BI Project Expertise
Requirements Definition and Roadmap Planning
SWI knows from experience that defining the requirements for a BI system requires a deep understanding of the business domain being analyzed as well as an understanding of modern BI tools and concepts.
SWI's industry expertise, proven SWI Advantage™ methodology, and BI expertise allow us to effectively define both your business and system requirements. Our analysts work closely with your business users to understand your processes and how best to measure them. We show your staff what is possible with BI and provide recommendations for how to best present and navigate through the information to maximize its business value.
We understand the big picture and can help prepare a roadmap that allows your company to meet both short-term and long-term analytical needs. Our methodology has been tailored for BI and is based on real world experience.
Architecture and Tool Selection
Achieving maximum business value requires providing business decisions makers with the tools they need to take full advantage of their data. Tool selection goes beyond just selecting tools for building ETLs and canned reports - it also includes ad-hoc query tools and analytic applications and must consider factors such as training, on-going support and your solution roadmap.
SWI has implemented solutions using BI tools from many different vendors including Microsoft, IBM and SAP. We understand the pros and cons of various technologies and can help select a toolset that meets your business needs while adhering to your existing architectural framework. Our architecture experts know how and where to implement key functions so your system is flexible, robust and extensible.
Data Modeling
The backbone of any BI system is its data model. With a properly written data model, reports are easy to write and analysis is effective and straightforward. A poor data model creates countless hours of rework, workarounds and system limitations.
SWI knows that a deep understanding of your business and your data is key in designing a successful data model. We use our industry expertise and proven methodology to design powerful and flexible data models that accurately model your data and allow for easy analysis by your business users. Our processes and templates effectively support all project stakeholders.
Data Warehousing
SWI has extensive experience designing and implementing data warehouses based on either of the leading approaches - i.e., Normalized (Inmon) and Dimensional (Kimball). We follow industry best practices and tailor our designs to align with our clients' preferred approaches, standards and architecture.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and QA
Planning and executing a proper test plan for a BI system differs significantly from testing of typical applications. Using our SWI Quality Management System (SQMS™) and extensive BI experience SWI staff have the knowledge and skills to plan and test your BI system.
SWI staff can prepare and execute test plans at all levels of your BI system - from database and ETL testing to user acceptance testing with your business users. We prepare detailed test plans, document test results, and work with the project team to resolve issues. We understand what is important to test in a BI system and have a methodology to ensure testing completeness.
Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) Processes
A significant portion of any large-scale BI implementation is devoted to the development of Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) processes. SWI staff have knowledge and training in the use of many modern ETL tools and are capable of effectively designing and implementing your ETL systems. We leverage our SWI Advantage™ package to profile and analyze data, and work with your staff to understand and validate all required imports.
OLAP Cubes
The use of OLAP cubes can improve query performance, expand tool options, and enable effective business user querying through the presentation of a simplified business friendly model. SWI resources have the expertise to design and implement OLAP cubes in a variety of technologies including Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services and Oracle OLAP.
Reports, Dashboards and Scorecards
Presenting data to your users in a clear, meaningful, and flexible way is key to obtaining the benefits of BI. SWI employs a skilled staff of report writers capable of creating reports, dashboards and scorecards to meet your needs. We can provide design assistance and recommendations regarding the best ways to present your data.
Ad-hoc Query Environments
User driven analysis is increasingly seen as a key component of BI. These environments however require careful design, governance and training in order to achieve the intended benefits. SWI understands the nuances of tools, processes and business skill sets required to effectively implement and support these environments. SWI can design a custom solution based on your individual needs, architecture and budget to empower your business users to create their own queries and reports.
Specific services may include:
* Data Model Design
* Tool selection, implementation and configuration
* Preparation of business friendly documentation to assist users and reduce support requests
* Training to business users on the use of the tools and environment capabilities
* Assistance in establishing policies and workflows to govern the environment
* Facilitation of business user testing and feedback incorporation
* Roadmap planning
SharePoint Sites
SWI designs and implements custom SharePoint sites to create enterprise BI portals. Our SharePoint experts have experience in all aspects of SharePoint including:
* Site Design
* Administration and Configuration
* PerformancePoint Services
* Excel Services / Visio Services
* Microsoft PowerPivot for SharePoint
* SQL Server Reporting Services / SAP BusinessObjects Integration
* Workflow Creation and Automation of Business Processes
Custom User Interfaces (E.g., Integrated Web Apps)
SWI has experience implementing custom user interfaces such as integrated web applications that embed BI content to create a seamless user experience.
