Missed opportunities because of undiscovered patterns can hurt your business now and in the future. [What are the core functionalities of a BI tool?](#group%5F432) According to Martha, data integration, a user-friendly interface, and advanced analytics and visualization are the top features to consider when shopping for a BI tool. Check how much time it would take to create a dashboard; ask the vendor for proof-of-concept or a demo. It would help you estimate the learning curve involved. For long-term usability, scalability and high performance are crucial. I would add the following: * Calculated fields for going beyond descriptive insights * Custom visualizations * Sharing and collaboration for quicker turnarounds and decisions * Usage metrics for tracking consumption * Location insight, which is a common component of enterprise data nowadays * Automation of some type, even if you have a smaller setup [What are some nice-to-have analytics capabilities of a BI tool?](#group%5F482) In my opinion, augmented analytics can be optional for organizations with simple data needs. Automation is essential, however, for the sheer efficiency it provides. It should be on your list, regardless of your organization’s size. [What are the key considerations for selecting a BI tool?](#group%5F690) According to our JumpStart Platform, high availability, platform security and compliance, and integrations are primary technical requirements. * High availability includes fault tolerance, scalability and backup servers. * Regarding platform security, check if the platform offers [IP whitelisting](https://nordlayer.com/blog/ip-whitelisting-for-cloud-security/), [role-based access control](https://auth0.com/docs/manage-users/access-control/rbac), [MFA](https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/mfa/) and [enterprise SSO](https://www.descope.com/learn/post/enterprise-sso). * [GDPR](https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/) and [CCPA](https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa) compliance are essential for user data privacy. The BI tool must adhere to FedRAMP, ISO and SOC for security, risk management and monitoring of cloud services. * Your chosen BI tool should integrate with your business systems, regardless of whether they’re CRM, ERP or [project management tools](https://www.selecthub.com/c/project-management-software/). [How can I future-proof my investment regarding integrations?](#group%5F999) Research by Roy shows that these are excellent questions to ask vendors. * Which APIs are available, and are they documented? Does the platform support industry-standard protocols, including JSON, XML and SOAP? * Is real-time integration support available either with webhooks or event-driven architecture? * Does the solution allow building custom connectors? * Can it integrate with third-party data integration tools, such as [Talend](https://www.selecthub.com/p/etl-tools/talend/) and [Fivetran](https://www.selecthub.com/p/etl-tools/fivetran/)? * What are the volume limits and performance concerns when integrating with high-transaction systems? * Which authentication methods — OAuth, SAML and API key authentication — does it support? * What are the data refresh rates and synchronization methods? * Does the vendor provide a developer-friendly environment, integration support and customization options to handle evolving business needs? [Which usage tracking features should I ask for?](#group%5F269) Roy found this list of queries to ask vendors. * Can you monitor costs if it’s a consumption-based pricing model? * Does the BI system issue alerts when usage crosses pre-set cost thresholds? * Can administrators manage costs effectively by identifying underutilized licenses? * Is there an option for automated notifications for usage trends? [What's the average cost of entry for a server-based BI tool deployment?](#group%5F785) According to Roy’s research, deploying a server-based BI tool costs from $100,000 to $200,000 annually. This includes hardware, software, customizations, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance and support. Training costs can add 20% to 30% to the overall budget. [Get our BI Tools Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) ## Next Steps Matching your business intelligence requirements with products isn’t straightforward. It’s natural to second guess yourself and wonder about the tradeoffs involved. Get our free [BI requirements template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/bi-requirements-template-site-vers/) to list your needs and connect with suitable vendors. Which BI software features are the most important to you? Let us know in the comments. [ Previous Microsoft BI Tools Guide ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/microsoft-business-intelligence-tools/) [ Next BI Software RFP ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/business-intelligence-rfp-template-guide/) ### Trending Topics #### [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) [The 5 Best Statistical Software Tools of 2026](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/statistical-software/) [Wouldn’t you jump at the chance to get things done faster? Using sample data for… ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/statistical-software/) [ ![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png) Ritinder Kaur ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Mar 31, 2026 #### [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) [Tableau Competitors: Comparing the Best Business Intelligence Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-competitors/) [Tableau is a universal favorite as a BI tool, but it’s expensive. Right now, you’re… ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/tableau-competitors/) [ ![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png) Ritinder Kaur ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Mar 27, 2026 #### [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) [Descriptive