Responsibilities of BW Data Architect

Responsibilities of an implementation project...

For ex, Lets say If its a fresh implementation of BI or for that matter you are implementing SAP...

First and foremost will be your requirements gathering from the client. Depending upon the requirements you will creat a business blueprint of the project which is the entire process from the start to the end of an implementation...

After the blue print phase sign off we start off with the realization phase where the actual development happens... In our example after installing the necessary softwares, patches for BI we need to discuss with the end users who are going to use the system for inputs like how they want a report to look like and what are the Key Performance Indicators(KPI) for the reports etc., basically its a question and answer session with the business users... After collecting those informations the development happens in the development servers...

After the development comes to an end the same objects are tested in quality servers for any bugs, errors etc., When all the tests are done we move all the objects to the production environment and test it again whether everything works fine...

The Go-Live of the project happens where the actually postings happen from the users and reports are generated based on those inputs which will be available as an analytical report for the management to take decisions...

The responsibilites vary depending on the requirement... Initially the business analyst will interact with the end users/managers etc., then on the requirements the software consultants do the development, testers do the testing and finally the go-live happens...

BW Data Architect Description :
The BW Data Architect is responsible for the overall data design of the BW project. This includes the design of the
- BW InfoCubes (Basic Cubes, Multi-cubes, Remote cubes, and Aggregates)
- BW ODS Objects
- BW Datamarts
- Logical Models
- BW Process Models
- BW Enterprise Models

The BW Data Architect plays a critical role in the BW project and is the link between the end user's business requirements and the data architecture solution that will satisfy these requirements. All other activities in the BW project are contingent upon the data design being sound and flexible enough to satisfy evolving business requirements.

Time Commitment – the time which must be committed to this Role to ensure the project requirements are met. Project Complexity Time Commitment:

Low - If the BW project utilizes standard BW content and InfoCubes, this role can be satisfied by the BW Application Consultant. Medium If the BW project requires enhancements to the standard BW content and InfoCubes and/or requires the integration of non-SAP data, this role may require a committed resource.

High - If the BW project requires significant modification and enhancement to standard BW content and InfoCubes, it is highly recommended that an experienced resource be committed full-time to the project.

Key Attributes The BW Data Architect must have:
- An understanding of the BW data architecture
- An understanding of multidimensional modeling
- An understanding of the differences between operational systems data modeling and data warehouse data modeling
- An understanding of the end user's data
- An understanding of the integration points of the data (e.g., customer number, invoice number)
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Technical competency in data modeling
- Multi-language skills, if an international implementation
- Working knowledge of the BW and R/3 application(s)
- Experience with Data Modeling application software (i.e., ERWIN, Oracle Designer, S-Designer, etc.)

Key Tasks - The BW Data Architect is responsible for capturing the business requirements for the BW project. This effort includes:
- Planning the business requirements gathering sessions and process
- Coordinating all business requirements gathering efforts with the BW Project Manager
- Facilitating the business requirements gathering sessions
- Capturing the information and producing the deliverables from the business requirements gathering sessions
- Understanding and documenting business definitions of data
- Developing the data model
- Ensuring integration of data from both SAP and non-SAP sources
- Fielding questions concerning the data content, definition and structure

This role should also address other critical data sign issues such as:
- Granularity of data and the potential for multiple levels of granularity
- Use of degenerate dimensions
- InfoCube partitioning
- Need for aggregation at multiple levels
- Need for storing derived BW data
- Ensuring overall integrity of all BW Models
- Providing Data Administration development standards for business requirements analysis and BW enterprise modeling
- Provide strategic planning for data management
- Impact analysis of data change requirements

As stated above, the BW Data Architect is responsible for the overall data design of the BW project. This includes the design of the:
- BW InfoCubes (Basic Cubes, Multi-cubes, Remote cubes, and Aggregates)
- BW ODS Objects
- BW Datamarts
- Logical Models
- BW Process Models
- BW Enterprise Models