Data Warehousing: Using the Wal-Mart Model
A real-world look at how Wal-Mart developed and uses its massive data warehouse.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Data Warehousing: Using the Wal-Mart Model
Chapter 2: Project Planning
At the beginning of a data warehouse project, companies are always asking for guidance. What should they expect? How should they proceed? How is it different? It is important to understand what will be happening in the data warehouse project and, where possible, to plan and allocate time for it. I have divided this chapter into two main sections, "Before You Start" and "Planning for the Project Life Cycle." The first section is dedicated to answering those "first-step" questions. The second part will highlight the process and the typical human resource requirement for the three phases of a data warehouse construction. I want to emphasize that you do not have to have every issue solved before you can begin. Each company will have its own hurdles to jump before it can begin building the data warehouse. This chapter is not designed to put hurdles in front of a data warehouse project that is currently being implemented. If you have started yourimplementation and have not completed all of these points, you should not stop the project.
Before you Start
I have created a list of critical success factors. These are important for the long-term success of a data warehouse implementation. When you have all of these clearly defined, you should be in good shape to move into the construction phase. This is not an exhaustive list, but a practical list of points that need to be addressed prior to implementing a data warehouse. The critical points to consider before building a...
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