IBIS 2008 Course Synopses

PRE-SEMINAR TRAINING

Xcelsius for Dummies

Intended Audience: The target audience for this course is the general business user who wants to create more dynamic and interactive presentations and reports.

Prerequisites: While not required for this course, experience with these products or technologies will be helpful:
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Synopsis: This course is designed to provide learners with an understanding of how to use Xcelsius to create interactive models of complex data that can be used for presentations and reports. By the end of the course, learners will understand how to use the Xcelsius suite of tools, determine which components best represent different types of information, and set up the relationships between these components. Students will have the opportunity to practice creating different types of models through a series of workshops.

Objectives: Learners will be able to create dashboards that allow users of all levels of expertise to understand complex data, perform what-if analysis in a simple-to-use format to spotlight problems and resolve issues, and create presentations and reports that steal the show.

Major Topics:

Universe Design in a Day

Intended Audience: Personnel requiring an introduction on how to design, create, maintain, and distribute a universe in the BusinessObjects / WebIntelligence environment.

Prerequisites: Understanding of relational database concepts and client / server concepts.

Synopsis: The essentials of designing and developing universes in BusinessObjects.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to create a universe in the Designer module, understand connectivity issues, understand design issues involved in the semantic layer, resolve relational database issues relating to universe creation, and distribute a universe to users.

Major Topics:

  • The Universe Structure and Development Process
  • Role of the Repository
  • Connectivity / Parameters
  • Classes and Objects
  • Conditions
  • Hierarchies
  • Joins / Resolving Loops
  • Linking Universes
  • Universe Maintenance and Distribution

Web Intelligence for Novices

Intended Audience: Anyone interested in learning Web Intelligence for the first time.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: An introduction to the Web Intelligence query and analysis business intelligence tool.

Objectives: Upon completion, the student should be able to use the essential features and functions of Web Intelligence.

Major Topics:

  • Understanding the BusinessObjects Environment
  • Navigating InfoView
  • Accessing Data
  • Basic Queries
  • Filtering Data at the Query Level
  • Report Formatting
    • Table Types
    • Breaks
    • Sections
    • Properties Panel
    • Graphing
  • Formula Editor

TRACK 1: Web Intelligence 3.0 Updates & Advanced Workshops

MODULE 1: Web Intelligence XI 3.0 Differences

Intended Audience: Existing Web Intelligence 6.x or XI users or anyone interested in learning the new Web Intelligence 3.0 features.

Prerequisites: User knowledgeof Web Intelligence 6.x or XI.

Synopsis: A hands-on walk through of the new features and functions in Web Intelligence XI 3.0.

Objectives: Upon completion, the student should be familiar with the new features and functions of Web Intelligence XI 3.0.

Major Topics:

  • New Features/Enhancements
    • Rich Client
    • Personal Data Providers/Stored Procedures
    • Track Data Changes
    • Hyperlinking made easier!
    • Smart Cubes
    • New Formula Functions
    • Image Embedding

MODULE 2: Web Intelligence XI 3.0 Advanced Workshops

Intended Audience: The report designer who wants a broader knowledge of the report development process and increased knowledge of advanced functionality.

Prerequisites: User knowledge of Web Intelligence 6.x or XI.

Synopsis: At the end of this workshop, the student will have a thorough understanding of the capabilities of Web Intelligence and will be able to apply their new knowledge to solve various reporting problems.

Major Topics:

  • Advanced Topics
    • Combined and Sub-queries and using them together
    • Context
    • Complex Formulas
  • New Universe Functionality and how it Affects Reporting
    • Smart Cubes
    • Stored Procedures
    • Non-Additive Measures
    • Database Analytical Functions
    • How to Help your Database Designer
  • Troubleshooting Reports
  • Real Solutions to Real Reporting Problems
    • Outside of the Box Thinking to Solve your Reporting Issues
    • Submit your Reporting Problems!

TRACK 2: Crystal Reports 2008 Differences

MODULE 1: Crystal Reports 2008 Differences

Intended Audience: Intended Audience: This course is intended for report designers comfortable and fluent with previous versions of Crystal Reports back to version 8.5. Experience in Crystal Enterprise is not required although changes in the Enterprise model will be discussed.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic report building experience or training in prior versions of Crystal from 8.5 to XI R2
  • Knowledge of Windows conventions
  • Basic computer skills


Synopsis: This course is designed to be an introduction to the major changes introduced in Crystal 2008. Class time will primarily be focused on demonstrations and discussions of best practices. Time will be provided for experimentation and “play time” with the product but exercises will be limited to ensure coverage of all relevant changes presented by the upgrade.

