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The architecture of BI is a framework that outlines how data flows from various sources to end-users in the form of actionable insights. It typically consists of the following layers:

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Data Sources:
- Description: Raw data is collected from various sources such as databases, ERP systems, CRM systems, social media, and IoT devices.
- Examples: Transactional databases, spreadsheets, cloud storage, and external APIs.
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Data Integration (ETL - Extract, Transform, Load):
- Description: Data is extracted from multiple sources, transformed into a consistent format, and loaded into a data warehouse or data mart.
- Tools: ETL tools like Informatica, Talend, and Microsoft SSIS.
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Data Warehouse:
- Description: A centralized repository where integrated data is stored for analysis. It supports historical data storage and complex queries.
- Types: Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW), Data Marts (department-specific warehouses).
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Data Analysis and Processing:
- Description: Data is processed and analyzed using various techniques such as OLAP (Online Analytical Processing), data mining, and machine learning.
- Tools: OLAP tools (e.g., Microsoft Analysis Services), data mining tools (e.g., IBM SPSS), and machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow).
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Data Visualization and Reporting:
- Description: Processed data is presented in a user-friendly format using dashboards, charts, and reports.
- Tools: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, and SAP BusinessObjects.
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End-User Access:
- Description: Decision-makers access the analyzed data through dashboards, reports, or mobile apps.
- Users: Executives, managers, analysts, and operational staff.