The bulleted items below summarize the five major steps in creating a data warehouse. Although every project possesses some distinctive characteristics, and we reflect those considerations in the project plan, our basic methodology remains consistent.

• Meet with client personnel to identify immediate and long–term data requirements.
• Produce a Requirements Specification for the client’s approval.
• Assemble a Design Specification, beginning with recommendations for the necessary hardware and Business Intelligence software.  The Design Specification also includes a data model and mock–ups of the key user interface screens.  Work with the client’s project team to refine the design for client approval.
• Develop, test, and document the software described in the Design Specification.  Throughout this process, transfer knowledge about system support and long–term maintenance to the client’s IT staff.
• Prior to the production roll–out of the data warehouse, provide “train the trainer” instruction for end users of the system.