InterAxiom has developed the following methodology to address the data warehousing solution needs of our clients. Our methodology consists of six core delivery phases plus a seventh phase which we call our "The DatabACE Framework".

The DatabACE Framework

As an overview, Phases 1 and 2 represent InterAxiom's Proof of Concept. During these phases, the business stakeholders are able to make informed decisions about the true business impact of an data warehousing solution initiative. Each subsequent phase is an integral and distinct step designed to assure the integrity of our clients' data as it is transformed into a powerful information tool. The seventh phase is the cohesive element that helps to preserve our clients' business objectives and prepares them to maximize the potential of their new intelligence solution.

Phase 1:  Proof of Concept 

• Needs Analysis is the important first step in determining why the client requires an data warehousing solution and our services. This is our first chance to establish a relationship of trust and understanding with the client.

• Project Scope & Definition drives InterAxiom and the client to outline the boundaries and limits of the project to maintain manageability. This exercise often includes a clear and concise end-user prototype demonstrating  the business benefits the initiative will offer. InterAxiom builds end-user prototypes by applying intensive, iterative design and development techniques. Samples, or prototypes, of actual information and/or reports are given to end-users and business-decision makers for review and comment throughout the process.

• Cost/Benefit Analysis is the final and most important step in Phase 1. In this step, the true feasibility of the project is determined and the customer makes the decision of whether or not to proceed.

Phase 2:  Proof of Concept Review

• Needs Analysis Confirmed - A second review of the needs analysis offers the client an opportunity to better confirm the team's findings or refine the business needs.

• Project Scope & Definition Confirmed - A second review of the project scope and definition allows the project and business managers to confirm the approach chosen as viable and effective.

• Cost/Benefit Analysis Confirmed - The step represents the buy-in of the client and the opportunity to proceed.

Phase 3

• Conceptual, Logical, and Physical Data Models - The project team constructs data models to provide the structure, framework, and organization of the data within the data warehousing solution. Emphasis is given to access time and informational value.

• On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) Tools & Database Management System (DBMS) Selection - This step is key to the development and long-term investment strategies of the project. InterAxiom works closely with the Information Technology personnel and the business sponsors to disseminate recommendations for the appropriate OLAP tools and DBMS. Armed with the correct information, the client makes the decision with an understanding of the benefits and risks.

• Readiness Analysis is the final step of Phase 3 and is designed to determine if the project team is ready to proceed. Its purpose is to provide an integral checkpoint that once again represents the buy-in of the client and the opportunity to proceed.

Phase 4

• Data Cleansing resonates with the simple old, adage of "garbage in, garbage out."  Data warehousing solution projects must construct data cleansing mechanisms to ensure data from legacy systems is properly cleansed and its potential maximized.

• System Architecture is designed to maximize information accessibility, data integrity, and the ability to query, analyze and present valuable decision supporting information. Full integration of all applicable tools, while maximizing flexibility and expandability, is essential to quality system architecture and the overall performance of the data warehousing solution engines.

• User Interface Design must be user-friendly, comprehensive, and attractive to use. The reports and analysis information generated must be user-ready and not require additional input into another application. The long term success and returns of an data warehousing solution are, in part, dependent on project team' s ability to achieve true user acceptance.

Phase 5

• Information Population is the step that actually feeds the data warehousing solution with data. Essential to this step is the incorporation of a long term strategy for daily, weekly, or monthly feeds from outside data sources.

• Software Development - The size and complexity of data warehousing solutions often offer the opportunity to incorporate continuous software development. In this step the focus is on the customers' specifications for customization and augmentation. A Usability Lab is employed in the first phase of the rollout of the data warehousing solution to the end-users. This is the opportune time for the business decision-makers and end-users to identify and implement 'last minute changes' with minimal impact to the program roll-out; test the user friendliness of the program; and inform other potential end-users and key personnel of the program.

• Quality Assurance (QA) & Pilot Program incorporates a final checkpoint by all project participants to ensure that the progress has driven the team toward a viable and realistic business information solution. Ideally, the pilot program will clearly demonstrate the efforts and success of the team.

Phase 6

• System Release  is the full implementation of the data warehousing solution to the end user community in a production mode.  It provides  the technical teams with immediate feedback from the end-user and helps them to better manage minor adjustments to the data warehousing solution. Also, the end-users and business customers can quickly determine if system alterations or enhancements would lead to a more beneficial data warehousing solution.

• Post Cost/Benefit Analysis is an exercise that not only shows our commitment to the client's financial objectives but also readily displays the immediate return on investment that the data warehousing solution will provide.

• Follow-up Plan - This step includes maintenance plans, data feed management plans, and system enhancements.

Phase 7

• Internal Customer Satisfaction - This step is conducted by a third party to offer InterAxiom a continuous improvement opportunity with every project.

• Metrics - The development of cohesive, accurate, and informative performance and business impact metrics are crucial to the long-term investment in the evolution of the data warehousing solution as it strives to meet the business needs.

If you're interested in more information about InterAxiom's DatabACE Framework Approach & Methodology and how it might help in your data warehousing and business intelligence solution development efforts, please contact us.