vs Predictive vs Prescriptive vs Diagnostic Analytics](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/predictive-descriptive-prescriptive-analytics/) [In 2004, when Hurricane Frances hit Florida’s Atlantic coast, people were ready…with six packs of… ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/predictive-descriptive-prescriptive-analytics/) [ ![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png) Ritinder Kaur ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Mar 18, 2026 #### [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) [4 Top Business Intelligence Applications in 2026](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/4-key-bi-applications/) [Have you ever wished you could get a glimpse into the inner workings of your… ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/4-key-bi-applications/) [ ![Bergen Adair](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b9985f5202fbae2efa5a566d409354bbe99c18f8fd579991494c86a2c184dc2b?s=96&d=mm&r=g) Bergen Adair ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/bergen/) Mar 18, 2026 #### [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) [The Best Business Intelligence Systems and the Different Types](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/key-types-business-intelligence-tools/) [Data, data, data … that’s all we’re hearing about nowadays. Big Data, data mining, data… ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/key-types-business-intelligence-tools/) [ ![Bergen Adair](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b9985f5202fbae2efa5a566d409354bbe99c18f8fd579991494c86a2c184dc2b?s=96&d=mm&r=g) Bergen Adair ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/bergen/) Mar 18, 2026 #### [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) [Looker vs. Tableau: Which BI Tool Is the Winner?](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/looker-and-tableau-bi-tools/) [Salesforce’s acquisition of Tableau intensified competition in the BI software market. At the same time,… ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/looker-and-tableau-bi-tools/) [ ![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png) Ritinder Kaur ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Mar 18, 2026 Originally published in September 2018 and last updated in March 2026\. Contributions from Ritinder Kaur, Sagardeep Roy, Hunter Lowe, Suresh Martha, and Nate LaFerle. ## About the Contributors The following SelectHub team members and subject matter experts helped research, create, and review this content. [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Written by [Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) Sr. Technical Content Writer Ritinder Kaur is a Senior Technical Content Writer at SelectHub and has ten years of experience writing about B2B software and quality assurance. She has a Masters degree in English language and literature and writes about Business Intelligence and Data Science. Her articles on software testing have been published on Stickyminds. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sagardeep-roy/) Technical Research by [Sagardeep Roy](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sagardeep-roy/) Senior Analyst Sagardeep is a Senior Research Analyst at SelectHub, specializing in diverse technical categories. His expertise spans Business Intelligence, Analytics, Big Data, ETL, Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, with additional proficiency in EHR and Medical Billing. Holding a Master of Technology in Data Science from Amity University, Noida, and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from West Bengal University of Technology, his experience across technology, healthcare, and market research extends back to 2016\. As a certified Data Science and Business Analytics professional, he approaches complex projects with a results-oriented mindset, prioritizing individual excellence and collaborative success. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sagardeep-roy/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/hunter-lowe/) Edited by [Hunter Lowe](https://www.selecthub.com/author/hunter-lowe/) Content Editor Hunter Lowe is a Content Editor, Writer and Market Analyst at SelectHub. His team covers categories that range from ERP and business intelligence to transportation and supply chain management. Hunter is an avid reader and Dungeons and Dragons addict who studied English and Creative Writing through college. In his free time, you'll likely find him devising new dungeons for his players to explore, checking out the latest video games, writing his next horror story or running around with his daughter. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/hunter-lowe/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/suresh/) Contributions by [Suresh Martha](https://www.selecthub.com/author/suresh/) Expert Contributor Suresh Martha is a subject matter expert with 19 years of experience in data, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). He leads a team of professionals dedicated to transforming data into actionable insights that improve patient outcomes and drive business growth. As a speaker and author, he shares his knowledge and experiences with audiences worldwide. His contributions have been recognized with numerous internal and industry awards. