Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
needs to be built. The key performance indicators on that dashboard may
come from ten different sources that do not integrate well. This often results
in the development of
one-off reports
that populate only a portion of the
dashboard. These one-off reports often do not have the underlying detailed
data used to build them, which limits the user's ability to drill down into more
detail, thereby decreasing the overall value of the dashboard.
In short, the answer to how long it will take depends on where you are
today and what you are trying to build.
Question: How can I ensure success?
As a leader in the organization, there are several things that you can do to help
ensure the success of the data warehouse.
Answer
The first thing you can do is
learn about data warehousing
. Invest your time to
understand what a data warehouse is and what it takes to build and maintain
one. Take the time to learn more about the components and what needs to
be done for the areas where you will participate. This helps by improving
the level of communication between business and IT staff members. For the
IT readers, learn about the business. Learn about the industry that your
organization is part of and how the company works. This also improves the
level of communication with your business counterparts.
The next most important thing is to listen. Too much time is spent talking
and jumping to conclusions. Step back and really listen. Understand what
is being communicated. If you don't understand, then ask questions to gain
a better understanding. Too often, important messages are discounted or
ignored when brought up internally. In many cases, external consultants are
brought in and conclude the same thing that your own people already did.
This is not to say that there is never a need to get an impartial assessment
or opinion, but make sure that you take the time to really listen to your own
people.
Finally, follow through on your commitments. When others in the organiza-
tion challenge the project team, stand up for what is needed. Help the project
team gain access to the right business personnel, support their efforts to work
toward a single definition for each data element, and ensure that sufficient
resources are allocated. Too many managers support a data warehouse ini-
tially, but then don't allocate the time and resources necessary to ensure that
it will be designed and implemented correctly.
Chapter 4 describes the importance of partnership, and the specific roles
and responsibilities for both business and IT personnel involved in a data
warehouse.
