Query Tools Overview

BusinessObjects and QlikView are complementary tools for administrative data analysis at Penn. In general, BusinessObjects is the preferred tool for creating and editing queries for all authorized users of the Warehouse data collections; QlikView is better for analyses where visualization and drill-down are desired/appropriate.

BusinessObjects
BusinessObjects Web Intelligence is the primary supported query tool used to provide access to the Data Warehouse, which resides on an Oracle database server.
 

SAP/BusinessObjects is a strategic web-based tool for ad hoc analysis. It provides extensive query construction and report formatting capabilities, all in a web environment and without the need for desktop client software.

BI launch pad is the portal to all BusinessObjects reports, including:

  • the individual's personal collection of queries and reports, stored in their My Favorites area on the server
  • the Public Folders which contain all reports shared by groups of people

Supported browsers (and java versions):

QlikView facilitates the visualization of data analysis. It is user friendly and provides fast in-memory analysis capabilities by dynamically integrating and presenting data from multiple data sources.

The QlikView tool complements BusinessObjects with the following advantages:

  • Guided data analysis with easy interactivity for end users
  • Dashboard capabilities for easy visual understanding of data analysis such as trending
  • Incorporate data sources in addition to the Data Warehouse such as spreadsheets or other databases

For an introduction to QlikView, see the Tips & How To page.

Contact Enterprise Information & Analytics for licensing information and help getting started using Qlik at Penn.

Warehouse users may also employ other tools, such as Oracle's SQL*Plus, TOAD, Microsoft Access or Excel with Microsoft Query, Microsoft Power BI and FileMaker Pro, once they have received access to a data collection. Users of these and other tools are strongly advised to consult Enterprise Information & Analytics before exploring these options for advice on connecting to the Warehouse, joining tables, and efficient querying.