Decision First Technologies

Data Management

Turning Your Data Into A Corporate Asset

The first step to incorporating a business intelligence solution is often the most daunting one - gathering data from disparate sources and placing it in a structure that supports reporting and analysis. This task is especially difficult when you are compiling data from complex or multiple underlying systems. Decision First TechnologiesTM focuses on providing you with an open and scalable information infrastructure that will meet your long-term needs as your data volumes and IT complexity grow. Our experts know how to transform data into a corporate asset and ensure that your staff is working with timely and accurate information.

At the end of the process we will provide you with a single data mart or a full-scale data warehouse depending on the needs of your organization. Our flexible methodology enables us to take on data warehouse projects of any size at any stage. And our phased approach allows end users to have access to the end product sooner.

Our highly specialized expertise covers all aspects of the data warehousing lifecycle, including:

Data Modeling
A well-designed data model is the cornerstone of any successful data warehouse. Decision First designs both physical and logical data models for all leading database management systems. Data is the most important part of the data warehouse applications. However, data in a structure that does not support the business needs will not be used. A good model combines critical elements of both business requirements and data.

Data Profiling
Data profiling is a powerful tool for knowing the state of the data. Data profiling is useful both at the start of a project and throughout the process. Decision First recommends data profiling when data integration is involved, making the overall process more efficient. Data volume statistics, primary and foreign key relationships and data patterns are essential elements in the analysis and design of efficient ETL processes.

Data Quality and Cleansing
A BI initiative is as good as the data delivered to the end user. In order to achieve a high level of data quality, you need a process and well-defined structure in place. Data quality is contingent upon a proper data cleansing process. In fact, data cleansing is often considered the most important part of data warehousing. Decision First ensures your data quality, standardizing data elements to ensure record consistency and accuracy.

Extraction, Transformation and Loading (ETL)
ETL is the mechanism by which data integration, cleansing and warehouse/mart loading is achieved. Whether ETL is used as part of a business intelligence initiative or part of an operational process, Decision First will design and develop any ETL job. Utilizing a feature-rich ETL tool allows for greater management flexibility, ease of maintenance and significantly reduced development time.