Data WarehousingA Data Warehouse is a system designed to allow executives and other users to get immediate answers to important, simple questions that typical corporate information systems cannot quickly provide. Most accounting systems and other operational databases are designed to provide very specific information in pre-configured formats. Report writer tools provide some ability to access data in other formats but are generally time consuming and complex. The result is that the management process is defined by the limitations of the information system - what can't be measured can't be managed!A well-constructed Data Warehouse system will influence the management culture of an organization, with line managers having information readily available in the form they need. Not only do they get information not previously available, but they also can quickly look at the same issue from many points of view. This capability is essential for the manager who wants to know what's going on without searching through volumes of printed reports. |