Gartner, IBM Cognos and others have discussed "flawless business inteligence" and "avoiding fatal flaws". So why another discussion? Perhaps a checklist will help improve system implementation and discussion with vendors.

Question #1: What is the purpose of the proposed system? Reporting, ad hoc query and analysis, performance monitoring?

Question #2: Who wants the system? Will they really use it?

Question #3: Is there a data quality problem? How serious is the problem?

Question #4: What vendors are "best in class"? Are you wedded to your current vendor of transaction systems?

Question #5: Do you have a realistic schedule for the evaluation and implementation process?

Question #6: Do you have in-house staff to work on the project? If not, are you comfortable outsourcing to contractors or vendor staff a key decision support capability?

Question #7: Did the person suggesting the project just meet with a vendor or attend a tradeshow? Are they excited about dashboards?

Please ask these questions and review the answers carefully as part of a feasibility study. If the decision is to proceed with a project, invite vendors to respond to a structured request.