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/suresh/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/nate-laferle/) Contributions by [Nate LaFerle](https://www.selecthub.com/author/nate-laferle/) Expert Contributor Nate LaFerle has been a trusted advisor to some of the world’s largest organizations tackling complex data migration & governance challenges, leading high-impact global project teams at clients including 3M, American Airlines, and Johnson & Johnson. As a consulting talent leader, he oversaw the career and learning programs for over 600 global data consultants and partners at Syniti, a leading provider of data management software and services. He continues to advise clients and deliver solutions through his independent consulting practice, Remisphere Digital ([www.remisphere.com](http://www.remisphere.com/)). [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/nate-laferle/) Ritinder KaurLooker vs. Tableau: Which BI Tool Is the Winner? * ‹ * › ### Conversation (9) ![Avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/281d3616cf761f3582c0d76c23517846?s=32&d=mm&r=g) Write a response [Cancel reply](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/#respond) Your message Your name \* Your email \* Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ * ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/93285eeaa21a975c4b543ba4aa1ccfb69f773470d2ed23ad54b1fec0b73b6ab0?s=96&d=mm&r=g) #### **sospeter mocomi** \- September 20, 2022 Are the technical requirements same as functional requirements in BI **[Reply](#comment-147134)** * ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aed4b4b140631273d09d7411416430086ec34344c0aaa03f6c993751ef5c3153?s=96&d=mm&r=g) #### **Aayushi** \- April 21, 2022 Totally loved it, awesome work! **[Reply](#comment-126650)** [![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-48x48.png)](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) #### **Ritinder Kaur** \- April 22, 2022 Thanks, Aayushi! We’re glad you found this helpful. **[Reply](#comment-126783)** * ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e4cb65931d4f4d65b5e2b7f04c58a06902a0da2a49e8f7c36d714c563ba309c9?s=96&d=mm&r=g) #### **Andrew** \- November 8, 2021 Thank you Ratinder Kaur. Good reference and I cannot add anything to it. Too Good. Please keep writing and thank you Select Hub. **[Reply](#comment-97278)** [![Ritinder Kaur](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-48x48.png)](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/) #### **Ritinder Kaur** \- November 12, 2021 Thank you for reading, Andrew! We’re glad you liked the article! **[Reply](#comment-97952)** * ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c1ada3649c171d7ac588a1ef00de5f922eb387468acc9f7d5d7d2e30f013593b?s=96&d=mm&r=g) #### **Venkat** \- December 11, 2020 Excellent and very clear this is help me for present to the client **[Reply](#comment-56212)** [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9f5a984573ea50b5cafe39e56c06dd8aab5ed4d3eab96e2b516ef5098ad0f95c?s=48&d=mm&r=g)](https://www.selecthub.com/author/hsing-tseng/) #### **Hsing Tseng** \- January 6, 2021 Hi there, Thank you for reading! We’re glad that this helped you out. **[Reply](#comment-58235)** * ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/41d29b9a5ea46fa29296052d93d1bb928dfbc5e5b1a40d5e865a886ec5fcb3b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g) #### **Srujana Jammalamadaka** \- November 4, 2018 Very useful and important. Thanks for posting this article! **[Reply](#comment-13635)** [![Alainia Conrad](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Alainia-Conrad-48x48.jpg)](https://www.selecthub.com/author/alainia/) #### **Alainia Conrad** \- November 5, 2018 I’m happy you found it informative! Thanks for reading! **[Reply](#comment-13643)** [ Go to mobile version ](https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/?amp=1) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. [Close](#) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/"},"author":{"name":"Ritinder Kaur","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/person/5ebc99a78bf29f315438d2b22a16f178"},"headline":"The Top 10 Business Intelligence Requirements Template & Checklist","datePublished":"2018-09-07T18:35:47+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-18T19:19:12+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/"},"wordCount":4302,"commentCount":9,"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#organization"},"articleSection":["Business Intelligence"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/","name":"Top 10 Business Intelligence Requirements Template & Checklist","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#website"},"datePublished":"2018-09-07T18:35:47+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-18T19:19:12+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.selecthub.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Business Intelligence","item":"https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Top 10 Business Intelligence Requirements Template & Checklist"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#website","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/","name":"SelectHub","description":"Confidence in Software","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.selecthub.com/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#organization","name":"SelectHub","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/logo/image/","url":"","contentUrl":"","caption":"SelectHub"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/logo/image/"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/selecthub/","https://x.com/SelectHub","https://www.linkedin.com/company/selecthub"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/person/5ebc99a78bf29f315438d2b22a16f178","name":"Ritinder Kaur","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/person/image/","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png","contentUrl":"https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png","caption":"Ritinder Kaur"},"description":"Ritinder Kaur is a Senior Technical Content Writer at SelectHub and has ten years of experience writing about B2B software and quality assurance. She has a Masters degree in English language and literature and writes about Business Intelligence and Data Science. Her articles on software testing have been published on Stickyminds.","sameAs":["https://www.selecthub.com","https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritinder-kaur/"],"url":"https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/"}]} {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How can a BI tool help organizations achieve their business objectives?