Glossary
This is the glossary of data warehousing terms. The top part of the glossary is an index. By clicking one of the links, you will be taken directly to that item. The bottom part is an alphabetical list of all the glossary items.
Click a letter to go directly to that letter's list of glossary items.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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Ad hoc report
An ad hoc report is a self-developed report by analysts or end-users. The term implies iterative development and exploration of the data. A desktop reporting software tool is frequently used for ad hoc reporting. An ad hoc report can also be nonrecurring, one time or random query or analysis. (back to top)
Aggregation
Also commonly called a summary, an aggregation is a collection of data calculated from detail transactions. An aggregation is usually a sum, count or average of the underlying detail, and often is calculated along several business dimensions , i.e. total sales by customer by product. (back to top)
Analytical report
A report that usually summarize or aggregates data to aid managers in identifying trends, analyzing volumes of data, or performing planning or forecasting. It is common for an analytical report to pull data from a warehouse or data mart, which may contain data from a variety of source systems. Examples of this type of report are an historical admissions trend analysis or a longitudinal study of graduation rates. (back to top)
Application
A computer program developed to provide a specific function or answer a specific business need. (back to top)
Application Account
An application account is an account that is directed toward a specific application that is used to periodically (daily, weekly, etc.) download data from the EDW and is owned by a specific individual known as the primary user. This person is responsible for use of this account. There may also be secondary users involved in the technical management of this account who share in the responsible of using it. The application account cannot be used to provide individuals with direct, shared access to the Data Warehouse. (back to top)
Architecture
A definition of the interconnection of computer components, network components or system components. (back to top)
Assumption
Factors that, for planning purposes, are considered to be true, real or certain. (back to top)
Banner
Banner is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system selected by the University of Illinois to integrate and manage its student, financial and human resources systems applications. (back to top)
BO
The acronym often used to refer to Business Objects, the commercial software product that provides an interface to Decision Support databases at the University of Illinois. See Business Objects. (back to top)
Business Driver
A problem in the business that can be solved by technology. (back to top)
Business Intelligence
An umbrella term for the processes and tools used for turning data into information that can be used in making decisions. Originally the term referred primarily to reporting, but today business intelligence also encompasses: ad hoc querying, online analytical processing, data mining, forecasting, and other decision support systems. Elements of a business intelligence system are: understanding customer needs and then gathering, analyzing and providing access to data. Used commercially, the term refers to software used to analyze and present data. At the University of Illinois, running a query against the Data Warehouse is an example of a business intelligence activity and EDDIE is an example of business intelligence software. (back to top)
Business Objects
Business Objects (BO) is a commercial software product licensed by the University of Illinois. It is collection of applications that provide query, reporting and analysis services. Business Objects provides an interface to Decision Support databases. See www.businessobjects.com.
(back to top)
Business Rules
Business rules are the logic applied to calculate or otherwise derive a value. They are based on reporting requirements and business practices. (back to top)
Cardinality
The specific type of relationship that exists between two tables. If a single record in the first table is related to only one record in the second table a one-to-one relationship exists. If a single record in the first table can be related to one or more records in the second table, a one-to-many relationship exists. Or, if a single record in the first table can be related to one or more records in the second table, and a single record in the second table can be related to one or more records in the first table, a many-to-many relationship exists. Hernandez, 1997. (back to top)
Change Request
A change request is a request for modifications to the scope, quality, time and/or cost of a project. (back to top)
Column
A means of implementing an item of data within a table or view. It can be character, date, number or other format, and be optional or mandatory. Oracle, 1998. (back to top)
Constraint
Restriction or boundary impacting overall capability, priority, and resource. The four primary project coordination constraints are scope, quality, time and resources. (back to top)
Data Dictionary
The data dictionary gives definitions for all of the tables in the Enterprise Data Warehouse and Data Marts as well as column names and descriptions, table keys, and sample valid values. The data dictionary is useful for finding out more about a specific table or column. (back to top)
Data Integrity
The requirement to provide data that is free of errors and omissions. (back to top)
Data Mart
A set of data designed and constructed for decision support purposes reflecting the design principles of a data warehouse provided to serve the needs of a homogenous user group. (back to top)
Data Product
A generic term for any of the various types of data structures that Decision Support provides in the Data Warehouse. For example: a data mart or a Universe is a data product. (back to top)
