Help in SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services

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Help in SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services

Ahmer Ali

Old Hand

Points: 311
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May 12, 2008 at 3:29 am

#186461

Hi,
i am starting my first BI project i have a Suggestion Scheme Database of my organization and managers wants to some BI reports from that system for this i need to develop a system using BI and using Analysis Services of SQL
anybody help me how to start my project and any helpful material from where i can start my first project
thanks
Ahmer Ali

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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Aaron Nelson Ten Centuries Points: 1118 More actions · Answer 1

This might be a good book if you're completely new to SSAS:

I don't know what other people around here think but I thought that it was a pretty easy read for those that are sticking their toes in.

Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Analysis Services Step by Step

http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/8592.aspx

And get yourself a Kimball book if you don't already have one.

🙂

@SQLvariant

Ahmer Ali Old Hand Points: 311 More actions · Answer 2

Ahmer Ali

Old Hand

Points: 311

May 12, 2008 at 9:43 pm

#814207

thanks 🙂

Patrick Vaughan Old Hand Points: 398 More actions · Answer 3

Analysis Services is useful when you have a database where you need to report on/analyse data that includes some numerical measures e.g. amounts, quantity, duration etc. For a suggestions database you probably (I'm guessing here since I dont know what's in your database) dont need Analysis Services, but may be better off with Reporting Services. There is a Microsoft Press book "SQL Server Reporting Services Step by Step" that will give you a good start.

Kevin Mao-243787 SSChasing Mays Points: 602 More actions · Answer 4

Are you going to build a Data Warehouse or reporting on existing suggestion database schema? Is aOLTP schema or OLAP schema?

Analysis Services is best tool from Microsoft to build data warehouse (cube - multi-dimension database). The DW schema is different from OLTP database schema, usualy denormolized the data table to coupon dimension and facts tables.

BI is the front-end, analysis service could be one of the back end data source.

I agree with Patrick, reporting service is good start point to get know your data, and display in a user friendly format for your end users. Help you to get more requirement from your end users.

If you want to back end, you can try this book from KIMBAL CROUP "The Microsoft Data Warehouse Toolkit", it go through the whole BI/DW project development life cycle.

Hope that help. 🙂

Toby White SSCertifiable Points: 6187 More actions · Answer 5

I third the Kimball suggestion. However, for a comprehensive book that covers everything about SSAS from the inside out I recommend "Microsof SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services" by Edward Melomed, Irina Gorbach, Alexander Berger, and Py Bateman.

SSAS is so involved that any one book is not going to cover everything you need to know, but this book will come the closest.

Reporting services was mentioned a couple times and I third that as well. However, if you are going to serve the cube in a cube browser you are probably going to need to consider Excel (preferably 2007) or performance point/sharepoint.

Reporting services has it's limitations with regards to drilling into the data. Further, Reporting Services is ill equiped to deal with KPI's, Data mining, What if analysis, and open dimensionality. Some of the best things you can do at this point is to get the business requirements as firm as possible.

P.S. If you were only going to use Reporting Services for the client front end why not just read off of a relational datamart?

Regards

future_is_back SSC Rookie Points: 31 More actions · Answer 6

hey guys. i have a project to do in my uni; we have to analyze data stored in a database using sql server analysis services. We have to create a cube with 3 axes (Horse Power, Production Year, Village), then we have to build charts and reports based on this cube. in the end, we have to conclude with 3 decisions, that will help us improve the company's benefits. I am a beginner in this stuff, can someone help plz????

Dave Balsillie SSCertifiable Points: 5589 More actions · Answer 7

"future-is-back" please don't double post (http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic506512-147-1.aspx)

Since you've obviously seen these posts, these are all good references. Once you've got your cube up and running, you'll need a front end. Excel can be used in a pinch (for internal projects). MSRS is good for operational style reports, but will take some time to fully utilize the tool. Take a look at Performance point for a rapid startup. There's also lots of third party tools and components (i.e. Cognos, Dundas, various Excel add-ins, etc.) that can be used.

Note: a general suggestion to everyone attempting to start a new BI project. While it's great to see the uptake on this technology in the last few years, you'll save considerable time and money by bringing in some outside guidance to get started. This can range from onsight consulting to part-time "mentoring". Now you might have had to "sell in" the whole concept to management, but if you really want to impress them with your business savey, sell in the idea of getting some qualified help to kick start the process. Find someone who can layout a short term schedule, complete with an exit plan and criteria.

Cheers.