In a make-or-buy comparison, the decision is a simple one:  Cutwater BI can be acquired and implemented at a cost that is lower than building comparable capabilities in-house.

Cutwater BI provides quick access to data stored in a company's transaction systems.  It is designed to provide cross-reference and simultaneous access to data that often exists across multiple platforms.

Microsoft SQL Server is used as a data hub and integration tool.  

Cutwater BI has been designed with the goal of long-term sustainability of the tool.  To support this, the software does the following:

Readily integrates with a variety of transaction systems.

Withstands changes to underlying data as this data changes over time.

Is easily adapted by local IT resources as user requirements change. 

INTEGRATING WITH SOURCE TRANSACTION SYSTEMS

Microsoft SQL Server has the advantage of being open enough to connect to and import data from almost any data source.  In addition, it is robust enough to handle highly data intensive environments.  Source data can be read into Cutwater BI in a variety of formats, ranging from separate database tables to a flat file extract or even an Excel spreadsheet.

RESPONDING TO CHANGES TO UNDERLYING DATA

Cutwater BI needs no more than the name of a source data table in its database and the number of columns in that table to set up master data and index its internal structures.  Once the source data table is available, Cutwater BI will automatically recognize and organize the different fields into attribute (qualitative), quantitative, and time data.  Furthermore, as data in the underlying transaction systems change – from new products to new customers – Cutwater BI does not have to be reconfigured to include them in reporting. 

ADMINISTRATION AND SECURITY

Cutwater BI uses standard Windows Integrated Security to authenticate users.  Role-based application level security is further used to control access rights to specific application features.