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This thesis investigates the relationship between value creation and complexity within Business Intelligence (BI) systems. The research questions posed are: "What makes a BI system vary in complexity?" and "In what ways can BI systems generate value for users, and how is this value affected by the systems’ complexity?" The study explores these dimensions of complexity and value using a qualitative approach, the study gathers data from multiple sources, including interviews with BI system users and experts, basic surveys, as well as an analysis of existing literature.

The collected data suggest that financial analysis regarding what makes a BI system valuable is mostly irrelevant. What makes a BI system valuable is therefore not quantifiable. For individual users, the time savings compared to getting the same results without the system are what create high value. From a broader organizational perspective, the perceived value is based on whether the system makes the business processes more efficient and the decision-making of higher quality. The findings also suggest that the complexity of BI systems can significantly influence their value creation potential.  Furthermore, the study identifies that the perceived value of BI-systems increases alongside complexity to a certain point, after which the value instead could decrease. We argue that understanding and managing complexity is crucial for optimizing the value generated by BI systems. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to develop or enhance their BI systems, by shedding light on the relationship between complexity and value creation.