Objectives: After completing this class, the student will be versed in the major changes provided by Crystal 2008 and will understand the basic value proposition associated with upgrading from their current version. The class is designed to facilitate discussion of best practices and discussion for methods of turning reporting technology into decision making information.

Major Topics:
  • Xcelsius Integration
    • Simple SWF Integration into Reports
    • Creating and using Flashvars
    • Discussion of Xcelsius 2008 Integration
  • Parameter Changes
    • New Parameter Panel
    • Optional Parameters
  • New Crosstab Features
  • Flexible Pagination
  • Enhanced Developer Tools
    • Searching all Variables and Formulas
    • Auto-complete Functions
    • Copy Formulas
  • Overall Changes
    • New Best Practices
    • Value in Upgrading

MODULE 2: Crystal Reports 2008 Advanced Workshops

Intended Audience: This course is intended for report designers who are familiar with the basics of Crystal Reports and have at least some experience with building simple to medium complexity reports. Enterprise experience and understanding is not required although some Enterprise topics will be covered.

Prerequisites:

  • Knowledge of Windows conventions
  • Basic computer skills
  • Intermediate database concepts
  • SQL knowledge is a plus, but not required
  • Knowledge of the concepts taught in the following courses:
    • Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 - Fundamentals of Report Design
    • Crystal Reports II: RD210R2 - Business Reporting Solutions
    • Crystal Reports III: RD310R2 - Report Processing Strategies


Synopsis: While this course will be taught using Crystal 2008, almost all discussed functionality and techniques are backwards compatible to version 10 or in some cases earlier. The course will cover methods of accessing data and database connection strategies and their application within Crystal regardless of database or deployment strategy.

Objectives: The student will leave this course understanding some of the possibilities and options available for complex reporting problems and how they can be used to solve customer requests. Best practices and suggests from other students will help ensure a complete understanding not only of how to use specific coding principles, but also what options are available if one particular process is inappropriate or does not solve the problem required.

Major Topics:
  • Non-conventional Data Sources and their Roles and Advantages/Disadvantages
  • Things to Keep in Mind when using Non-conventional Data Sources, such as Stored Procedures and SQL Commands
  • Join Options including Optional Joins
  • Best Practices and Problem Solving for Possible Join Problems

MODULE 3: Crystal Advanced Workshop: Security for Business Views and the Joy of Row Level Security

Intended Audience: For more advanced report designers who have taken the Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 – Fundamentals of Report Design and who are responsible for creating and distributing reports.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills
  • Intermediate database concepts such as: Indexing, Primary and Foreign Keys
  • Knowledge of the concepts taught in the Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 – Fundamentals of Report Design course, especially the Database Expert


Synopsis: This course is designed to give learners the knowledge to create Business Views that will provide their Crystal Reports with additional security to confidential information.

As a business benefit, learners will have an increased understanding of what a Business View is, how to create a Business View in Business View Manager, how to apply security to a Business View and how to create a Crystal Report using a Business View, which will assist them in making more effective report design decisions and create more efficient reports.

Major Topics:
  • What is a Business View?
  • Advantages of Creating a Business View
  • How to Create a Business View
  • Applying Security to a Business View
  • Creating a Crystal Report using a Business View

MODULE 4: Crystal Advanced Workshop: Creating a Scheduled List of Values

Intended Audience: For more experienced report designers who have taken Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 – Fundamentals of Report Design, Crystal Reports II: RD210R2 – Business Reporting Solutions and Crystal Reports III: RD310R2 – Report Processing Strategies courses and who are responsible for creating and distributing reports.

Prerequisites:

  • Knowledge of Windows conventions
  • Basic computer skills
  • Intermediate database concepts
  • Experience in writing Formulas in the Crystal Formula Editor
  • Knowledge of the concepts taught in the
    Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 – Fundamentals of Report Design,
    Crystal Reports II: RD210R2 – Business Reporting Solutions and
    Crystal Reports III: RD310R2 – Report Processing Strategies courses, especially parameters
Synopsis: This course is designed to give learners comprehensive skills and in-depth knowledge on how to improve the performance of report parameters.

