Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
into the data warehouse over a period of time, perhaps even a number of
years. Often this is viewed as the final goal: The data is available in the data
warehouse.
However, data in a database does not automatically mean that it is accessible
to the business community. The data must be made available through reports,
dashboards, or analysis tools that are combined with appropriate education
about how to leverage the data as part of the day-to-day decision-making
processes.
While sound database design and the use of technology are important, many
other factors need to be addressed in order to achieve success. In the next
section, you'll learn about the most common roadblocks to this success, and
how to remove them.
Keys to Success
There are several key factors for success in building a data warehouse. These
factors are relevant regardless of the industry or size of company, and have
remained constant over the years. As mentioned earlier, some organizations
have invested millions of dollars to obtain the best of everything, and yet
struggle to deliver any value to the business. Conversely, some organizations
have built a data warehouse with little more than bailing wire and an abacus
and have achieved great success. While technology and tools certainly play a
role in building a data warehouse, they are clearly not the primary factors for
success or failure.
PRIMARY FACTORS FOR SUCCESS
Although several factors contribute to a successful data warehouse, two are
primary:
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A strong partnership between the business and systems communities
Ensuring that the data warehouse project is driven by true business require-
ments
These two major success factors have more to do with people than
technology. Take a look at any project plan. How many tasks are focused on
communication—that is, people—compared to technical tasks? These technical
tasks are indeed important, but specific actions to ensure meaningful
communication are critical to the project's success. All other efforts can
amount to nothing if the business community and management are not
committed.
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