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Here\u2019s how BI can improve your bottom line and enhance processes.\n\nBoost Sales: Is your team tired of manually entering data into spreadsheets? BI tools enable data integration with easy connections and automated workflows. Walmart increased sales by 10-15% after using big data solutions; one use case was predicting stock levels for inventory management.\nEnhance Customer Satisfaction: Buyer data holds the key to improving the user experience. When my food delivery order wasn\u2019t delivered, I took to Twitter (now X) to call out the aggregator. Within no time, they reached out and refunded the payment. Do I still use their services? You bet!\nImprove Decision-Making: Accurate, reliable data gives you the confidence to make impactful decisions. A scalable BI tool can handle big data volumes to give you actionable insights. Missed opportunities because of undiscovered patterns can hurt your business now and in the future."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the core functionalities of a BI tool?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"According to Martha, data integration, a user-friendly interface, and advanced analytics and visualization are the top features to consider when shopping for a BI tool. Check how much time it would take to create a dashboard; ask the vendor for proof-of-concept or a demo. It would help you estimate the learning curve involved. For long-term usability, scalability and high performance are crucial.\nI would add the following:\n\nCalculated fields for going beyond descriptive insights\nCustom visualizations\nSharing and collaboration for quicker turnarounds and decisions\nUsage metrics for tracking consumption\nLocation insight, which is a common component of enterprise data nowadays\nAutomation of some type, even if you have a smaller setup"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some nice-to-have analytics capabilities of a BI tool?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"In my opinion, augmented analytics can be optional for organizations with simple data needs. Automation is essential, however, for the sheer efficiency it provides. It should be on your list, regardless of your organization\u2019s size."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the key considerations for selecting a BI tool?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"According to our JumpStart Platform, high availability, platform security and compliance, and integrations are primary technical requirements.\n\nHigh availability includes fault tolerance, scalability and backup servers.\nRegarding platform security, check if the platform offers IP whitelisting, role-based access control, MFA and enterprise SSO.\nGDPR and CCPA compliance are essential for user data privacy. The BI tool must adhere to FedRAMP, ISO and SOC for security, risk management and monitoring of cloud services.\nYour chosen BI tool should integrate with your business systems, regardless of whether they\u2019re CRM, ERP or project management tools."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I future-proof my investment regarding integrations?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Research by Roy shows that these are excellent questions to ask vendors.\n\nWhich APIs are available, and are they documented? Does the platform support industry-standard protocols, including JSON, XML and SOAP?\nIs real-time integration support available either with webhooks or event-driven architecture?\nDoes the solution allow building custom connectors?\nCan it integrate with third-party data integration tools, such as Talend and Fivetran?\nWhat are the volume limits and performance concerns when integrating with high-transaction systems?\nWhich authentication methods \u2014 OAuth, SAML and API key authentication \u2014 does it support?\nWhat are the data refresh rates and synchronization methods?\nDoes the vendor provide a developer-friendly environment, integration support and customization options to handle evolving business needs?"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which usage tracking features should I ask for?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Roy found this list of queries to ask vendors.\n\nCan you monitor costs if it\u2019s a consumption-based pricing model?\nDoes the BI system issue alerts when usage crosses pre-set cost thresholds?\nCan administrators manage costs effectively by identifying underutilized licenses?\nIs there an option for automated notifications for usage trends?"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What's the average cost of entry for a server-based BI tool deployment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"According to Roy\u2019s research, deploying a server-based BI tool costs from $100,000 to $200,000 annually. This includes hardware, software, customizations, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance and support. Training costs can add 20% to 30% to the overall budget."}}]} { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "The Top 10 Business Intelligence Requirements Template & Checklist", "author":{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Ritinder Kaur", "url": "https://www.selecthub.com/author/ritinder-kaur/", "jobTitle":"Sr. Technical Content Writer", "image": "https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Ritinder-Kaur-v2-1-96x96.png" }, "publisher":{ "@type": "Organization", "name": "SelectHub", "logo": { "@type":"ImageObject", "url": "https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/favicon.png" } }, "datePublished": "2018-09-07T12:35:47-06:00", "dateModified": "2026-03-18T13:19:12-06:00", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.selecthub.com/business-intelligence/top-business-intelligence-requirements/" } ```