Risks, and threats that should be considered when developing BI

solutions
In order to reduce costs, improve productivity and enhance employee effectiveness, many
companies in the metalworking industry are turning to Business Intelligence (BI) solutions to
streamline their data processes and systems (Villamarín et al., 2017). A BI solution can be quite
beneficial to this industry, but it should be implemented with the right security measures to
prevent hackers and other malicious threats from compromising the integrity of the data within
the system. Moreover, to create BI solutions that will effectively help business operations and
decision-making in the metalworking industry, it is important first to identify some risks and
threats that could limit the benefits of using this type of business intelligence software. If these
issues are not considered in advance, BI implementation could face challenges that negatively
affect its value, lowering employee productivity and hurting overall profitability. Some risks and
threats to consider are:
Lack of standardization is a major problem for organizations looking to implement Business
Intelligence into their business (Villamarín et al., 2017). The process used at one plant may be
entirely different from another leading to vastly inaccurate data or inconsistencies between
different plants. Unable to provide standardized processes across all plants prevent these
organizations from accurately tracking production, sales, and supplier information and reduces
any valuable insights that a BI tool can provide. This lack of standardization is also an open door
for cyber-attacks due to not having consistent internal security practices across all plants, which
may lead hackers directly toward your most critical systems.
Hackers would have access to vast amounts of sensitive company data, such as customer lists
and billing addresses if they could breach the system. Implementing strong internal security
protocols across all plants should be a top priority when developing BI solutions for this industry
(Villamarín et al., 2017). As such, there needs to be a concerted effort among all players in this
space so that we have some agreement on what is considered standard across the board when
collecting data; otherwise, there is an increased chance that this information may not make sense
or be accurate enough for use by employees in day-to-day tasks such as forecasting, inventory
management, and scheduling production runs.
i. Lack of quality data
Insufficient, inaccurate, unqualified data is often the biggest threat to go-to-market BI solutions.
Business intelligence is a relatively new term, but companies are looking for ways to leverage it
with external and internal data sources while also benefiting from the additional insights that
come in using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The lack of data quality is one of the
risks and threats that should be considered when developing BI solutions (Araz et al., 2020).
Data entry errors:
The employees who work in these companies often make mistakes when they enter data into their
computer systems. For example, they might need to remember to enter an important piece of
information or enter the wrong number for a product's price. Similarly, there is a need for more access
to reliable sources since many SMEs need access to reliable sources for their data because they cannot
afford to pay for them. This makes it hard for them to get accurate information about their business
processes and operations, leading to reporting errors and other issues down the line. Lastly, a lack of
training may also lead to poor-quality data. Most employees need to receive adequate training in using
computers or correctly entering data into systems. This results in more mistakes than necessary, leading
to problems later down the road if not corrected immediately upon discovery.

Access to data: The enterprise's data must be of higher quality. The data source may be
unreliable or inaccurate and, therefore, not meet the specified needs of the business. Unreliable
sources mean that accurate and relevant data cannot be obtained. Unqualified employees are just
as bad as unreliable sources because they can make mistakes while entering data into the system.
Although they might not realize it at first, making an error will lead to unreliable data being
entered into a department's systems and, thus, can cause problems with reporting (Araz et al.,
2020).
ii. Lack of Interoperability
No matter how elaborate the BI solutions are, they will only be good if they can be shared with
other systems and work seamlessly with each other. If the systems can work together, data will
stay cohesive across different systems, which creates inefficiencies at every step. In today's Big
Data world, we are trying to collect and analyze massive amounts of data to make informed
decisions that will help us run the organization more effectively and make the right business
decisions. As we collect more and more data in the form of structured and unstructured
information, it becomes increasingly difficult to analyze it all due to differences in the format of
data generated by different systems, applications, servers, and other sources. Lack of
interoperability between systems is one of the major challenges businesses face today
(Ghavamifar et al., 2018). One reason is that many vendors develop their proprietary software
that cannot talk to each other or share information easily. The BI solution needs an interface so it
can read data from any source- something some vendors offer for purchase separately. A robust
BI solution should be able to interact with legacy systems without any significant problems, such
as a lack of interoperability between legacy and new technologies. A company should also
ensure support is available when it purchases BI software. Some companies who have purchased
an expensive system only to find out there needed more support available have been forced to
abandon the use of the software altogether (Ghavamifar et al., 2018). More importantly, there is
a need for the IT department to be on board with the management to understand what the
organization's needs are.
iii. Lack of Security
Security also plays a role here as well because if there are no safeguards in place, then anyone
who has access to those databases would be able to see all of this information which means
competitors could get ahold of it as well and use it against them in an attempt to gain market
share by offering lower prices on similar products or services. However, if organizations were
able to keep their data private, then this would not be such a concern because it would only be
accessible by certain people with permission based on their job role within the company;
however, even though this helps protect sensitive information from being leaked out accidentally
or on purpose by insiders, it still does not protect against hackers who might try to break into
those systems via cyber-attacks so IT departments still need to ensure that their networks are
secure at all times by using strong encryption techniques along with other preventative measures
like backups and antivirus software so that if someone does manage to get through then, there
will not be any lasting damage done (Ghavamifar et al., 2018).
