Do Business Intelligence Systems Actually Improve Information Quality?

Technology and solution providers in the field of business intelligence usually claim that implementation of business intelligence technologies and systems will lead to easier, more flexible, and rapid access to information. Shortly, they promise improved information quality. The aim of this study is to test the declared impact of business intelligence systems on improved information quality and to further investigate this relationship. Empirical data were collected through a survey of Slovenian medium and large size organizations. Quantitative analysis was carried out on the data, which related to 181 medium and large size organizations. Data analysis was carried out using PLS Path Modelling. From the study it appears data integration and analytics are important components when defining business intelligence systems maturity. The results of the analysis show that business intelligence systems actually have a positive impact on two segments of information quality, namely content quality and media quality. However, the impact of business intelligence systems on media quality is stronger, while the quality of content is more important for making better business decisions and providing high business value of business intelligence systems. Thus, implementation of business intelligence systems must be complemented with other activities for advancing information quality.