As a business benefit, learners will find that their increased knowledge in what is a Scheduled List of Values, why you would use a Scheduled List of Values in a report, the advantages of using a Scheduled List of Values, how to create a Scheduled List of Values and how using a Scheduled List of Values in a Crystal Report will assist them in making more effective report design decisions, as well as creating more efficient reports.

Major Topics:
  • What is a Scheduled List of Values?
  • Why use a Scheduled List of Values?
  • Advantages of Creating a Scheduled List of Values
  • Steps to Creating a Scheduled List of Values
  • Using a Scheduled List of Values in a Crystal Report
  • Things to Keep in Mind when using a Scheduled List of Values

MODULE 5: Crystal Advanced Workshop: Troubleshooting Common Report Issues & Improving Report Performance

Intended Audience: For more experienced report designers who, have taken Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 – Fundamentals of Report Design, Crystal Reports II: RD210R2 – Business Reporting Solutions and Crystal Reports III: RD310R2 – Report Processing Strategies courses and who are responsible for creating and distributing reports.

Prerequisites:

  • Knowledge of Windows conventions
  • Basic computer skills
  • Intermediate database concepts
  • SQL Knowledge is a plus, but not required
  • Knowledge of the concepts taught in the
    Crystal Reports I: RD110R2 – Fundamentals of Report Design,
    Crystal Reports II: RD210R2 – Business Reporting Solutions and
    Crystal Reports III: RD310R2 – Report Processing Strategies courses, especially the concept of multi-pass reporting
Synopsis: This course is designed to give learners more comprehensive skills and in-depth knowledge on how to troubleshoot common report issues and tips and tricks to improving report performance.

As a business benefit, learners will find that their increased knowledge in being able to identify and resolve common report issues, as well as identify and resolve common report performance issues, will help them design more efficient reports.

Major Topics:
  • Common Report Issues
  • Identifying and Resolving Common Report Issues
  • Tools to Further Identify Report Issues
  • Common Performance Issues
  • Identifying Performance Issues using the Report Processing Model
  • Further Examining the Report’s SQL
  • Ways to Force Processing Down to the Server

TRACK 3: Xcelsius Master Workshop

MODULE 1: Xcelsius Introduction

Intended Audience: This workshop is intended for individuals that are interested in designing and building advanced dashboards using Xcelsius.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Xcelsius is required.

Synopsis: This workshop will give users a better understanding on how to handle Xcelsius projects, applying advanced functionality and selecting between data connectivity options.

Objectives: Upon completion of this workshop, the student should be able to create advanced dashboards using Xcelsius.

Major Topics:

  • What is a Dashboard?
  • Dashboards vs. Reports
  • The Dashboard Development Process with Xcelsius
  • What is New in Xcelsius 2008?
  • A Demo of some Xcelsius Dashboards

MODULE 2: Components and Visualization

Major Topics:

  • An in-depth look at the range of design components available in Xcelsius
  • Review of Component and Visualizations Properties
  • Publishing my Dashboard
  • Dynamic Visibility
  • Class Workshop

MODULE 3: Designing the Data Model

Major Topics:

  • Excel Functions and Best Practices
  • Drill-down Functionality
  • What-If Analysis
  • Class Workshop

MODULE 4: Making My Dashboard Dynamic: Data Connectivity

Major Topics:

  • A Review of the different Data Connectors available in Xcelsius
  • Export and Distribution of your Model
  • Xcelsius and BusinessObjects Enterprise Integration
  • XDM as a Solution for Distributing and Refreshing Dashboards
  • Class Workshop

MODULE 5: How to Handle an Xcelsius Dashboard Project

Major Topics:

  • Is Xcelsius the Correct Tool for this Project?
  • Choosing the Best Refreshing Method for my Dashboard
  • Design and Deployment Best Practices
  • Grand Finale Workshop - An opportunity to put in practice everything you have learned in this workshop, plus you will have the assistance of your instructor.

TRACK 4: Edge Series Workshop

MODULE 1A: Big Overview of BusinessObjects

Intended Audience: Anyone interested in learning the tools, features and functions of the BusinessObjects Edge Series.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: An overview of the features, functions and packaging of the BusinessObjects Edge Series.