Data Warehouse
A data warehouse is one or more databases designed to support management, analysis, reporting and decision making in an organization. Data from the operational systems (such as Banner) are migrated to the data warehouse so that queries can be performed without disturbing the performance or the stability of the operational systems. The traditional features of a data warehouse are: subject-oriented, integrated across subject areas and time-oriented, i.e., there is a historical perspective to the data. A data warehouse generally contains both detailed data and may also contain summarized data. What is included in a data warehouse environment varies widely but is generally acknowledged to be the database(s), documentation about the data (metadata), a delivery/access method and a commitment to extract, transform and load (ETL) data from multiple source systems. (Adapted from http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term and Bill Inmon, 1996) (back to top)
Datawarehousing
The discipline of developing and maintaining a data warehouse. A data warehouse is more of a process than a structure, since data is cumulated on a regular basis and requires constant attention to provide useful data to customers. The data warehousing process can be complex and requires careful attention to customer needs and best practices to be successful. (back to top)
Database
A computer application that stores data and allows access and manipulation of the data. (back to top)
Decision Support
Decision Support (DS) is a customer service unit with a focus on data warehousing, business intelligence, and information management. Decision Support is part of the University Office for Planning and Budgeting. Its responsibilities include managing the University’s Data Warehouse, providing data access, helping staff create their own reports, and providing data education and general information about University data and reporting. Decision Support is the unit that manages Business Objects and EDDIE, one of the servers that delivers Standard Reports to users. See About Decision Support for more information. (back to top)
Deliverable
A report or product of one or more tasks that satisfy one or more objectives and must be delivered to satisfy requirements. (back to top)
Denormalized
A data storage design that allows repeating or redundant data in tables to simplify querying and reporting. (back to top)
Dependency
A relationship between tasks, such that one requires input from the other to begin. (back to top)
Detail Fact Table
A table used in a star schema to store the detail transaction level data. (back to top)
Dimension
A general category of data, such as time, product, or geography. (back to top)
Dimension Table
A table used in a star schema to store descriptive, hierarchical and metric information about an aspect of the business that is used for an analytical perspective. Common examples include product, customer, geography, and time. (back to top)
Disaster Recovery
The policies and plans used to restore a computer system from system failure. (back to top)
DS
The acronym often used to refer to Decision Support, the customer service unit with a focus on data warehousing, business intelligence, and information management. See Decision Support. (back to top)
EDDIE
The acronym used for Enterprise Data Delivery and Information Environment. EDDIE is the Business Objects server used to provide a variety of business intelligence services, including: query and analyze data, develop custom reports and distribute reports. EDDIE is managed by the Decision Support unit. (back to top)
EDW
The acronym often used to refer to the Enterprise Data Warehouse. See Enterprise Data Warehouse. (back to top)
Enterprise
An enterprise consists of all functional departments, people, and systems within an organization. In some cases, the enterprise can include partners--even vendors and customers. For example, the University of Illinois is an enterprise. (back to top)
Enterprise Architecture
A high level enterprise wide data warehouse framework that describes the subject areas, sources, business dimensions, metrics, business rules and semantics of an organization. It is used to identify shared sources, dimensions, metrics and semantics in an iterative data mart or
iterative subject area development methodology. (back to top)
Enterprise Data Warehouse
An Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) is a non-volatile data store containing historical, detailed data that spans a number of subject areas. This data store is fed by transactional data on a regular basis from a variety of data sources. In the eyes of the end-user, the EDW is a read-only environment. At the University of Illinois, the EDW is one component of the overall Data Warehouse. The Data Warehouse contains both the EDW and specialized Data Marts. (back to top)
Enterprise ID
The Enterprise ID and password are used to authenticate users at the University of Illinois via the Enterprise Application Service, a central provider of authentication, authorization, and session management services. This central service allows users of multiple enterprise applications on a variety of platforms at the University to use a common Enterprise ID and password. (back to top)
Enterprise Resource Planning
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for University of Illinois purposes, is the name that describes a single vendor software suite that integrates Business and Finance, Human Resources and Payroll, and Student Systems applications for use across the enterprise. (back to top)
ERP
The acronym for Enterprise Resource Planning. See Enterprise Resource Planning. (back to top)
ETL
The abbreviation used for Extract Transform and Load. See Extract Transform and Load. (back to top)
Event Notice
A message sent out to University system users informing them of occurrences that might impact normal day-to-day operations. These messages include the following section of information: "OF INTEREST TO", "WHAT\WHEN", "IMPACT", "WHY", and "CONTACT". (back to top)
