Overview

The concept of data warehousing is really quite simple. Data from older systems is copied into a new computer system dedicated entirely to analyzing that data. Normally, the data warehouse will store a substantial amount of historical data. Users of this system are able to continuously ask or query it to retrieve data for analysis. The intent of the data analysis is to better understand what is happening, or what did happen, within a company or organization. The value of better understanding is better decision making. There is a tangible value to better decision making for every organization across all industries. Many companies have already realized that their historic data will tell a story of both good and bad decisions made in the past. They wish to learn about their mistakes and improve on their successes. If there is any theme I would like this book to have it is this: Use your data to provide information to people in your company so they can make better,informed decisions faster. When better decision making is the goal of the data warehouse, it will be successful.

Good team building is as important as selecting the best technology.

Of course, building a data warehouse is not as simple as the concept. Like every other technological implementation, a data warehouse implementation needs to align with the needs and goals of the organization. Ordinary project deliverables, milestones, timelines, project management, and the like still apply to the construction of the data warehouse. Good team...