STRATIX 9.2
1. INFORMATION WAREHOUSING
1.1
Overview
STRATIX provides an Information Warehouse to support certain STRATIX applications that require
intensive processing of database resources. An Information Warehouse is a separate database
operating apart from the primary Operational Database.
Certain selected STRATIX applications, such as Sales Analysis and Inventory Planning, are inherently
complex and processing intensive. The typical purpose of these applications is to provide summarized
information for a specific operational period interval. This information is then audited and analyzed by
management personnel, such as Sales Managers and Replenishment Managers, for business decisionmaking purposes.
Since such applications generally demand intensive database resources, processing them in the
Information Warehouse can avoid interruptions to the daily operations on the primary Operational
Database.
Based on specific user requirements, a copy of the transaction information is typically extracted,
summarized and transmitted from the Operational Database to the Information Warehouse as
required or based on defined time intervals. After the data transmission, the transaction information
becomes auditable information for inquiry or reporting purposes. For some applications, additional
processes are required to be applied against the extracted information in the Information Warehouse
before the information becomes available for use.
All STRATIX applications require specific Enterprise Parameters to operate. A generic mechanism is
provided for duplication of Enterprise Parameters from the Operational Database to the Information
Warehouse. This avoids unnecessary expenditure of manual resources to replicate the Enterprise
Parameter setup. The Enterprise Parameter synchronization process can be initiated by the System
Administrator as required or based on defined time intervals.
Information Warehousing – 9.2
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The Metal Information Technology Company
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STRATIX
1.2
Information Flow
1.2.1
Transaction Information Flow
The following diagram illustrates the flow of STRATIX transactional information from the Operational
Database to the Information Warehouse.
STRATIX Operational Database
STRATIX Transactions
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1.2.2
Information Warehouse
STRATIX Audit Information
Info transmitted by specific extraction functions
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Sales Analysis Transaction
Sales Order
Lost Quote/Orders
Warehouse Activity
Product Item
Inventory Transaction
Sales Journal
...
Sales Analysis Summary
Sales Analysis History
Audit Information
...
Enterprise Parameter Information Flow
The following diagram illustrates the flow of STRATIX Enterprise Parameter information from the
Operational Database to the Information Warehouse.
STRATIX Operational Database
Information Warehouse
Enterprise Parameters
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Order Processing
Purchasing
Inventory
Standard Product
...
Information Warehousing – 9.2
Licensed Material, February 25, 2013
Enterprise Parameters
Info transmitted info by a generic utility
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Order Processing
Purchasing
Inventory
Standard Product
...
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The Metal Information Technology Company
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STRATIX
1.3
General Features

Selected STRATIX transaction information is periodically transmitted, summarized and archived in
the Information Warehouse. This reduces the information load on the Operational Database.

Transmitted information is converted into historical information in the Information Warehouse for
analysis purposes to assist in management decision making.

Processing of historical information in the Information Warehouse reduces daily operating
workload in the Operational Database to avoid undesired interruptions of daily operations.

Enterprise Parameters in the Information Warehouse are updated seamlessly to mirror the existing
Enterprise Parameters defined in the Operational Database.

New database tables can be implemented in the Information Warehouse as needed to better serve
report/inquiry development and performance without impacting the daily operational functions.
1.4
Requirements
The following information must be set up prior to using applications in the Information Warehouse:

Environment

Enterprise Parameters
1.4.1
Environment
A separate database must be set up in advance and defined as the Information Warehouse to contain
the information for the related applications.
For information on setting up the Information Warehouse, please consult your System Administrator.
1.4.2
Enterprise Parameters
The Information Warehouse Enterprise Parameter update utility synchronizes the Information
Warehouse Enterprise Parameters based on the activities logged in an Enterprise Parameter
Propagation table in the Operational Database.
Information Warehousing – 9.2
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STRATIX
The Enterprise Parameter Propagation table centrally records all Enterprise Parameter information
maintenance activity in the Operational Database within a specific time period. The information
maintenance activities include the following:

Addition of new Enterprise Parameters

Updating of existing Enterprise Parameters

Deletion of existing Enterprise Parameters
The update utility then replicates the activities in the Information Warehouse to mirror the image of
the Enterprise Parameters defined in the Operational Database.
For details about the Information Warehouse Enterprise Parameter update function, please refer to
the Information Warehouse Enterprise Parameter Update document.
1.5
Information Warehouse Applications
The following STRATIX applications are designed to operate in the Information Warehouse:

Sales Analysis

Inventory Planning
The underlying information for these applications originates in the Operational Database.
1.5.1
Sales Analysis
The Sales Analysis application provides a comprehensive set of data storage along with reports and
inquiry functions operating under the Information Warehouse. The forecast and actual sales data are
stored within the Information Warehouse for separating the sales analysis and reporting functions
from transaction functions.
The Information Warehouse contains a set of summarized sales information created from the
Operational Database to provide multiple views to the sales figures and to improve performance of
reports and inquiries.
Information Warehousing – 9.2
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STRATIX
For further details about the Sales Analysis application, please refer to the Sales Analysis Executive
Overview document.
1.5.2
Inventory Planning
The Inventory Planning application is a comprehensive inventory replenishment tool used to identify
short-term replenishment needs and to forecast future inventory levels. The planning data is obtained
from the following information sources in the Operational Database:

Historical Shipment information

On-Hand Inventory Position

Open Purchase and Transfer Orders
This information is then extracted to a set of Audit Information stored in the Information Warehouse.
The historical data along with seasonal or current demand overrides is used to project demand into the
future to determine the quantity and timing of purchase decisions.
The application focuses on the purchasing decisions required to replenish warehouse inventory
efficiently from mill suppliers but it also accommodates warehouse replenishment via stock transfers
and product replenishment via stock production orders.
For details about the Inventory Planning application, please refer to the Inventory Planning Executive
Overview document.
Information Warehousing – 9.2
Licensed Material, February 25, 2013
Invera
The Metal Information Technology Company