Lifecycle Launch Activities
The following sections outline best practices, and pitfalls to avoid, as you launch a DW/BI project.
Program/Project Planning and Management
Not surprisingly, the DW/BI initiative begins with a series of program and project planning activities.
Assessing Readiness
Before moving ahead with a DW/BI effort, it is prudent to take a moment to assess the organization’s readiness to proceed. Based on our cumulative experience from hundreds of client engagements, three factors differentiate projects that were predominantly smooth sailing versus those that entailed a constant struggle. These factors are leading indicators of DW/BI success; we’ll describe the characteristics in rank order of importance.
The most critical readiness factor is to have a strong executive business sponsor. Business sponsors should have a clear vision for the DW/BI system’s potential impact on the organization. Optimally, business sponsors have a track record of success...