Executive Information System (EIS)
A computer application and specifically designed data sets used to provide answers and analysis to executive business management. (back to top)
Extract, Transform and Load
A set of software applications that can be programmed to read and copy data from source computer files into a data staging area for further work (extract), modify, clean or reorganize the data (transform) and move it into an Enterprise Data Warehouse in either a bulk or an incremental fashion (load). (back to top)
FAC
The acronym for Functional Area Coordinator, an employee position in Decision Support. See Functional Area Coordinator. (back to top)
FERPA
FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is a part of the Educational Amendments of 1974, P.L. 93-380 that became effective November 19, 1974. A number of amendments were signed into law on December 31, 1974 and draft guidelines were issued by HEW on January 6, 1975. This act provides that federal funding will be withheld from any higher educational institution which denies a student the right to inspect and challenge the content of the student’s cumulative record. In addition, the act imposes substantial restrictions upon access by others to a student’s record without the student’s written consent. Any user of student data at the university must complete federally mandated FERPA training as outlined by University policy and administered by each campus OAR office. (back to top)
Field
A means of implementing an item of data within a file. It can be in character, date, number or other format, and be optional or mandatory. Oracle, 1998. (back to top)
Flat File
A computer data file that contains information in text format (ASCII on non-mainframe platforms). (back to top)
Foreign Key
One or more columns in a table that implement a many to one relationship that the table in question has with another table. This concept allows the two tables to be joined together. Oracle, 1998. (back to top)
Frequency Of Update
The time period between updates of data sets in a data mart or data warehouse, i.e. daily, weekly, monthly, etc. (back to top)
Functional Area Coordinator
A Functional Area Coordinator (FAC), an employee position in Decision Support, is a data custodian for a particular subject area. Within Decision Support they focus primarily on the business usage of their subject matter data in the Data Warehouse where their duties include assisting in the creation of business metadata, serving as a subject matter data expert or consultant, maintaining data quality in the development and maintenance of Decision Support environments, maintaining knowledge of operational (source) systems and historical data from current and past operational systems (e.g. Banner), assisting project managers, providing project management and leadership where applicable, providing support for user acceptance testing, and actively participating in Focus Group sessions and other requirements gathering processes where applicable. (back to top)
History Table
A table that stores the state of an entity across ranges of time. For example, the Person History table in the EDW tracks the marital status (and many other data elements) each person had at different points of time. (back to top)
Index
A feature of databases that allows quick access to stored data. (back to top)
Informatica
Informatica is a commercial software product licensed by the University of Illinois. It is a collection of applications that can be programmed to extract, transform and load data from source computer files to Decision Support databases. See www.informatica.com (back to top)
Information Management
The discipline that analyzes information as an organizational resource. It covers the definitions, uses, value and distribution of all data and information within an organization whether processed by computer or not. It evaluates the kinds of data/information an organization requires in order to function and progress effectively. At the University of Illinois, information management would refer to a wide range of information, including operational information provided in the Banner system, management information in the Data Warehouse and non-computerized information. (Adapted from http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term) (back to top)
Integration
The process of combining data from multiple, non-integrated OLTP systems to provide a unified data resource via a data warehouse or data mart. (back to top)
Issue
Something in dispute to be decided. (back to top)
Issue Management
The management of issues that remain unresolved because they are either in dispute, are uncertain, lack information, or lack authority or commitment for their resolution. (back to top)
Logical Data Model
The logical data model is a high-level business view of the data stored in a database presented in diagram form. It shows the actual tables that contain the information in the database and how they are related to each other. English-like business names are used to label the tables instead of shorter abbreviated physical table names (i.e., “Person History” instead of “T_PERS_HIST”). The logical data model is very useful for determining what data is available. (back to top)
Metadata
Metadata is Information about the data warehouse or data mart system. Metadata encompasses all aspects of the data warehouse or data mart system, including technical, human and data resources. (back to top)
Methodology
A procedural documentation of the steps required for a successful design, implementation and maintenance of a data warehouse or data mart system. (back to top)
Mission
A stretching, guiding and reinforcing statement of intent and commitment. (back to top)
Module
A term initially used by the UI-Integrate project at the University of Illinois to describe a working unit of the SCT Banner system. For example, there was a Recruiting and Admissions module, a Benefits Administration module, etc. (back to top)
Network ID
