Superstring theory is a branch of theoretical physics and is an attempt at a Theory Of Everything (TOE). It has been developed in an attempt to explain the very nature of the universe. The only trouble is that the mathematics required to explain any observed phenomena requires the use of up to 26 dimensions. We have all heard about the 3 spatial (width, height and depth) and 1 time dimension, but the other 22 may come as a bit of a surprise! These extra spatial dimensions are believed to exist on such small scales that we cannot perceive them.
The same is true of businesses in that they are multidimensional in their complexity. They almost always require more than 3 dimensions to accurately describe any particular business aspect. For example, a chain of flower shops may require analysis by Customer, Product Code, Branch, Sales Assistant, Numerical Measure (Qty, Revenue etc) and of course Time just to describe sales.
Most businesses are heavy users of spreadsheets such as Excel. In a recent survey conducted, 66% of respondents stated that they used Excel for budgeting and planning. Excel can only practically cater for 3 dimensions represented in rows, columns and sheets, and therefore does not seem the ideal tool to model the complex dimensionality of business. So if Excel is not an appropriate tool, what is?
OLAP technology was developed specifically to manage multidimensional data since the early 1990s. OLAP cubes offer advanced technology that now allows business users to perform fast and powerful reporting and querying of their complex business models.
BIOLAP Ltd provides OLAP expertise necessary to build the models, reporting and forecasting solutions needed to extract maximum value from business data. In doing so, we free up valuable time, create insight and build confidence in the numbers throughout organisations. For a free demonstration or no-obligation conversation about the dimensionality of your business why not call 01952 456 453 or join us for a free OLAP webinar held weekly at 3pm (UK time) on Friday afternoons.
(Written by Matthew Hipkiss – a Senior Consultant at BIOLAP)
