Re: [SYS21] Reporting

Todd,

Most tools that you will encounter will require you to create your
datawarehouse, rather than direct data access from Sytstem/21.  Your users
would then use a tool such as Cognos Powerplay, DI Diver, Hyperion etc. to
access this data.  As you stated, the number of System/21 files and the
format of those files does not allow for easy access.  What these tools
allow you to do is to remove a lot of the reporting from IT hands and into
those of the people who need the information the most.

The hardest part of this process will be justifying the cost of such a tool
to upper management as none come cheap.  However, if you look at the amount
of time saved for both the users and IT, the reduction in printed output
(since the data will be available for everyone to see), the benefits to the
business in having business critical information available in a timely
manner, mount up very quickly.  Also, focus on the current reporting that
is being done and I am sure you will identify further benefits by using one
of the reporting / analysis tools.  Also, you can use additional products
from the likes of Cognos and Hyperion to streamline and improve the budget
process (for example, Cognos Finance which is an excellent budgeting and
financial reporting solution).

Hope this helps.

Regards,
John McPherson.






                    "Todd Grass"
                    <tgrass@anr-co.com>        To:     <JBAUSERS-L@midrange.com>
                    Sent by:                   cc:
                    jbausers-l-admin@mi        Subject:     [SYS21]   Reporting
                    drange.com


                    30/09/2002 15:14
                    Please respond to
                    jbausers-l







We are continually bombarded with requests from users to do more "What If"
type reporting.  The immediate stock answer is to answer their requests
with
a query. However, the users hate queries and want to be able to do
something
on their own.  The users understand there are tons of files and data
available, but they want an easier method of "mining" that data.  Has
anyone
found a product that works with Sys/21 that provides a "friendly" method of
data mining for non-technical users?


R. Todd Grass
American National Rubber
Main & High Streets
Ceredo, WV  25507
V=(304) 453-1311 ext 566
F=(304) 453-5619
TGRASS@ANR-CO.COM

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