The account name managed by the academic computing departments at each campus of the University of Illinois, ADN at UIC, CTS at UIS, and CITES at UIUC. (back to top)
Normalized
A type of database design that removes repeating or redundant data from tables to save storage space and to make updates to data as fast as possible. (back to top)
Objective
Predetermined result toward which effort is directed. A specific statement of quality, quantity and time values. (back to top)
ODBC
The acronym used for Open DataBase Connectivity. See Open DataBase Connectivity. (back to top)
On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP)
A computer application that allows multiple dimensional manipulation, display and visualization of data. (back to top)
On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP)
A computer application that automates one or more business processes, i.e. order entry. (back to top)
Open DataBase Connectivity
Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC) is an open standard interface used to access databases. With ODBC, applications can access databases from multiple database vendors. For example, an ODBC connection will allow authorized users to access data in the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) Oracle database using the ODBC enabled software of their choice. In short, ODBC is a module of system software that enables the flow of data between a client’sreport generation software (e.g., MS Access) and a database (e.g., EDW Oracle database). ODBC enabled software includes, but is not limited to MS Access, SAS-PC, and Crystal Reports. (back to top)
Operational Data Store (ODS)
A set of integrated, scrubbed data without history or summarization provided for tactical decision support. ODSs are also commonly used to populate data warehouses and data marts . (back to top)
Operational reports
These reports usually include detailed, transaction-based data. These reports may include summary totals. Users frequently rely on these reports to help them successfully complete business processes and resolve exception situations. These reports are often run on demand or in a daily, weekly, monthly or annual job stream. Normally data for operational reports comes from a single database or source. Examples of these reports are class rosters, ISIR financial aid suspense printouts, lists of students that have an open balance greater than 30 days, monthly UFAS statement, and payroll distribution reports. Operational reports will be developed by the UI-Integrate project team. Source: UI-Integrate Project (back to top)
Operational System
See Transaction System (back to top)
Physical Data Model
The physical data model shows in diagram form, the actual representation of the physical tables and views in a database and the relationships between them. Instead of using the more English-like business names for the tables, shorter abbreviated physical table names are used (i.e., “T_PERS_HIST” instead of “Person History”). Because it shows the actual table names, the physical model is a key reference when writing queries directly against the database. (back to top)
Primary Key
A column or set of columns that uniquely identifies each row in a table. (back to top)
Process
A set of interrelated tasks in which value is added to the inputs to provide specific outputs. (back to top)
Project
A group of related tasks organized to achieve a goal. (back to top)
Project Mission
A summary of the overall goal and purpose of the project, identifying the client and outlining the general approach to be followed in doing the work. (back to top)
Project Risk
The cumulative effect of the chances of uncertain occurrences which will adversely affect project objectives. (back to top)
QCH
The acronym for the Query Clearinghouse. See Query Clearinghouse. (back to top)
Query
A specification of a result to be calculated from a database. (back to top)
Query Clearinghouse
Query Clearinghouse (QCH) is located at https://www.ds.uillinois.edu/reports/QCH/ and is designed for use by report developers as a place where they can share reporting information and logic (i.e., report logic, SQL code and templates) with colleagues. (back to top)
Referential Integrity (RI)
A feature of database systems that ensures that any record recorded into the database will be supported by proper primary and foreign keys. (back to top)
Relationship
A relationship represents an association between two or more tables. (back to top)
Report
A list or summary of data. Reports can be paper or electronic. Some reports are highly formatted; others are plain listings of numbers or text. Increasingly, an unformatted electronic report may be interchangeable with an electronic data set. For the purposes of this document report and data access are used together to indicate this range. (back to top)
Report/data service providers
A set of offices that serve as intermediaries for reporting and data access for their University colleagues. They include functional units, campus data units, university data units, some campus administrative offices and data operations in some colleges and departments. (back to top)
Repository
A database system used to store information. In data warehousing and data marts, repositories are most commonly used to store metadata. (back to top)
Requirement
A set of measurable user needs and wants negotiated for incorporation into a project or application. (back to top)
Resource
People, money, material, or equipment required to complete a task. (back to top)
Return On Investment (ROI)
The direct attributable value an organization realizes from an investment. (back to top)
Risk
The probability of an undesirable outcome. Risk is the opposite of opportunity. (back to top)
Row
An entry in a table that typically corresponds to an instance of some real thing, consisting of a set of values for all mandatory columns and relevant optional columns. Oracle 1998. (back to top)
Scalability
The capability of a hardware or software system to expand to accommodate additional requirements. (back to top)
Scope
