Incremental Rollout

When planning the implementation, use the same iterative approach used when developing the BI application and the meta data repository. The iterative approach, or incremental rollout, works well because it reduces the risk of exposing potential defects in the BI application to the entire organization. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to informally demonstrate the BI concepts and the BI tool features to the business people who were not directly involved in the BI project. Here are some suggestions.

• Start with a small group of business people. This small group should consist of not only "power users" but also some less technology-savvy knowledge workers and business analysts, as well as the primary business representative who was involved in the development work as a member of the core team.

• Treat the business people as customers ” keeping customer care in mind. Trouble-free implementation, interactive training, and ongoing support will help you get their buy-in. Always ask yourself, "What is in it for the customers?"

• Take the opportunity to test your implementation approach. You may consider adjusting your implementation approach or modifying the BI application prior to the full rollout (e.g., change cumbersome logon procedures).

• It may be necessary to duplicate implementation activities at multiple sites. Adding these sites slowly over time is easier than launching them all at the same time.