Online analytical processing (OLAP)

OLAP or online analytical processing is an approach to provide results of business queries. These queries can be multidimentional in nature and can be very complex in nature. OLAP is very useful in business intelligence solutions.

OLAP applications are in business reporting, sales, marketing, business process management, budgeting and forecasting. OLAP performs multidimensional analysis of business data and also provide us capability for complex calculations, trend analysis, and sophisticated data modeling.

OLAP is quickly becoming the fundamental bone for Business Intelligent Solutions including Business Performance Management, Planning, Budgeting, Forecasting, Financial Reporting, Analysis, Simulation Models, Knowledge Discovery, and Data Warehouse Reporting.

OLAP enables end-users to perform ad hoc analysis of data in multiple dimensions, therefore providing the insight and understanding they need for better decision making and planning business intelligence strategy. OLAP also inclues following terms.

• Extract transform load - ETL
• Relational reporting
• Data mining