This makes developing BI solutions difficult because users should not be worried about their
privacy when using the products or services. The company should ensure that any data they
collect from them is kept safe and secure so that no one can misuse it or get access to it without
their permission first. If this is not done, the company may not be able to succeed because people
will not trust them with their information if they think that it will be leaked or stolen by someone
else who wants to use it for malicious purposes such as identity theft or other types of fraud like
phishing scams where they try to get personal info by pretending to be someone trustworthy like
a bank or another organization which has their info on file already like an email provider (Gmail,
Yahoo).
There are many things that organizations can do to protect themselves against cyberattacks:
hiring experienced cybersecurity professionals, using encrypted communications channels (like
HTTPS), and applying software patches as soon as they are released. However, these things take
time and money—two things that most businesses do not have an abundance of! Therefore, it is
important to select vendors who can provide strong security guarantees (i.e., proof-of-concept
demonstrations and references from similar customers) so that the organization becomes aware
of what they are getting before making a purchasing decision (Ghavamifar et al., 2018).
iv. Lack of Flexibility
A lack of flexibility in BI solutions can lead to problems with development. When building a
business intelligence solution, organizations want something that will allow them to make
decisions based on accurate data as quickly as possible. However, if the solution does not offer
enough flexibility, they will not be able to get what they need from it. Many factors make
metalworking industries hard to analyze. One of those factors is the lack of flexibility in their
processes. They have extremely strict processes for how things are done, and if something fits
into those exact steps, it can cause major delays or even failure. For example, if a step takes
longer than expected, that will affect the rest of the process because everything needs to be timed
perfectly for it to work correctly (Villamarín et al., 2017). This makes it very difficult for us to
build solutions that can handle different situations without changing our code drastically every
time there is a new situation.
Designing BI solutions for metalworking industries is easy but possible. It is not just about
making the data easier to read and visualize but also about making the reporting tools easier to
use and integrate. By adding features like these, BI solutions will be able to make the
applications more flexible to handle any situations that arise within the industry.
v. Limited Support
The risk of limited support when developing a business intelligence solution in the metal
working industry is that it can negatively impact the ability to analyze data accurately over time.
When developing a BI solution, there is a need to be able to easily access analytics data without
having any issues accessing the underlying database. If the organization needs more support
from the IT team or vendors, this could cause delays when accessing those databases or create
problems along the way. When developing a BI solution for the metalworking industry, the
company must become aware of these risks so that they can mitigate them as much as possible
by ensuring that they have enough support available from your IT team or vendors so that they
can help in access those databases easily and without any issues or delay along the way
(Villamarín et al., 2017).
Therefore, to assess the risk of having limited support when creating BI solutions in the
metalworking industry, there are things that an organization can do to minimize these risks. The
first thing an organization can do to minimize these risks is to look at the available support
levels. By doing this, they will be able to assess how many people are currently supporting them
in accessing those databases. If they have limited support, they will need to find some IT team or
vendor that can help them when it comes down to accessing those databases easily. This is one of
the main ways an organization can mitigate these risks by ensuring that you have enough support
from your IT team and vendors.
Measures to avoid threats and risks when developing BI solutions in the SMEs
Metalworking industry
A study of the challenges experienced by SMEs in the metalworking industry with regard to BI
solutions and an analysis of the possibilities for addressing them were implemented as part of
this research. The results indicate that challenges have been identified, and recommendations
based on them can provide the basis for further development and improvement of BI solutions
and their availability to SMEs in the metalworking industry. Despite the proven importance of BI
in SMEs, it has yet to be implemented in more than 50% of these companies because they feel
that there are still many challenges to be overcome before they can start using these solutions.
The importance of data security
Data security is crucial for any business, but more so for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Data breaches are common occurrences that can cost a company dearly. SMEs are vulnerable to
data breaches because they often rely on external systems like cloud storage providers or public
networks (Villamarín et al., 2017). These services provide convenience but also introduce
security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. There are many ways companies can reduce
their data exposure: 1) Ensuring that all employees have strong passwords 3) Only access
sensitive information on an encrypted network 4) Use enterprise-grade antivirus software with
regular updates 5) Manage endpoints (computers, mobile devices, and tablets) securely 6)
Perform penetration testing on your infrastructure 7) Encrypt data at rest 8 )Encrypt sensitive
communications 9
The need for comprehensive data backup
A business intelligence solution is often an expensive investment. In order to maximize the
return on this investment, all data must be backed up frequently. This includes raw data files and
any generated reports or documents containing information about the company's operations,
finances, or customers. Data backup should include employee-generated content such as
spreadsheets, presentations, emails, and more. If a computer system or hard drive crashes or
becomes corrupted, it can take considerable time to recreate the lost data. Data recovery tools
can help reconstruct some files and databases; however, these are costly and difficult to
implement. One of the best options for businesses with limited IT expertise is to use a cloud
storage service like Dropbox that can automatically sync data across multiple computers and
mobile devices. It also offers good security for companies concerned about privacy since no one
else can access their account unless they specifically invite someone else. However, even though
cloud services are becoming more secure than ever, many people still prefer having their copy of
their most important data stored locally rather than having it out on someone else's server. That
way, your local backup will be safe if anything happens to the cloud service provider or network
connection.