Objectives: To understand the components of the Edge Series along with the principal features and functions.

Major Topics:

  • Brief History of BusinessObjects
    • Walk-thru of Major Components of BusinessObjects and how they fit together, especially in Relation to the Edge Series
    • Combining Data from different Data Sources - Data Integrator
    • Preparing the Data for Fast and Efficient Reporting - Universe Design
    • Creating Ad-hoc Reports for Quick Business Analysis - Web Intelligence
    • A Place to Keep and Share my Web Based Reports - InfoView
    • Creating More Complex Reports for the Reporting Detail Oriented - Crystal Reports
    • Controlling Who gets to See What - Central Management Console
    • Additional Analysis Tools - Encyclopedia, Live Office and Voyager (OLAP)
    • Expressing Data in an Xcelsius Dashboard
  • Edge Series Packaging
    • Product Bundling and Options

MODULE 1B: InfoView - Web Portal

Synopsis: An overview of the web based portal, “InfoView” used for storing, viewing, and sharing documents, as well as for launching reporting tools.

Major Topics:

  • Navigating through InfoView
  • Creating and Modifying Folders & Categories
  • Viewing Document History
  • Opening a Document
  • Report Analysis in InfoView

MODULE 2A: Reporting Options

Synopsis: An overview of the ad-hoc reporting tool, Web Intelligence.

Major Topics - Reporting Options:

  • Web Intelligence
    • Creating a New Document
    • Modifying the Query
    • Creating Query Filters
    • Basic Formatting
    • Basic Formulas and Variables
  • Crystal Viewer
    • Accessing a Crystal Report in InfoView
    • Navigating through the Viewer
    • Refreshing the Document

MODULE 2B: Universe Design

Synopsis: How do the reports get their data? Through a Universe! An overview of the purpose of a universe and creation of some basic universe objects.

Major Topics:

  • Universe Function
  • Simple Universe Design
    • Connections
    • Tables
    • Objects
    • Row Level Security

MODULE 3A: Administrative Tools

Synopsis: An overview of the two main administrative components of BusinessObjects XI R2: Central Management Console and Central Configuration Manager, as well as an overview of setting up users and security.

Major Topics:

  • Central Configuration Manager
  • Central Management Console
  • Creating Users, Groups, Security Overview

MODULE 3B: Additional Analysis Tools

Synopsis: An overview of Encyclopedia and Live Office and the benefits they can add to your deployment.

Major Topics - Analysis Tools:

  • Encyclopedia
    • Accessing and Navigating in Encyclopedia
    • Maintaining Content in Encyclopedia
  • Live Office
    • Navigating the Live Office Toolbar
    • Connecting to a Repository
    • Inserting Web Intelligence and Crystal Report Data
    • Creating a New Query
    • Setting Refresh Options
    • Saving Live Office Documents to the Repository

MODULE 4A: Voyager (OLAP)

Synopsis: An overview of Voyager – the powerful, web-based, OLAP analysis tool that can help you to gain insight into business data and make intelligent decisions that impact corporate performance.

Major Topics:

  • Voyager (OLAP)
    • Accessing and Navigating in Voyager
    • Creating and Saving a Workspace
    • Working with Workspace Data
    • Basic Querying Formatting
    • Exporting and Sharing a Workspace

MODULE 4B: Expressing Data in an Xcelsius Dashboard

Synopsis: In this module, we will bring several pieces of the Edge Series together by creating a simple Xcelsius dashboard, based on Web Intelligence data, which we retrieve through Live Office, then export this dashboard to InfoView for sharing.

Major Topics:

  • Xcelsius Viewer
    • Create a Simple Dashboard Based on Data from One of the Web Intelligence Reports Created in an Earlier Module
    • Use Live Office to Connect the Xcelsius Dashboard to the Data for Refreshing
    • Export Dashboard to InfoView
    • Discuss other Connectivity Options

MODULE 5A: Web Intelligence Workshop Project

Synopsis: This module focuses on organizing Web Intelligence reports for improved analysis. Students will create more complex reports.

Major Topics:

  • Enhancing the Presentation of Reports
  • Formatting Reports
  • More Formulas and Variables
  • Grouping Data
  • Synchronizing Data
  • Analyzing Data
  • Sharing Web Intelligence

MODULE 5B: Xcelsius Dashboard Workshop Project

Synopsis: Wrap-up and Course Challenge.

