Visual Tool Limitations for ERP Reporting

Visualization tools like Power BI create dashboards and data visualizations. They’re widely used to display KPIs, analyze trends, and create interactive reports

However, visualization tools focus on the front end of analytics — the presentation layer — and rely heavily on underlying data sources being clean, structured, and ready for analysis.

1. Complex Data Modeling Is Required
   Visualization tools often require:
   • Manual data joins
   • Custom calculations using DAX
   • Extensive prep for multi-source data

   This makes it difficult for non-technical users to self-serve reports from ERP data, which is often highly normalized and complex.

2. Performance Bottlenecks
   Direct queries against ERP systems (especially in real time) can:
   • Slow down your ERP performance
   • Fail under large data volumes
   • Strain both Power BI and backend systems
3. Limited Historical Snapshots
   ERP systems rarely store robust time-based snapshots needed for trend or point-in-time analysis. Visualization tools don't provide:
   • Built-in support for storing historical data
   • Time-aware metrics without heavy custom work
4. Lack of Governance and Standardization
   Many visualization tools offer flexibility — but that can backfire. Teams often end up with:
   • Inconsistent metrics across reports
   • Duplicated logic
   • No version control or audit trail
5. Dependency on IT or Power Users
   Even though visualization tools are marketed as self-service, most ERP reporting setups require:
   • IT involvement to build the data model
   • SQL or DAX experts to maintain logic
   • Time-consuming work to onboard new users
6. Challenges with Multi-Source Integration
   Combining ERP data with:
   • Excel
   • CRM systems
   • Planning tools
   • Supplier or customer portals

Why does ERP data pose special challenges for reporting?

ERP systems weren’t built for analytics. Their data:

• Is highly normalized
• Lacks business-friendly naming
• Requires joins across many tables
• Often includes customizations unique to each company

Visualization tools don’t simplify this — they assume you’ve already solved the data prep problem.

How does Silvon’s Stratum address these issues?

Stratum from Silvon is purpose-built for ERP reporting in manufacturing and distribution. It:

• Integrates and harmonizes data from your ERP and other sources using a central data hub framework for analysis and reporting
• Provides prebuilt KPIs and business logic
• Stores historical snapshots automatically
• Ensures consistency and governance
• Supports Excel and Power BI integration, so users can keep familiar tools — but with trusted data underneath

You get ready-to-use dashboards, trend reports, and detailed drill-downs — without needing to model data yourself.

Can visualization tools like Power BI still play a role?

Yes — visualization tools work well as presentation tools. With Stratum:

• Visualization tools connect to a centralized data hub
• Reports are built on validated, governed data
• Business logic and KPIs are maintained outside the visualization tool, ensuring consistency across tools

This hybrid model combines visual flexibility with data reliability.

When should a manufacturer or distributor consider moving beyond a visualization tool alone?

Consider augmenting your data visualization solution when:

• Reporting slows down ERP performance
• You lack consistent, trusted metrics
• Users struggle with DAX, joins, or data prep
• Your analytics are siloed or redundant
• Historical comparisons and trending are important
• You need to blend ERP with other data sources