Data Warehousing for Dummies

Data warehousing can often be very difficult for some to completely understand and comprehend. If a management team wants to understand how the system works and how they can benefit from using the system traditional descriptions and definitions of data warehousing might be to confusing for them. It is not unlikely for a manager to be unfamiliar with technical aspects about his operation. More than likely the management hires people that are technically trained and experienced to deal with technical issues. But a good management team or person will and should attempt to completely understand all aspects of his operation or at least attempt to understand it. Data warehousing for dummies might be a more appealing approach to understanding the decision support system. Data warehousing for dummies covers the basic functions of data warehousing and should be considered a good read for anyone wanting to grasp the ins and outs of data warehousing.

Data warehousing for dummies definition

Data warehousing for dummies should of course have a simple and easy to understand definition of data warehousing. Data warehousing definitions are often times confusing and hard to understand for some that do not have a technical background. A data warehousing for dummies definition should be much like the following: a data warehousing is a virtual warehouse that can store historical data that can later be reported on and analyzed to support the decision making process.

Data warehousing for dummies vs. other definitions

Many will find when trying to define a data warehouse that the authors of some definitions tend to focus their efforts on either what the data warehouse can do, not a real definition, or what it can do for them only. For example, one definition only focused on defining the term with regards to the banking world. This definition claimed that data warehousing is a computerized database that extracts information from the data for the sole purpose of bank deposits, loans, and other banking functions. If the reader were to settle on this single definition then they might not understand how the decision support system could be used for their purposes.

The benefits of data warehousing for dummies

One of the nicest benefits of data warehousing for dummies is the wide range of topics data warehousing for dummies has in its book. Not only will it give the reader a clear definition of data warehousing, it will also guide the reader through the process of data warehousing. Data warehousing for dummies also takes time to focus on the future of data warehousing and where the decision support system is heading. This gives the reader a chance to see how current and future data warehousing systems will benefit them.

Data warehousing for dummies, how to

Another really nice feature about data warehousing for dummies is the "how-to" section in the book. This section of data warehousing for dummies focuses on topics like the importance of building a great data warehousing team. Not only does it cover the importance it also focuses on how to build that winning team. This section also focuses on how to "deliver the goods" what users will need, and how to analyze the data just to name a few.