Major Topics:

  • Question and answer session to answer any outstanding questions on the Edge Series.
  • Course challenge will be given to use several components together in a final Xcelsius Dashboard project.

TRACK 5: InfoBurst/ProPublisher

Intended Audience: Existing users of InfoBurst or anyone who is interested to learn more about how to solve common and complex report and dashboard distribution and publishing challenges.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: A thorough tour of the InfoBurst product that will be of interest to both existing customers and customers who are considering deploying InfoBurst. The first 8 modules will cover in detail the strengths of the solution and dig into report bursting and dashboard solutions and the last 2 modules will offer a preview of the future direction of the InfoBurst product.

Objectives: At the end of this track, the student will have a thorough understanding of the capabilities of the InfoBurst product and will be able to apply their new knowledge to solve various distribution and publishing problems, in addition to learning the Xcelsius data caching and delivery capabilities.

MODULE 1: Introduction to InfoBurst

Synopsis: A series of presentations and demonstrations that will introduce the InfoBurst product and showcase some of the more common workflow scenarios.

Major Topics:

  • Welcome to InfoBurst
  • Tour of the User Interface
  • Managing Business Intelligence Documents
  • Building a “Burst”
  • Scheduling and Events
  • Operational Control
  • Administration and Housekeeping

MODULE 2A: Product Suite Overview

Synopsis: A comparison of the different product offerings and discussion of which suite would be used based upon the requirements.

Major Topics:

  • InfoBurst Enterprise Edition
  • The Secondary Server Option
  • The “LE” Editions
  • “Edge” Edition
  • “XDM” Edition
  • ProPublisher
  • Product Roadmap

MODULE 2B: Solving Real World Problems

Synopsis: InfoBust has been solving tough publishing challenges for over 5 years. This module will present some case studies where InfoBurst was used to solve these problems and will give you an idea of the power and flexibility that is available under the covers.

Major Topics:

  • Review Typical Publishing Issues
  • Discuss Solutions Available with InfoBurst<

MODULE 3: Report Bursting in Detail

Synopsis: Bursting a report to a variety of people/destinations can be achieved in a number of ways. This module will dig deep into some of the more popular options, such as dynamic bursting to network folders, XI platform and external e-mail.

Major Topics:

  • Multi-pass Bursting Based on Document Prompt(s)
  • Single-pass Bursting Based on Document Filters
  • Supplying Dynamic Prompt/Filter Values
  • Dynamic Delivery Options using Macros
  • Publishing Options for XI Platform
  • Targeting Options for e-mail

MODULE 4: Xcelsius Dashboard Solutions

Synopsis: InfoBurst offers a number of innovative options to help with an Xcelsius deployment, such as pre-caching of XML data to allow for a scalable and fast solution. This module will explore both the data hosting/caching, and also show how dashboards can be delivered via e-mail.

Major Topics:

  • Cataloging Options for Xcelsius Dashboards
  • Static Dashboards and Delivery Options
  • Dynamic Data Models
  • Using Database Queries as a Data Source
  • Using BI Reports as a Data Source
  • Building and Scheduling “XDS” Data Cache

MODULE 5A: ProPublisher Overview

Synopsis: InfoBurst ProPublisher is a new product that has been built using the experiences gained from over 5 years of solving report distribution and publishing problems. This module will present the motivation behind the tool and demonstrate the new user interface and new publishing options.

Major Topics:

  • Why ProPublisher?
  • Product Architecture
  • User Interface
  • Compatibility with InfoBurst Enterprise
  • Exclusive Features

MODULE 5B: Integration using the ProPublisher API

Synopsis: nfoBurst ProPublisher has been designed for interoperability and supports SOAP/AJAX web services, as well as XML based object import/export. This module will show you how to use the available API’s to your advantage, so that you will be able to integrate parts of the ProPublisher platform with your own applications.

Major Topics:

  • Web Services Overview
  • XML Import and Export
  • Command Line Utilities
  • Building an Interface to ProPublisher using .NET

TRACK 6: Effective Administration and Monitoring Your BOE Environment

MODULE 1A: Tomcat for the BOE Administrator

Intended Audience: BusinessObjects Enterprise System Administrators.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of BusinessObjects XI R2 architecture.