The combination of all project goals and tasks and the work required to accomplish them. There are two aspects to scope, business scope and technical scope. (back to top)
Scope Creep
The slow expansion of scope during a project. (back to top)
Scrubbing
The correction of errors, omissions and flaws in the data. (back to top)
SCT
SCT is the vendor for the ERP system selected by the University of Illinois. SCT develops and maintains the Banner product. (back to top)
Slice 'N Dice
The capability to quickly and easily view data along multiple dimensions. The most commonly utilized feature of OLAP applications. (back to top)
Snowflake Schema
A variation of the star schema that uses some normalized elements in the dimensions (back to top)
Source Field
The database field that data is extracted from to be populated into a data warehouse or data mart system. (back to top)
Source-to-Target Mapping
A document that indicates the source of each EDW column. (back to top)
Sponsorship
A person or group within an organization that funds, provides rationale, and takes responsibility for a project. (back to top)
SQL
An acronym for Structured Query Language. See Structured Query Language. (back to top)
SRD
The acronym for the Standard Report Directory. See Standard Report Directory. (back to top)
Staging Area
A collection of data extracted from OLTP systems and provided for population into DSS systems. (back to top)
Standard Report
Pre-developed (canned) report that is distributed across the campuses or the University. This report often includes parameters that prompt a customer to enter values prior to each run, allowing the report to be customized to the individual needs. A Standard Report can be based on data from a wide number of data sources, including - but not limited to - Banner, the Enterprise Data Warehouse, and data marts. A Standard Report can be retrieved from the EDDIE environment or from the ViewDirect application. More information on particular standard reports can be located in the Standard Report Directory. (back to top)
Standard Report Directory
The Standard Report Directory (SRD) provides information for users who view and/or run university standard reports in EDDIE University Documents or View Direct. This information includes a description of the each report, the tool in which it was developed, how it is distributed, prompt information, usage instructions, change history, support information, etc. as available. (back to top)
Star Schema
A database design that is based on a central detail fact table linked to surrounding dimension tables. Star schemas allow access to data using business terms and perspectives. (back to top)
Strategy
A framework guiding those choices that determine the nature and direction to attain the objective.
(back to top)
Structured Query Language
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the internationally accepted standard for relational systems, covering not only query but also data definition, manipulation, security and some aspects of referential integrity. Oracle, 1998. (back to top)
Subject Area
A set of data that is organized to reflect a business perspective and area of interest, i.e. finance, human resources, sales, etc. (back to top)
Summarization
See Aggregation (back to top)
Table
A tabular view of data, which may be used on a relational database management system, defined by one or more columns of data and a primary key. A table would be populated by rows of data. Oracle, 1998. (back to top)
Target Field
A field in a data warehouse or data mart system that is to be populated with data from a source system. (back to top)
Task
A segment of work. (back to top)
Time Slice
A segment of time, i.e. daily, weekly, monthly, etc. (back to top)
Transaction system
A transaction system is a computer application and associated processes that support a day-to-day University business processes. Examples are: Banner, P-Card, InfoEd. (back to top)
Transaction-based reports
Transaction-based reports are defined as reports based on operational systems, such as Banner. (back to top)
Transformation
The modification of source data prior to its insertion into the target. (back to top)
UI2
The acronym originally associated with the project that implemented the Banner system at the University of Illinois and is now associated with the Standard Reports distributed in EDDIE. Access to these UI2 Standard Reports is granted by AITS Security. (back to top)
Unit Security Contact
A Unit Security Contact (USC) is a person who is designated and trained to be a computing liaison between Decision Support Security and their department on security related matters. (back to top)
Universe
A universe is the business-intelligent semantic layer that isolates users from the technical issues of using a database. Universes are made up of “classes” and “objects”. “Objects” are elements that map to a set of data from a relational database in terms that pertain to a particular business situation. For example, the objects in a human resources universe might include names, addresses and salaries. There can also be three types of objects present in a universe. “dimension” objects are used for analysis. “Detail” objects provide descriptions and “measure” objects are ones that can be measured. “Classes” are logical groupings of objects. For example, the previously mention human resources objects might belong to a class called Employees. (back to top)
UNIX
A multi-user, multi-tasking operating system (back to top).
USC
The acronym for Unit Security Contact. See Unit Security Contact. (back to top)
View
A means of accessing a subset of the database as if it were a table. The view may: be restricted to named columns, be restricted to specific rows, change column names, derive new columns, and give access to a combination of related tables and/or views. Oracle, 1998. (back to top)
ViewDirect
ViewDirect is a Windows-based client/server application that provides a common user interface to view documents and Xerox images. It is used to distributed some of the University's Standard Reports. (It was formerly known as 'DocumentDirect'.) (back to top)
