Data warehousing tools are divided into four categories: data extraction, table management, query management, and data integrity. Specific skills are required for personnel working with data warehousing tools. A data warehouse requires an ETL tool for adding data and maintaining database tables is essential. Business intelligence specialists create and manage custom queries while data integrity tools check for consistency within data.
The data warehousing tools included in a standard software package can be divided into four main categories: data extraction, table management, query management, and data integrity. A data warehouse is a repository for large sets of transactional data, which can vary widely, depending on the discipline and focus of the organization. For example, many scientific research projects collect huge amounts of data for analysis and review. A data warehouse may be the best technology to manage and store this information.
It is important to note that specific skills are required for all personnel working with data warehousing tools. This type of technology requires training in statistics, advanced mathematics, processing logic, relational databases, and advanced computer skills. Many people in this field started their careers in statistics or computer science. The concepts used to create and manage data flow are quite complex and require significant time and effort to master.
A data warehouse requires a method for adding data, and an extract, transform, and load (ETL) tool is typically used for this purpose. The tool itself is a software program used to correctly identify the appropriate information from another computer system, based on user criteria. It may be necessary to normalize or modify this data for consistency or to match the warehouse database structure. Data loading is critical, as all relationships and connections to other databases must be maintained to ensure the integrity of the database, so that it can be used with other tools.
Each data warehouse contains a large number of database tables organized to work with each other in a logical and systematic way. Maintaining these tables is essential to the continued operation and accuracy of the data warehouse. Using the concept of relational databases, they need to be maintained and validated on a regular basis as any errors or failures will result in inaccurate reports.
A query is simply a scheduled question or request for a report, and there’s a whole business process surrounding building a data warehouse query. This process requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of business needs, as well as the data structures within the data warehouse. Business intelligence specialists are trained professionals who have the combination of skills and training necessary to create and manage multiple, custom queries.
A data integrity function is standard in most warehouse tools. These modules are often extremely complex to use, with multiple options and functions available, but are absolutely essential for building and maintaining a functioning and useful data warehouse. Data integrity tools check for consistency within data, accurate connections between databases, and clean programming logic. Poor data integrity will result in a data warehouse providing inaccurate reporting, resulting in poor business decisions.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