Synopsis: How to manage Tomcat to support BusinessObjects Enterprise in your deployment.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to adjust Tomcat settings for performance, ease of administration and overall optimization.

Major Topics:

  • What is Tomcat?
  • Why Tomcat?
  • Tomcat Architecture
  • Suggested Configurations
  • Using Tomacat as a Web Server
  • A Note on Apache

MODULE 1B: Basic BOE Deployment and Administraion under UNIX

Intended Audience: System Administrators.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of BusinessObjects XI R2 architecture.

Synopsis: What you need to know to deploy BOE under UNIX. How it differs from Windows implementations.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to run an installation of BOE under UNIX (LINUX will be used as the example platform), and perform all major management tasks.

Major Topics:

  • Why UNIX or LINUX?
  • Differences between BOE Administration Tools under UNIX vs. Windows
  • Benefits and Limitations

MODULE 2A: Auditing and Optimization

Intended Audience: System Administrators, IT Managers, BI Managers.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of BusinessObjects XI architecture.

Synopsis: Description of the auditing options available, and how they can lead to optimization.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will understand the many options that exist to tune BusinessObjects and integrate it in one’s environment.

Major Topics:

  • The Architecture
  • The Auditing Tools
  • Third Party Monitoring Tools
  • What They Tell You
  • How to Reconfigure and Optimize your System Based on the Findings

MODULE 2B: InfoView Configuration and Customization

Intended Audience: IT Managers, BI Managers, System Administrators, BI Developers.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of BusinessObjects XI InfoView.

Synopsis: How to change the look and feel of InfoView with minimal effort.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to configure InfoView using the standard files provided by BusinessObjects. The student will also have a basic knowledge of the architecture of the InfoView initial pages and understand how to perform basic customization.

Major Topics:

  • BOE Configuration Files under Tomcat and other Java Servers
  • BOE Configuration Files under IIS
  • Notes when PM is Installed
  • InfoView Code Architectures
  • Customization Best Practices
  • Tips and Tricks

MODULE 3A: Extension Points for Web Intelligence 3.0

Intended Audience: BI Administrators, BI Developers.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of BusinessObjects XI Architecture. Working knowledge of Web Intelligence.

Synopsis: A practical approach of the new customization feature of Web Intelligence.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to create Extension Points for Web Intelligence and extend the functionality of the tool.

Major Topics:

  • What are Extension Points?
  • Features and Limitations

MODULE 3B: Troubleshooting Methods and Tips

Intended Audience: System Administrators.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of BusinessObjects XI architecture.

Synopsis: Suggestions on how to troubleshoot your BusinessObjects Enterprise system.

Objectives: Provide the student with a systematic approach to tackling problems in the infrastructure.

Major Topics:

  • What is a problem?
  • Defining the SLA
  • Track the Fault
  • When is the Problem Fixed?
  • BOE Logs, Audit, Other sources of Information
  • Different Sources between UNIX and Windows

MODULE 4A: Backup Strategy for BOE

Intended Audience: System Administrators.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of BusinessObjects XI architecture.

Synopsis: Suggestions on how to implement a viable and reliable backup strategy for your BOE deployment.

Objectives: Provide the student with a comprehensive approach to the problems and solutions for BOE disaster recovery and incremental retrieval.

Major Topics:

  • What is the Need?
  • Where is the Data?
  • Tools Available
  • Strategy
  • How can We Go Beyond the Essentials?

MODULE 4B: The Right Stuff

Intended Audience: BI Managers, IT Managers, System Administrators.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of BusinessObjects XI architecture and reporting.

Synopsis: An overview of the tasks and responsibilities of the BusinessObjects Enterprise XI administrators.

Objectives: Upon completion, the student will have an adequate understanding of how to recruit or train a BOE administrator.

Major Topics:

  • The System
  • The Technical Needs
  • The Administrator’s Duties
  • The Team
  • Technical Knowledge
  • Profile

MODULE 5A: Round Table Discussion

Intended Audience: An interactive session to discuss all aspects of BusinessObjects Enterprise Management for optimal usage. This forum will provide an excellent opportunity to ask specific questions about your own existing or planned deployments, as well as share your own experiences with your peers.

MODULE 5B: Customer Case Studies

To be announced

TRACK 7: Building and Deploying Effective BI Solutions

MODULE 1A: What is Business Intelligence?

