Förbättrad informationshantering för Scanias produktionscontrollers en readiness-utvärdering av datalagerteknik

Abstract

The controllers’ efficiency is very dependent on information availability. A significant part of this information is difficult to access, ambiguous and is heterogeneously defined in various transaction systems. This problem has been identified by Scania, hence our thesis.

Data warehousing technology aims to improve the availability, quality and suitability on selected information. These opportunities are very difficult to realise which only come to show in the meagre statistics over successful projects. Practical experience has over the years developed knowledge of certain factors critical to a projects’ success, ie readiness factors.

On the basis of these factors we have investigated the present conditions for the possibility of improving information availability with data warehousing technology. This has been done through the use of data warehouse technology for the controllers at Scania’s production units. The controllers’ working situation served as a starting point in determining the applicability of the technology.

The readiness test resulted in strengths as well as weaknesses. Our conclusions are that a larger integrating solution needs to be preceded by a number of preventive measures with some of the factors. Concepts and information requirements must be synchronized, the scope needs to be clearly defined and the business value formulated. The present information environment fall short in data quality and indicates deficiencies in data definitions, both which require resolving.

At present we recommend Scania to implement the technology in stand alone systems and use intermediate storing to take advantage of the dimensional analysis possibilities. This solution can be implemented without any drastic measures to be taken. Scania needs to map the information requirements in regards to the specific systems. It is however important to understand that the user might become inspired by the technology and start requesting further solutions. Knowing this from the start will help the company take advantage of this information as useful knowledge in preparation for more ambitious solutions in the future.