Altitude Online: Using Databases And Business Intelligence

Altitude Online Using Databases And Business Intelligencealtitude Onl

Altitude Online is in the process of consolidating multiple regional databases into a single, centralized database system as part of its transition to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This undertaking involves several critical tasks, including analyzing and understanding existing database structures, identifying common entities and attributes across regional databases, and designing a unified logical data model. The process begins with studying each regional database, which often have diverse schemas tailored to local needs. The database administrator, Tim Conway, is responsible for creating entity relationship diagrams that define the logical structure of the new central database, ensuring it accommodates all necessary data for effective reporting and operations. Since current databases serve different formats, standardization is essential for smooth integration. Additionally, the process involves extensive data cleansing—removing redundant, outdated, or inconsistent records—to streamline data quality and prepare for migration. Data mapping and transformation scripts are developed to transfer data efficiently without loss or corruption. The migration planning also considers tools and vendor support to facilitate a seamless transfer, minimizing disruptions to daily business activities.

Because Altitude Online operates with autonomous regional databases, the scope of work also includes establishing data governance policies and ensuring data consistency across the organization. After successful consolidation, the integrated database will enable real-time data sharing and reporting capabilities through the new ERP system, vastly improving decision-making, operational efficiency, and business agility. The entire process emphasizes meticulous planning, technical expertise in database design, data quality management, and coordination among regional and corporate teams to achieve a unified data environment.

Why Altitude Online Hired a Database Administrator and How ERP Will Impact IS Responsibilities

Altitude Online hired a dedicated database administrator, Tim Conway, to oversee the complex task of merging multiple disparate databases into a cohesive central system. The specialized skills of a database administrator are critical in analyzing existing schemas, designing a logical data model, and developing the necessary SQL code for data migration and reporting. Without this expertise, the risk of data inconsistencies, redundancies, and loss during migration would be significantly higher. The database administrator also coordinates data cleansing efforts, ensuring data quality and integrity are maintained throughout the consolidation process.

The adoption of an ERP system will substantially alter the roles and responsibilities of IS personnel within the organization. Once operational, the ERP will provide real-time data access across all regions, reducing the need for manual report generation and data transfer. As a result, IS staff will shift from maintaining multiple localized systems towards managing a centralized database and supporting the ERP infrastructure. Their focus will move toward maintaining data integrity, optimizing system performance, and supporting business intelligence activities. Moreover, IS personnel will need to develop new skills related to ERP software configuration, user support, and data governance. The transition also emphasizes ongoing data quality management, security enhancements, and user training to maximize the system's benefits.

Opportunities During the Database Revamp That Were Previously Underconsideration

This comprehensive overhaul offers Altitude Online several strategic opportunities that were perhaps underestimated before, including enhanced data analytics capabilities, improved business intelligence, and greater operational insights. By standardizing data models and cleaning data beforehand, the organization can implement more sophisticated analytical tools that provide predictive insights and support data-driven decision-making processes. The centralized database enables advanced reporting features, real-time dashboards, and cross-regional comparisons that were limited or unavailable in the previous fragmented systems.

Additionally, standardization paves the way for adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which require clean, structured, and integrated data sets. The organization can also revisit and optimize business processes, leveraging the opportunity to eliminate redundancies and streamline workflows. The project encourages a culture of data governance, quality assurance, and ongoing improvement. A final advantage is the better alignment of IT and business strategies—by involving business managers in the design process, Altitude Online can ensure the new system supports their strategic objectives more effectively than piecemeal or outdated systems.

Reasons for Starting Database Work Prior to Selecting an ERP Vendor

Initiating database standardization and cleanup before selecting an ERP vendor allows Altitude Online to better understand its current data landscape and requirements. This preparatory work provides crucial insights into data complexities, governance needs, and potential challenges that could influence vendor selection. Having a clear picture of data structures and quality enables the organization to draft more precise requirements and evaluate ERP solutions based on realistic expectations rather than assumptions or incomplete information.

Moreover, early efforts in data preparation facilitate a smoother transition once a vendor is chosen. It reduces the risk of delays caused by late-stage data reconciliation and cleanup, which are often resource-intensive and disruptive if left until after vendor contracts are signed. By starting early, Altitude Online can also ensure that data migration plans are feasible and align with the new system’s capabilities, preventing costly rework or customization later. This proactive approach reflects good project management practices, emphasizing data readiness as a foundation for successful ERP implementation.

References

• Batini, C., Ceri, S., & Navathe, S. B. (2011). Conceptual Database Design: An Entity-Relationship Approach. Pearson Education.
• Elmasri, R., & Navathe, S. B. (2015). Fundamentals of Database Systems (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Inmon, W. H., & Neslon, M. (2015). Building the Data Warehouse. Wiley.
• Keen, P. G. (1991). Shaping the Future of Data Management. Harvard Business Review.
• Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
• O'Neil, P., & O'Neil, E. (2014). Database: Principles, Programming, and Performance. Morgan Kaufmann.
• Ramakrishnan, R., & Gehrke, J. (2003). Database Management Systems (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Shanks, G., & Seddon, P. (2015). Business Process Management: Theory and Practice. Routledge.
• Turban, E., Sharda, R., & Delen, D. (2018). Decision Support and Business Intelligence. Pearson.
• Weston, F. C., & Brigham, E. F. (2014). Managerial Finance. Cengage Learning.