The speed of reports is largely determined by the underlying data model. Our rule of thumb: no action in a report should take longer than 10 seconds. If it does, there must be a good reason.
Where are the gains?
- Data types: a text column takes up far more space than a numeric column. At large volumes, that slows down every query.
- Aggregation: summarising data to a higher level in advance, so users who want the big picture don’t compute at detail level.
- The data model: a well-designed star model is faster and easier to understand than one wide table.
- Loading processes: processing only what has changed, instead of reloading everything every time.
Our approach
- Measure where the time goes, from load process to report.
- Tackle the biggest bottlenecks first.
- Measure again and record the result.
What it delivers
- Faster reports and loading processes.
- Lower storage and compute costs.
- Users who enjoy working with their reports again.
A fast report starts with a good model. Read more about data modelling.
Specialisms
Read how we work, topic by topic.
Impact analysis for model changes New
Know what breaks in your historical data before you migrate.
Reverse engineering
Finding out how an existing system works, even when nobody remembers.
Migration
To a new platform or the cloud, without losing your history.
Rebuild and new build
A new data warehouse, or an existing one rebuilt, better.
Performance and efficiency
Faster loads and reports, lower costs.
Data modelling
The foundation: a model that grows with your organisation.
Visualisation
Dashboards that answer the question you are really asking.
Documentation
So your organisation can keep understanding and managing it on its own.
Get more out of your data?
Get in touch for a no-obligation introduction.
