What is OLAP?

OnLine Analytical Processing

It is the technology behind many Business Intelligence (BI) applications. OLAP is a powerful technology for data discovery, including capabilities for limitless report viewing, complex analytical calculations, and predictive “what if” scenario (budget, forecast) planning.

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Pivot Table vs. PowerExcel Pivot

Pivot Table vs. PowerExcel Pivot

This video from our sponsor PARIS Tech compares Microsoft Excel's PivotTable capabilities with the pivot table in PowerExcel. PivotTables are recognized for their ability to organize data effectively, but they are primarily designed for single-user productivity and...

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The Importance of Planning and Forecasting in BI

From PARIS Technologies

The budgeting and forecasting process for most organizations is long and tedious and occurs on an annual basis, at least. Companies try to do it more often to improve accuracy and aim to ultimately implement a procedure for continuous planning, rolling forecasts, and driver-based planning.

Unlike any other business process, budgeting and forecasting is unique because it is forward thinking. Business processes like accounting, inventory tracking, invoicing, shipping, etc. are based on actual events from the past and present.

This is a fundamental difference as it also defines how the data from these processes are managed. Essentially, actual events are captured as transactions in ERPs, supply chain systems, invoicing and accounting systems, etc., and data related to it is effectively stored in its databases. On the other hand, budgets and forecasts typically reside in spreadsheets where aggregate data is entered by several people in the organization.

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OLAP 101

This ebook offers context for newbies to OLAP technology. Learn where OLAP came from and how it developed into the Business Intelligence technology we know today.

OLAP Timeline

Learn about the history of OLAP technology with this comprehensive inforgraphic

OLAP Terms

Learn all the terms you need to start your OLAP journey.

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