Page 95 - DCAP208_Management Support Systems

Management Support Systems

Notes 6.4.9 Documentation

The Documentation process centers on producing high quality textual deliverables. All user and
technical documentation for the data warehouse is developed, including references, user and
system operations guides, and online help.
To facilitate active and successful use of the warehouse, the Metadata Reference describes the
contents of the data warehouse in business terms and provides a navigational roadmap to the
contents of the data warehouse. In addition, the Warehouse Administration Reference outlines
the workflow and the manual and automated administration procedures. The New Features
Guide highlights any new enhancements to warehouse functionality that result from the
implementation of the solution.
6.4.10 Testing

The Testing process is an integrated approach to testing the quality of the various components
of the data warehouse. Initially, the Testing Strategy is developed and approved by the client,
followed by the creation of system, system integration, and module test plans, scripts, and
scenarios. Each test is performed, including the volume tests on the physical designs for the
database objects and regression testing of the enhanced warehouse against the current warehouse.
Data Acquisition Modules, Data Access functions, canned queries and reports also undergo
thorough module and modules integration testing.

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Caution The testing strategy must address the various components of the solution, including
the ad hoc access processes.
Regression testing is performed, allowing changes to the data warehouse to be tested against a
baseline, ensuring past functionality works when an enhancement is added. Volume testing is
conducted on the production platform to check that performance meets the established objectives.
Preparation of the acceptance environment and support for acceptance testing is also performed
during the Testing process.

6.4.11 Training

The Training process defines the development and end-user training requirements, identifies
the technical and business personnel requiring training, and establishes timeframes for executing
the training plans. During this process, the training plan and training materials are designed
and developed, and the user and technical training is conducted.
The objective is to provide both users and administrators with adequate training to take on the
tasks of operating, maintaining and using the data warehouse. Training focuses on tool training
as well as the ways by which business value is generated from the information in the data
warehouse. The team also trains the client’s maintenance personnel and the acceptance test
team.

6.4.12 Transition

The Transition process focuses on the tasks needed to perform the cutover to the production data
warehouse. It includes tasks to create the installation plan and prepare the client maintenance
and production environments. During this process, the warehouse administration workflow is
implemented, and the production data warehouse is available.

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