3.1 High Level Business Reporting Requirements
We recognise that specific report requirements are too detailed for a strategy document so instead we will introduce high level functional requirements and non-functional requirements derived from our data governance procedures. An outline framework showing specific requirements is contained at the Annex. The relationship between high level requirements, reports and data integrations along with sign off and approval is at Figure 3.1.
3.2 High Level Functional Requirements
Our functional requirements are based around a simple framework. The Business Intelligence Framework recognises 3 dimensions of activity:
- Timeliness – the refresh rate required to make the report relevant to the user.
- Type of Data – to gain insight some users required data to be summarised, others need data aggregated from multiple sources and others need detail at a transactional level.
- Delivery Method – some delivery methods provide timeliness or types of data delivery not available in others, in some cases there are multiple options available. The four options available are to use a Power BI report, an in-system report, an in-system lobby or provide access to data for ad hoc analysis.
To simplify reporting at all levels the framework at Figure 3.3 is being used to align the expected delivery method. This framework will be explained in more detail in the following sections:
- 6Reporting Tools and Technologies – covers the tools and technologies used to support the delivery methods.
- 7Data Modelling and Transformation – covers the timeliness and type of data transformations covered in different use cases.
- 10Distribution and Delivery – the distribution method for Power BI reports specifically.
High level functional requirements have been developed utilising both a top down and bottom-up approach. Top down by articulating the business needs by Business Process areas and use cases (Board, Business Oversight etc.) and bottom up reviewing current reporting available globally, in UK and APAC. A comprehensive list of high-level report requirements are available at Annex A.
3.3 High Level Non-Functional Requirements
Our high-level user requirements are derived from our Data Governance Policies available on NAVIGATOR. These requirements are shown at Table 3.1.
| Title | Description | Justification | Section Covered In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance and Governance | Ensure that reporting practices comply with industry regulations and internal governance. Implement data governance measures to maintain data quality and integrity. | Mitigates legal and compliance risks while ensuring the reliability and accuracy of reported information. | Data Governance |
| Reporting Tools and Technologies | Reports should be accessible and optimised for viewing on desktop mobile devices. Ensure a responsive design for a consistent user experience across devices. | Facilitates access to critical information on-the-go, catering to the needs of mobile users. | Reporting Tools and Technologies |
| Data Accuracy and Timeliness | Reports must present accurate and up-to-date information from reliable sources. Ensure that data refresh rates align with business needs for timeliness. | Ensures the reliability and relevance of information, supporting informed decision-making. | Data Modelling and Transformation |
| Performance and Scalability | Reports should load efficiently, even with large datasets. The system must scale to accommodate increased data volume over time. | Ensures a smooth user experience and supports future growth without compromising performance. | Data Modelling and Transformation |
| Cross-Functional Integration | The reporting system should seamlessly integrate data from various business functions. Ensure consistency and coherence in cross-functional reporting. | Supports a holistic view of organisational performance, fostering better collaboration and understanding. | Data Modelling and Transformation |
| Data Drill-Down and Exploration | Users should be able to drill down into detailed data for deeper insights. Provide interactive features for data exploration and analysis. | Facilitates in-depth analysis, empowering users to extract meaningful insights from the data. | Report Design Guidelines |
| Collaboration and Sharing | Enable users to collaborate by sharing reports and insights with colleagues. Provide options for exporting reports in different formats for sharing externally. | Promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing, essential for effective team dynamics and external communication. | Security and Access Control |
| Security and Access Control | Implement role-based access control to restrict access to sensitive data. Ensure data security during transmission and storage. | Safeguards sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality and integrity of data. | Security and Access Control |
| User Accessibility | Users should have easy access to relevant reports based on their roles. The reporting system should support a user-friendly interface for navigation. | Enables quick and efficient access to pertinent information, improving user productivity and decision-making. | Security and Access Control |
| Development of Reports | Reports shall follow a lifecycle management approach to ensure that changes to reports do not impact live reports. | Improves business resilience and confidence within the reports. | Distribution and Delivery |
| User Searchability | Users should have a range of options to utilise reports from ad-hoc searches to inclusion in meetings. | Promote the move to a data-driven decision-making business whilst reducing the training burden. | Distribution and Delivery |
| Alerts and Notifications | Implement alerting mechanisms to notify users of significant changes or thresholds. Allow users to set up personalised notifications based on their preferences. | Enhances proactive decision-making by alerting users to important developments or anomalies. | Distribution and Delivery |
| Training and User Support | Develop training programmes to help users effectively utilise reporting tools. Establish a support system for addressing user queries and issues. | Ensures users are proficient in utilising reporting tools, and support is available when needed, reducing downtime. | Training and User Support |
Derived from BMT Data Governance Policies