Chapter 7.2

The Standard Work Unit

Abstract

The genesis of much data is the operational environment. As transactions are executed,
data are generated as a by-product. Response time is essential for online transaction
systems. Good response time is achieved by adherence to the “standard work unit.” The
swu allows corporations to run many transactions and maintain consistent, good response
time. The structure of operational data is achieved by the creation of a data model. The
data model is built at several levels—the high level is the ERD, the midlevel is the dis,
and the low level is the physical model. An important part of the operational environment
is the component known as metadata. It is metadata that describe the structure and
content of operational data.

Keywords

Operational environment; Standard work unit (swu); Response time; ERD; Dis; Physical
model; Data model; Metadata

At the heart of online transaction processing is good response time. Response time in the
online transaction environment is not a “nicety”—it is a “necessity.” Organizations
depend on their online systems for running day-to-day business. If response time is not
good, business suffers. Therefore, in the world of online transaction processing, response
time is an absolute necessity.

Elements of Response Time

There are many facets to achieving good response time. In order to achieve good
response time:

• The organization has to be using the right technology.


• There has to be adequate capacity.


• The workload passing through the system must be understood.


• The data being processed must be understood.

Chapter 7.2: The Standard Work Unit