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Data and Reporting Services: Getting Started

 

 

On this page:
Overview
Software Requirements
Data Access Requirements
Downloading Standard Reports
Training
Getting Help

Overview

The Data Warehouse is a central data repository that provides the MIT community with integrated data from various administrative systems. It is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day except Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Data Warehouse is an Oracle database. BrioQuery is the officially supported and most commonly used software tool to access the data warehouse. However, any SQL (Structured Query Language) based tool such as Excel, FileMaker Pro, or Microsoft Access could be used to retrieve data from the Warehouse to your desktop. You can combine data from the Warehouse with locally maintained data either by importing your local data into BrioQuery or by exporting data from BrioQuery for use in another application.

Software Requirements

Windows

Macintosh

For Macintosh, we recommend that you run BrioQuery via the PC emulator Citrix.
Note: You will be using the Windows version of BrioQuery installed on the Citrix server.

Data Access Requirements

To access data you need:

All MIT employees with Kerberos usernames automatically have access to all public data in the Data Warehouse. For access to non-public data, you will need authorization. You can request access via the online form. You will be granted the same reporting access in the Warehouse that you have in other Roles Database applications such as SAP, HR, MITSIS, and EH&S.

For more information on using BrioQuery to access information in the Data Warehouse, see the BrioQuery Guide.

Downloading Standard Reports

Many standard reports have been prepared and made available from the web to help users access data in the Data Warehouse. They are organized by business area (financial, general, HR, student, EH&S, etc) and can be found on the right-hand side of the main Data Warehouse at MIT page. These reports do not contain data. They are pre-formatted templates that have been created using the BrioQuery program. Each template contains at least one fully formatted report that you can view, modify and and print. Using a standard report means that you don't have to learn how to use BrioQuery features and commands to construct reports on your own. At a minimum you need only to start up BrioQuery and use one command, called the Process command. You will be prompted for any information you need to provide, after which your data will be returned to you. For more information, see the Reports section on the main MIT Data Warehouse page and Instructions for Downloading and Processing BrioQuery Reports.

Training

Both quick start demos and hands-on training classes are offered by IS&T Training Services. No registration is required for Quick Starts. You can sign up for hands-on classes via the SAPweb Self Service page under the Training tab [ Certificates required].

Getting Help

General help using the Data Warehouse or BrioQuery: warehouse-help@mit.edu

Questions about access to the Data Warehouse: warehouse-admin@mit.edu

Data Warehouse/BrioQuery User Group: Meets most Thursdays starting at 1:30 pm in NE49-3rd Floor (Little Cayman room). Data Warehouse staff members are available for hands-on help during this time. Changes in the schedule are posted on the Data Warehouse home page. The Data Warehouse staff is also available for one-on-one consultations, in cases where your questions might not be answered in the course of a user group meeting, or where special attention is needed. Contact warehouse-help@mit.edu to make arrangements for someone to meet with you.

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