The necessity of user training
User training is one of the most important measures to help mitigate potential threats or risks.
The user should be trained on how to use the software and how to use it securely. The users
should know what information they are required to input and what information they are not
allowed to enter. Training users will reduce errors during data entry which could lead to
erroneous conclusions being drawn by managers and analysts who rely on this data. These
measures should enable employees of small companies (and their respective organizations) to
have a more effective way of dealing with their day-to-day tasks through better analysis tools
without compromising security for either company or customer data, which might otherwise
happen if no precautions were taken by IT department staff or consulting firms involved in the
development process.
The value of regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential component of any business. It can keep the equipment
running smoothly, help prevent injury, protect investment, and reduce costs. Sometimes, it is
even a requirement by law or insurance company guidelines. With so many benefits of regular
maintenance, it is worth looking into how to incorporate this practice into SMEs' Metalworking
industry environment.
A simple option might be to invest in new machinery with built-in sensors that send alerts for
mechanical problems before they happen.

Key players that have developed business intelligence solutions and

their value propositions to SMs in the Metalworking industry
A business intelligence solution combines analytics and software, which allows companies to
collect large sets of data, organize it in different forms to access business trends and patterns, and
then make better-informed decisions based on those insights. Analyzing data and drawing
conclusions from it can help metalworking businesses improve operations, gain a competitive
edge, streamline processes and strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners.
System Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP)
System Applications and Products in Data Processing is a leading provider of business
intelligence solutions, offering comprehensive and integrated solutions to help small and medium
businesses (SMBs) in the metalworking industry make informed decisions. With SAP's Business
Intelligence suite, SMBs in the metal working industry can access real-time data on customer
behavior, sales performance, and production efficiency. This data helps them uncover insights
that can help them make better decisions and improve their operations. SAP's Business
Intelligence solutions are designed to give SMBs in the metalworking industry the power to
analyze their operations and make data-driven decisions. SAP also provides predictive analytics
and forecasting tools, allowing SMBs to more accurately predict future trends and potential
problems (Villamarín et al., 2017). Additionally, SAP's Business Intelligence solutions allow
SMBs to gain better insights into customer behavior, enabling them to tailor their offerings and
better serve their customers.
Overall, SAP's Business Intelligence solutions provide SMBs in the metalworking industry with
the ability to gain greater insights into their operations, improve decision-making, and create a
competitive edge. By leveraging these solutions, SMBs can become more profitable and efficient
while providing an enhanced customer experience. For example, one of SAP's customers was
able to increase net income by 20% through this solution. In total, SAP's business intelligence
solutions have helped over 10,000 SMBs worldwide find success in the manufacturing sector
alone.
The International Business Machines Corporation
IBM is one of the most important business intelligence solutions market players. Its Watson
Analytics platform provides a comprehensive suite of AI-powered analysis and insights to help
SMEs in the metalworking industry make better decisions. IBM's solutions focus on data
processing, warehousing, analytics, predictive analytics, and big data platforms, allowing SMs to
gain insights from all their structured and unstructured data. IBM has also developed several
applications specifically for metalworking businesses, such as tools for visualizing and
understanding supply chain performance, managing production processes, and analyzing
customer data. The Watson Analytics platform also offers SMs an AI-driven dashboard for
tracking the performance of their operations, as well as automated reports for summarizing and
sharing key insights (Park et al., 2017). All these features help SMs in the metalworking industry
to quickly analyze and interpret large amounts of data, allowing them to make informed
decisions. In addition, its interactive visualization capabilities give users real-time access to data
through maps, charts, graphs, and tables without any technical knowledge required (Villamarín
et al., 2017). Furthermore, it automatically detects anomalies and creates alerts for potential
issues related to KPIs (key performance indicators) or significant events like data breaches or
system downtime. It can be used by people with different levels of technical skill sets -
professionals looking for quick and easy dashboards will find this tool suitable, whereas those
who want more control over their visualization options will find the custom settings feature
appealing. IBM's solution is cost-effective as it includes a free trial option, allowing SMs to try
out the solution before they financially commit themselves. It also offers affordable pricing
plans, making it affordable for SMEs in the metalworking industry.