Intended Audience: Targeted toward business executives, managers and key personnel who wish to learn about Business Intelligence.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: A dynamic and interactive seminar on why Business Intelligence is a critical and essential component in so many businesses today and how to plan, build and deploy effective Business Intelligence solutions and why.

Major Topics:

  • Brief History of Evolution of Business Intelligence
  • Current Examples of Usage of Business Intelligence in various industries today
  • The Basic Tools of Business Intelligence

MODULE 1B: The Data Warehouse Decision

Synopsis: Overview of the different types of Data Warehouse, and the criteria for selecting which type is best for which usage.

Major Topics:

  • What is a Data Warehouse and a Data Mart
  • Production Transaction Systems vs. Reporting/Query Systems
  • Building Blocks of Data Warehouses
  • Operational Data Stores
  • Examples of Data Warehouses (Good and Bad) in Business Today

MODULE 2A: Business Considerations and Sponsorship

Synopsis: A look at the business considerations and the executive sponsorship required for a successful Business Intelligence project.

Major Topics:

  • Identifying and Meeting the Business Need
  • Executive Sponsorship and Commitment
  • Selecting the Team

MODULE 2B: The Data Issue

Synopsis: Your BI deployment will be as good as the data used in the process. Some of the common data quality issues and the impact they have on the whole organization will be discussed. Major Topics:

  • Data Quality
  • Types of Data
  • Data Sources
  • ETL

MODULE 3A: The Data Model

Synopsis: The Data Model is the blueprint of the data repository that will drive your Business Intelligence solution. Learn why it is so critical to the success of any BI solution.

Major Topics:

  • Design of the Data Model and the Overall Solution
  • The Data Modeling Exercise
  • The Data Architect

MODULE 3B: Choosing Your Tools

Synopsis: Selection of tools is one of the most important part of creating a BI deployment. You will learn about various tools which are used throughout the lifecycle of the BI deployment and what to watch out for when making a tool selection decision. You will also hear about who from the organization should be part of the decision making team.

Major Topics:

  • The Choice of Tools
  • Query and Reporting Tools
  • Dashboard and Data Visualization Tools
  • Predictive Analysis and Data Mining
  • Data Quality Tools
  • Data Loading and Transformation Tools
  • Data Design Tools
  • Report Distribution and Publishing Tools

MODULE 4A: Types of Users

Synopsis: There are many different types of users in any business and it is important to understand their unique needs and requirements. This topic explores the different groups from a Business Intelligence perspective.

Major Topics:

  • Report and Information Consumers
  • Query and Analysis Standard Users
  • Query and Analysis Power Users
  • Report/Dashboard Creators and Data Stewards
  • Business Intelligence and Data Administrators

MODULE 4B: User Interfaces

Synopsis: You can have the state-of-the-art database and tools for your BI backend, but the key is to have an easy-to-use and attractive user interface. You will learn the key points to watch for when creating/selecting the user interface.

Major Topics:

  • Ergonomics vs. Functionality
  • Dashboards
  • Matching the Interface to the User

MODULE 5A: The Delivery Dilemma: Push vs. Pull

Synopsis: Do you have users who are proactive and would like to get the reports from the central location when they need? Or do you have users who would rather have you deliver the reports to them in the format they need? We will discuss different ways and formats in which information can be delivered on a regular basis, on demand, or based on certain events that have happened.

Major Topics:

  • Standardized Reports vs. Ad-hoc Reports
  • Static Data vs. Real-time Refresh
  • Intelligent Bursting
  • Matching the Report Delivery to the Need
  • Dashboard Distribution
  • Scheduling and Performance Considerations

MODULE 5B: Delivering Results and Measuring ROI

Synopsis: While the initial success of a Business Intelligence project may be measured by the initial results delivered, it usually takes many months to achieve a full return on investment, and so it is important to continually monitor and measure the on-going results. This session looks at ways to achieve this.

Major Topics:

  • Defining Completion and Success Criteria
  • Measuring Project Progress
  • Monitoring Results after Delivery of the Solution
  • Competency Center and Best Practices
  • Case Studies

TRACK 8: Business Intelligence 2.0

MODULE 1A: User Collaboration

Intended Audience: Personnel looking for ways to control their own user experience and group collaboration on the BusinessObjects environment.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: This course will cover some of the newest collaboration tools and methods available to empower and grow the user experience.

