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Case Study
Business Intelligence Tool Means Healthy Data at UVA
5/8/2008
After users have worked with data extensively in Excel, Zang pointed out, questions would arise around its quality. "Is [that data] really valid? Or have users done something to a formula that's broken it?" With WebFOCUS, current data is drawn directly and in real time from the two accounting systems, largely eliminating issues around data quality.
Getting reports is also much easier for all users. Before the WebFOCUS software was in place, faculty could order and view reports such as clinical billing records or financial forecasts of the year's grants, clinical work and data, broken down by professor. To obtain those reports, however, a faculty member had to ask a business manager for the report--a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Now, faculty produce their own reports using WebFOCUS. Those reports can now include archival data, which couldn't be done before, and can be obtained at any time. WebFOCUS also allows faculty members to "drill down" into the financial details of various reports.
One challenge with a new tool, especially something as complex as business intelligence software, is getting users to appreciate, understand, and use the software. Remarkably, there was no training of users on WebFOCUS, according to Zang. The first month of use, his team sent new reports in PDF format, with instructions on how to use WebFOCUS. The next month, they sent a PDF but included a link to the live system. Finally, they simply sent a link to the live system, eliminating the PDF altogether.
Support has also proved to be simple: Just one IT staff member continues to handle support for an estimated 175 or so users, although Zang's department did produce a manual specific to obtaining UVA Department of Medicine data.
Linda L. Briggs is a freelance writer based in San Diego, Calif.
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