The first step in the BI software process is to define which data will be loaded into the system and analyzed. A key issue to address at this stage is whether to define all of the data upfront or identify it on an iterative basis. Now it is possible for an enterprise or group to start with a subset of their overall data and add more in as they gain access to it or simply decide to include it.
| Traditional BI method: | The overall data structure must be defined up front, requiring companies to fully define which data they want to use before they can get started with the rest of the backend process. |
| Integrated SaaS BI method: | Companies can start with available data and without defining up front all of the data sources. Then, additional data sources can be added on an on-going basis. |