Major Topics:

  • Examples of Web 2.0 on the Web Today
  • Third Party and BO Web 2.0 Tools Specific to the BO XI R2 Environment
  • Setting up Your Own Environment
  • Creating Groups and Inviting other Users
  • Attaching Reports to Groups

MODULE 1B: Intelligent Search

Intended Audience: Personnel looking for ways to find a needle in a haystack or the right report in a sea of corporate reports.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: This course will cover search secrets, setting up preferences, lesser known tricks to using the InfoView portal to its greatest potential and using the Encyclopedia.

Major Topics:

  • How to Search Effectively
  • How to Set up Your Preferences and My InfoView
  • Using Encyclopedia
  • Search Content

MODULE 2A: Search Based Query and Analysis

Intended Audience: Personnel needing to navigate quickly and intuitively through corporate data (dispersed or consolidated).

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: Using the new BusinessObjects Polestar, users will experience how simple keyword searches are used to discover meaningful information hidden in data sources across their organization to more intuitively navigate information beyond existing business intelligence content and reports.

Major Topics:

  • Introduction to Polestar
  • Keyword Navigation in Action

MODULE 2B: Intelligent Hierarchies

Intended Audience: Anyone who has ever wanted to see how values “shake out,” when moved from one cost center/region/group to another.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: Business Intelligence may start with knowing your actual data well enough to make informed decisions. But, it often breaks down when you cannot manipulate data to see what might happen once those decisions are made. This course will show how you can minipulate hierarchies in a “what if I did this,” scenario without having to update your source data.

Major Topics:

  • Manipulating Hierarchies on Existing Reports
  • Saving Custom Hierarchies
  • Sending Manipulated Reports to Users
  • Applying Manipulated Hierarchies to other Reports

MODULE 3A: Intelligent Distribution and Publishing

Intended Audience: Any individual who has a need for an advanced publishing and distribution solution.

Prerequisites: None.

Synopsis: This session includes practical demonstrations to show users how to build a range of different workflows encompassing a wide range of features available for publishing with the leading business intelligence report and dashboard distribution tool.

Major Topics:

  • Being Flexible, how to Mix and Match Document Types
  • Consolidation of Multiple Documents
  • Delivering Rich HTML E-mail Content
  • Publishing Dashboards
  • Report Bursting using Dynamic, Query Based Inputs

MODULE 3B: Enhancing Applications with BI

Intended Audience: Personnel looking to enhance other web products using their BI investment.

Prerequisites: Web development, SQL, .NET development a plus.

Synopsis: This session will discuss a real application where a web call system was enhanced with a dashboard using data fed through InfoBurst XDS via XML. Then, we will discuss how you can enhance your own web applications.

Objectives:

Major Topics:

  • Analyze your Web Site for Enhancement
  • Dashboard Placement and Solution Architecture
  • Dashboard Creation and Set-up
  • Data Feed Possibilities
  • XML from InfoBurst XDS
  • Other Data Sources for Dashboard Consumption

MODULE 4A: Master Data Management

Intended Audience: Data management and administrative personnel interested in new technology that simplifies updating data warehouse business models as the company business model changes.

Prerequisites: Data warehousing knowledge.

Synopsis: This session will highlight enhancements made in data warehouse lifecycle management (DWLM).

Major Topics:

  • How to Significantly Reduce Adaptation to Organizational Change
  • How to Reduce backlogs of Data Warehouse Change Requests

MODULE 4B: Flexible Dashboards

Intended Audience: Dashboard developers.

Prerequisites: Working knkowledge of Xcelsius dashboard creation a plus.

Synopsis: With the availability of Xcelsius API, we now have the ability to enhance existing components and create new components within Xcelsius. The best tool for doing this is Adobe Flex. This session will introduce Flex and how it may be used with the Xcelsius API to create a new component.

Major Topics:

  • Introduction to Flex - It’s Free!...Sort of!
  • Flex 3.0 New Features
  • Working with the Flex Data Grid Component
  • Working in Flex with the Xcelsius API

MODULE 5A: Round Table Panel Discussion on the Future of BI

Synopsis: An excellent opportunity to discuss ideas and ask questions of a panel of Business Intelligence experts and visionaries about the future of Business Intelligence.

MODULE 5B: Customer Case Studies

To be announced.