ORACLE
Oracle is one of the world's leading business intelligence providers, offering a wide range of
tools and solutions to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the metalworking
industry gain greater insight into their operations. With Oracle's suite of products, SMBs can use
predictive analytics and data visualization to gain deeper insights into their operations while also
taking advantage of machine learning to optimize their processes further (Park et al., 2017).
Oracle's business intelligence solutions are designed to provide SMBs in the metalworking
industry with a comprehensive view of their operations. This includes access to data from
various sources, such as customers, suppliers, competitors, and internal processes. Oracle's
products also allow for advanced analytics and reporting capabilities and comprehensive data
security measures.
Additionally, Oracle offers a number of value propositions to SMBs in the metalworking
industry. These include reducing costs by making data-driven decisions; increasing efficiency by
automating processes; providing detailed and real-time insights into customer behavior;
improving customer satisfaction; and ultimately creating more successful businesses. With
Oracle, businesses can also access various resources and support, such as training and
certification programs, to ensure they get the most out of their investments.
Overall, Oracle is a leader in providing business intelligence solutions to SMBs in the
metalworking industry, offering a robust suite of products and services designed to help
businesses make smarter decisions and drive growth. With Oracle, SMBs have access to a
powerful platform that helps them easily manage and analyze data from multiple sources,
providing them with valuable insights into their operations. The software can integrate diverse
datasets, generate reports and scorecards, and generate visualizations that interpret trends (Park
et al., 2017; Araz et al., 2020). Moreover, this software provides reliable data protection features
for sensitive information. In terms of its value proposition, Oracle provides organizations with an
affordable solution that can help reduce operating expenses through automation and AI-based
decision-making systems - all while ensuring compliance with company policies across
departments. Additionally, the company offers a wealth of resources, including best practice
guidelines and courses on maximizing ROI on BI projects.
Solutions that SMs have put in place to implement BI especially in
the Metalworking industry
Since the beginning of time, the constant search for solutions to make the production process
more cost-effective and of higher quality has been increasing – but only recently have SMEs in
the Metalworking industry become aware of and implemented solutions that will benefit their
organizations through Business Intelligence (BI). The principles of BI are based on gathering,
collecting, consolidating, and analyzing data from several sources and then presenting it in one
or more ways to enable decision-making within an organization. This article will examine some
of the best BI tools out there today (Saavedra et al., 2020). In today's world, the success of any
business depends upon how fast and accurately it can respond to changes in demand, cost, and
competition. Such changes are common in an industry such as Metalworking / Steel, where it is
crucial to keep up with trends in customer preferences and technological innovations. To be
competitive and ensure they meet customer demand while maintaining profit margins, SMEs
need innovative solutions that automate the flow of information between various departments
and systems across their businesses. This enables them to access the right data at the right time,
make better decisions more quickly, and respond quickly to market dynamics (Saavedra et al.,
2020).
Business Intelligence (BI) Solutions have become a valuable tool for SMEs in the metalworking
industry to gain insights and improve efficiency. With increased competition and rising customer
demands, companies need to access data quickly and make informed decisions. To help meet
these needs, many SMs have implemented various BI solutions tailored to the metalworking
industry.
One of the most popular solutions is a data warehouse, a centralized data repository from
multiple sources. Data warehouses allow companies to store and analyze large amounts of data.
This enables them to identify trends and develop insights from their data that can be used to
optimize their processes. In addition, data warehouses can help identify any problems within the
organization or even anticipate future changes in the market.
Another solution that SMEs are using is predictive analytics. Predictive analytics uses advanced
algorithms to analyze data and predict future events. This allows companies to plan for the future
and anticipate changes in demand or supply (Saavedra et al., 2020). It can also help them make
informed decisions about product pricing and marketing strategies. Finally, many SMEs leverage
Business Intelligence tools such as Tableau and QlikView to visualize their data. These tools
allow companies to identify trends and quickly uncover insights from their data quickly. With
these insights, companies can make informed decisions about their strategies and operations.
Overall, SMs are taking advantage of Business Intelligence Solutions to gain an edge over the
competition in the metalworking industry. With the right solutions, they can make informed
decisions and gain valuable insights from their data.
 References
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Ghavamifar, A., Makui, A., & Taleizadeh, A. A. (2018). Designing a resilient competitive supply chain
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Araz, O. M., Choi, T. M., Olson, D. L., & Salman, F. S. (2020). Role of analytics for operational risk
management in the era of big data. Decision Sciences, 51(6), 1320-1346.

Park, Y., El Sawy, O. A., & Fiss, P. (2017). The role of business intelligence and communication
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Saavedra, A., Kotey, B., & Sandhu, K. (2020). The Digital Value Propositions for Virtual Business
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