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By kind permission of Computer Weekly, the
article below was printed on 29th may 1997.
© 1997, Computer Weekly
From an interview with Transco, a part of BG Plc, the article describes the usefulness of a range of online analytical systems and front-end tools that empower end-users. Database Workshop Limited has been providing consultancy and programming services to Transco, assisting in the development of a number of the front end data analysis tools.
It's a gas. |
Dated 29th May 1997 |
When it comes to implementing a data warehousing strategy, Transco's business finance analyst, Richard Cribb, has two pieces of advice, "Go for data marts" and "Opt for a best of breed approach".
He says, "Consider data marts, they are a quick and effective substitute. And a best of breed approach helps when there is no single product solution."
For a large company like Transco, which has to ensure that gas runs safely through its 260,000-plus kilometres of pipelines, speed and accuracy of data is important.
"All encompassing corporate warehouses were considered too time-consuming to develop," says Cribb, "so we have opted for data marts. And, with no single product solution we go for best of breed."
Transco is initially focusing on "plugging information gaps" with its warehouse strategy. Based on Oracle relational technology with the Essbase online analytical processing product from Arbor software, the marts can be accessed by end-users with a variety of front-end tools, depending on their specific needs. These include Business Objects, Commander Decision and Lotus.
A key issue when adopting multi-dimensional online analytical processing technology is to ensure the business models map neatly into the multi-dimensional database. Transco had already gained experience in multi-dimensional modelling through the use of System W and opted to use the Comshare ADL product which provides direct links into Essbase.
Transco is currently feeding information from an Oracle-based general ledger into the mart to provide "one version of the truth" for a range of end users, from area mangers to directors, creating a 170-strong end-user population. This information is being analysed in six dimensions.
Benefits to date are based on a significant cost reduction as a result of moving the provision of management information from mainframe to client/server. However, Cribb adds, "This is an empowerment tool. End-users can pull off the information they need, when they want it and analyse that interactively without having to wait for reports to be created centrally."
Cribb believes intranets and the Internet will play a key role in the dissemination of corporate data. Transco is currently assessing Web browsers from its suppliers.
© 1997, Computer Weekly
Transco, a part of BG, is responsible for pipelines and transportation of gas.