In 2008, McNICHOLS implemented IBM Cognos 8 BI to replace its older system composed of Microsoft Access, Excel,
and a variety of other apps. Cognos 8 BI integrates and consolidates transactional data into executive dashboards
to deliver information to district managers, the CFO, CEO, and vice presidents. The BI helps them to quickly measure all key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales, gross profit, margins, customer inquiries, and invoice counts.
At the end of 2009, BI reporting capabilities were extended to the finance department.