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 The information provided would be outdated.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.