Transcript Lapetite acadamy - Northern Illinois University

La-petite Academy
Web-based DSS Portal
-----Group 2 Presentation----Marek Bujarski
William Tadder
Mohamed Haque
Ryan Carlson
La-petite Academy
Founded in 1968
 Over 583 free-standing la
petite academies
 Located in 36 states
 Currently there are over
80 private kindergartens

Problems With Old Method

To get reports with old system managers
had to go thorough to many channels.
• For example:
– Marketing dept>Finance dept.>Payroll
dept.>HR dept>Accounting dept.>IT dept
etc...Then compile separate reports into one.
– Process could take 2 weeks. The information
provided would be outdated.
– Management needed current reports to
address problems at hand.
Solution!
Build a data ware house that can pull
information from all schools with the
ability to formulate customized reports.
 Solution is a data warehouse because it
is a Database of updated corporate
data, supports Datamining, and OLAP.

How System Was Constructed?

Used a DSS generator

(Information Builders Inc.) web-focus
reporting tool to construct the DSS.

Web focus
What the System Does for the
Company
Allows business users to log into and
create custom reports.
 Retrieve information concerning
particular business areas.
 System can pull data from various
schools and combine into a report.
 Usual Users:

– Executives, Directors, Regional managers,
Field management team
Basic System Functions
Formulate custom reports for
management
 Corporate users can look at accounts
payable.
 Centralizes information
 Can pull executive summaries (EIS)
composed of graphs and charts

Security Measures
All web interface can login with a
browser from within the Intranet
 Can Access portal through VPN outside
of firewall
 Has a security layer based on
terminology of user groups

– Different types of users can log into
different areas of web portal.
– When a user logs into the system, they are
only shown the data they have permission
to access.
Technical Specifications

System pulls data into reporting server
– “web server”

3 tier architecture
– Database Layer
– Business Logic Layer
– Presentation Layer

Uses business databases
– MS SQL Server
– AS-400
Projected System Benefits

Streamline decision making process
– Faster decision making
– Enterprise-wide decision making

Get comprehensive data to solve
problems in real time
– Virtual portal creates reports in minutes
– Making decision based on enterprise wide
data
= Save time & Money
Future Plans for System Use

Mapping software (Geographic
Information System [GIS] software).
– Would be able to calculate strategic sites
for new academies.
– Integrate GIS system with business
intelligence as they are currently two
separate applications
Conclusion

Reports from each independent
departments
– E.g. Finance, marketing, sales, and
accounting

The old system of doing business is
cumbersome
– Decision took too long
– Costing too much time
Conclusion – Contd

Now, reports are available on demand.
– By use of intelligent system (e.g. data
warehouse, web portal).
– Portal can be accessed through any web
browser inside the company firewall.
• Enabled faster decision making process.
• Savings of valuable time.
• Improved bottom line.
Conclusion - Contd

In 1995, the city of Philadelphia (CA)
used GIS to optimize their garbage
truck routes. In the following year the
city saved over $1 million in overtime.