Is your company making the most of its ERP data? 
Many organizations collect vast amounts of information every day — from sales and inventory data to financial metrics. The problem is that without the right tools, this data remains just a collection of numbers. Integrating ERP with BI allows you to transform it into actionable insights that drive better strategic, operational, and performance-related decisions. 

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is the heart of a company’s operational processes. It stores data about orders, costs, deliveries, and resources. However, ERP alone doesn’t always provide a complete picture — it can be difficult to analyze trends or quickly generate comparative reports. That’s where Business Intelligence (BI) comes in, connecting data from ERP and other sources to create a unified, coherent information ecosystem. 

By combining ERP and BI, organizations can not only monitor their current performance but also predict future scenarios, respond faster to market changes, and make more accurate strategic decisions. That’s why ERP and BI are often described as a duo that brings together operational precision and analytical intelligence. 

What is ERP and what role does it play in an organization 

An ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a central tool that supports the day-to-day operations of a company. It enables the integration and management of key business areas — from sales and production to finance, logistics, and HR. In practice, this means that all operational data is collected in one place, making it easier to control, report, and analyze. 

ERP streamlines internal processes and eliminates the need to work across multiple, disconnected systems. As a result, companies can: 

• react faster to changes in orders or production, 

• plan budgets more accurately, 

• automate repetitive tasks, 

• ensure data consistency across departments. 

However, while an ERP system efficiently collects data, it doesn’t always provide the ability to analyze it in depth. It often lacks advanced tools for visualization, forecasting, or trend comparison over time. That’s why ERP serves as the foundation of operational efficiency — but not necessarily as a source of strategic insights. To turn ERP data into real business intelligence, a BI solution is needed. 

What is BI and how does it complement the ERP system 

Business Intelligence (BI) is a set of technologies and processes that transform raw data into actionable insights supporting decision-making. In the context of ERP-BI integration, a BI tool naturally complements an ERP system — it extracts data from the ERP database, processes it, and presents it in the form of clear reports, dashboards, and interactive analyses. 

Modern BI solutions, such as Microsoft Power BI, allow organizations to combine data not only from ERP but also from other sources — CRM systems, Excel sheets, marketing tools, or e-commerce platforms. As a result, the company gains a single, unified view of its operations. 

With BI, managers and analysts can: 

• monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time, 

• analyze historical data and forecast trends, 

• identify inefficiencies and growth opportunities, 

• make decisions based on facts rather than intuition. 

When combined with ERP, BI transforms the way organizations use their data — from basic reporting to advanced predictive analytics. This synergy makes companies more agile, informed, and ready to make data-driven decisions. 

ERP and BI Integration – How It Works in Practice 

Integrating ERP with BI is a process that combines operational data from different departments into a single, unified analytical ecosystem. In practice, this involves connecting an ERP database (e.g., SAP, Dynamics 365, Comarch ERP) with a Business Intelligence platform such as Microsoft Power BI. This setup allows data to be automatically extracted, processed, and presented through clear reports and interactive dashboards. 

In a typical integration scenario, ERP data is transferred to a BI analytical model via connectors or a dedicated data warehouse. There, the data is cleaned, standardized, and merged with other sources, such as marketing data, CRM systems, or Excel sheets. The result? Consistent, up-to-date information available in real time, without the need for manual file merging or data exports. 

Examples of ERP and BI integration use cases: 

• Production cost analysis – quickly identify high-cost areas and optimize processes. 

• Inventory control – gain real-time insight into warehouse levels, product turnover, and material requirements. 

• Real-time sales monitoring – analyze results by region, distribution channel, or sales representative. 

An additional advantage is the use of cloud solutions and Microsoft Fabric, which provide scalability, security, and easy management of large volumes of data. Cloud integration ensures that data is always current, and reports are accessible from anywhere and on any device — both desktop and mobile. 

Key Benefits for Companies 

Implementing ERP-BI integration is not just a technological decision — it is a strategic business move. The main benefits organizations gain include: 

• Comprehensive business overview – all data from different departments is available in a single analytics panel, enabling a full assessment of company performance. 

• Faster decision-making – access to real-time data helps executives and managers make informed decisions quickly. 

• Automated reporting – no more manual exporting of ERP data to Excel; reports are generated automatically. 

• Improved forecasting and planning – BI supports budgeting, trend analysis, and predicting market changes. 

• Greater team efficiency – data is clear, structured, and available to all key stakeholders. 

As a result, companies using ERP and BI can operate faster, more accurately, and more flexibly. Data-driven decisions become the norm, not the exception, directly contributing to competitive advantage and increased profitability. 

Challenges and Best Practices in Implementing ERP + BI 

While ERP-BI integration brings significant benefits to companies, the implementation process can be complex and requires careful preparation. In practice, many organizations face similar challenges that — if overlooked — can limit the full potential of an analytics project. 

The most common issues include: 

• Data inconsistency – different departments often use varying formats and standards, making data consolidation difficult. 

• Poorly planned integration model – rushing the implementation can lead to errors in data structure and low-quality reports. 

• Insufficient user training – even the best BI solution will fail if employees don’t know how to use it effectively. 

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s important to follow proven practices recommended by EBIS, a company with extensive experience in implementing Power BI and Microsoft Fabric solutions. 

EBIS Recommendations: 

• Thorough analysis of data sources – identify all systems, formats, and dependencies before starting the integration. 

• Phased integration approach – begin with key areas (e.g., sales, finance) and expand the project to other departments gradually. 

• End-user training – investing in team knowledge ensures the full potential of BI is realized. 

• Use of Microsoft Power BI and Fabric – scalable, secure, and flexible tools that integrate data from multiple sources and enable real-time reporting. 

Implementing ERP + BI requires close collaboration between IT and business teams. The key to success is understanding that technology is only a tool — the real value lies in data-driven decisions that genuinely support business growth. 

ERP and BI as Pillars of Modern Management 

Integrating ERP and BI is not just a technology project — it is primarily an investment in a modern, data-driven organizational culture. Combining these two systems allows companies to view their business from a new perspective: holistic, dynamic, and fact-based. 

Thanks to ERP and BI synergy, organizations can: 

• respond more quickly to market changes, 

• make decisions based on up-to-date data, 

• reduce the risk of incorrect analyses, 

• increase process efficiency across all departments. 

In a world where data is the new currency of business, ERP and BI become a key element of competitive advantage. 

If your company wants to fully leverage its data potential, start integrating BI with your existing ERP system with the support of EBIS experts. Our team provides comprehensive support — from data source analysis, implementation, and training, to maintaining and developing your reporting environment.