Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
in business terms, a description of each report, and what to do when
problems occur.
Create new business processes that leverage the new data warehouse
environment.
Overall, it is important to articulate what was different on this project — that
is, why this will work when other attempts have failed. Be sure to include
management's commitment, the participation of business representatives
throughout, and the adoption of industry best practices. Include specific
details that highlight how the new environment is targeted at the business.
These benefits are best identified and communicated by the business represen-
tatives on the project team. Leverage what has been learned from this topic.
Seek out additional resources for specific areas that need attention. Get a more
detailed understanding of areas in which the organization is weak.
Everyone, including executives, managers, and developers, can contribute
more effectively by learning more about their immediate data warehouse
responsibilities and having an understanding of what else is involved in
designing, building, and using a data warehouse. Use the lessons learned and
the experience of the new project team to build a better data warehouse. After
development of the improved data warehouse and BI application is complete,
additional attention must be placed on releasing these for use.
Launching the Improved Data Warehouse
and BI Solution
When an organization has already attempted to launch a data warehouse,
there is likely to be more resistance with subsequent launch efforts. People
will be skeptical about what the data warehouse will be able to do for them.
Several important things need to be considered when getting ready to release
the new and improved data warehouse environment. Because there have been
other launches, it is important to take the time to do this right. These are the
same principles that apply to any launch, but there should be no shortcuts this
time. To recap these important steps:
Ensure that the environment is ready to be released. Test everything: data
accuracy, load performance, query performance, usefulness of reports
and analyses, and the interface to the BI application. Everything has to be
working
well
before you actually launch the data warehouse.
Consider a dress rehearsal. Select a small group of helpful business users
and go through all the steps of your planned release. This ''beta test'' can
identify items that need more attention and help the team to develop a
smooth release plan.
