It is known that ERP centralizes data assets and improve data governance. But, as companies are shifting their focus towards big-data initiatives, they are using ERP as a basis for business intelligence (BI) operations. Nowadays, Analytics is a standard feature in ERP, and using built-in tools and easy-to-integrate add-ons help organizations to make an immediate shift towards real-time measurement, increased oversight and predictive analytics. According to Tom Davenport of Harvard Business School, the three primary benefits of analytics include: cost reduction, faster decision making, and improved product development. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/inside-erp/erp-and-business-intelligence-or-how-your-life-will-change-forever-70407