Look at nearly any definition of Business Intelligence (BI) and you’ll see that BI helps companies using historical Data to make more informed decisions. While that was and is its purpose, how businesses come to their more informed decisions in a Data-driven culture are much more forward thinking and some of the shifts may surprise you.For one thing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping businesses derive actionable insights from everyone in their business regardless of technical skill level. How are they doing this? Below are five trends which may surprise you.1. AI Levels the Playing Field in BIAI has leveled the playing field when it comes to Data Science, Business Intelligence, and how businesses make Data-driven decisions in today’s marketplace. From Augmented Analytics to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), automation is an integral part not just of running your business day-to-day but can assist with higher level strategies based not only on historical Data but predictive as well. 2. NLP and NLG for Accessible and Actionable InsightsNatural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG) are working together to help craft insights that are understood from the mail room to board room. This accessibility ensures everyone is on a level playing field when it comes to business decisions. Imagine being able to ask your question much like you would type it into your favorite search engine and having the answer returned in a language you understand, your natural language.3. Mobile-Friendly BIBy 2024, the mobile BI market is expected to exceed $20 billion. Is it any wonder with so many people using their mobile devices to do work at home and on the go? Mobile-friendly BI options should be top of mind for many businesses, but with it comes caution. Data privacy and other concerns are just the tip of the iceberg when you can not only take work home with you, but wherever you choose to be.4. Quality Data is Key for Accurately Informed Business DecisionsTo say Data Quality is key to actionable insights to help facilitate good business decisions seems status quo. And yet, it is one of the most listed trends across the Big 5 tech firms. So, how can you ensure your Data is good data? It helps to follow Data Quality and Data Governance standards but within that spectrum your information should be accurate, timely, and verifiable.5. Telling a Story Through DataStorytelling will remain a part of Data visualization which can help tell your story as a business. But instead of numbers and statistics, the story will be a much more visually appealing component of BI trends and platforms using advanced tools, embedded analytics, and narratives that keep a reader or listener’s attention. The trends themselves tell a story. If you’re noticing words like ‘collaborative’, ‘embedded’, ‘AI-powered’, and ‘Natural Language Processing’, it’s all leading to informed business decisions that are easily accessible to anyone in the business but suggested by a machine’s Data. Businesses as enmeshed in legacy systems such as finance and healthcare are ripe for change, and those businesses already on the cutting edge are setting the stage for future trends that may roll out not in years but in months. Where will your business be? Though automation may be the next frontier for business, you’ll still need someone to set the parameters, develop the strategies, and curate the answers. If you’re looking for top talent, we may have a candidate for you.If you’re interested in Business Intelligence, Advanced Analytics, NLP, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Robotics just to name a few, Harnham may have a role for you. Check out our latest Business Intelligence jobs or contact one of our expert consultants to learn more. For our West Coast Team, contact us at (415) 614 – 4999 or send an email to sanfraninfo@harnham.com. For our Arizona Team, contact us at (602) 562 7011 or send an email to phoenixinfo@harnham.com. For our Mid-West and East Coast teams contact us at (212) 796-6070 or send an email to newyorkinfo@harnham.com.