data-architecture-a

Fig. 12.1.15 The ODS.

The ODS is an optional data structure for corporations. Some corporations have need of
an ODS; other corporations do not need the ODS. As a rule, if an organization does
significant amounts of transaction processing, it will need an ODS.

The type of data that is found in the data marts usually includes what is known as a KPI.
A KPI stands for a “key performance indicator.”

Fig. 12.1.16 illustrates that data marts usually contain one or more KPIs.

Fig. 12.1.16 Data marts and KPIs.

Every corporation has its own set of KPIs. Some typical KPIs might include the
following:

Cash on hand

Number of employees

Product order backlog

The sales pipeline

New product acceptance

Inventory for sale

KPIs are typically measured on a monthly basis. Fig. 12.1.17 shows such a periodic
measurement of KPIs.

Chapter 12.1: Operational Analytics