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Unit 2: ERP and Related Technology

The main task of an OLAP is to transform relational or non – relational data into a highly explorable notes
structure, which means that data can be broken down into small units to derive meaningful
information. These explorable structures are commonly called cubes or Power Cubes.

Notes Data Warehousing and oLap technology for toyota financial services
In Toyota financial services, applications were initially run on a legacy system written
in COBOL that used the UNIX operating system. However, ad hoc reporting was not
possible without the help of COBOL programmers. With a large dealer network it was time
consuming and costly to use the system. Toyota implemented SAP for internal financial
and accounting system. This was when Eagle Technology Group suggested the use of data
warehousing. It suggested a data warehousing system using Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. The
data warehousing system would consolidate, cleanse, and summarize information from
heterogeneous sources. Apart from this, it would enable users to identify patterns and
trends that would be useful in decision-making. In this context, Eagle suggested a pilot
project that would enable Toyota to evaluate the solution.
After the pilot project was accepted by Toyota, the project was expanded to include other
business dimensions and modification of the data structure. Eagle focused on designing an
interface that had minimum installation and training requirements. This was achieved by
using web browser technology for standard reports and Microsoft Excel for data storage.
This helped the company in preparing internal reports and in understanding the customer
base, markets, and stakeholders better. Satisfied with this system, Toyota was planning
to upgrade to the SQL Server 2000. Upgrading was being undertaken with the view to
implement extranets, data mining, and financial modeling.
OLAP is useful to managers, analysts, and executives. It supports multidimensional data
analysis and makes data access easier and faster. Moreover, the ability to view data in
different formats makes the system flexible. Apart from answering questions like who and
what, an OLAP also provides answers to what – if and why.

fast analysis of shared multidimensional information

Fast: The system deliver responses to users within five seconds, with the simplest analysis it
takes one second and very few taking more than 20 seconds.
Analysis: The system cope with any business logic and statistical analysis. That is relevant for the
application and make it more usable for each user of the system.
Shared: The system implements security to maintain confidentiality of important data at different
levels. Concrete locking is provided at appropriate level where multiple access is needed.

Multidimensional: The system must provide a multidimensional conceptual view of data with
multiple hierarchies.
Information: This is refined data with accuracy. It also includes appropriate information to the
appropriate user.

2.14 supply chain management

Enterprise resource planning software plays a vital role in centralizing transaction data. Supply
chain management solutions are gaining significance as organizations strive to respond faster
to market conditions. Gartner provides guidance relating to the selection, implementation and
management of these technologies.

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