10 Ways Your Query Tool Is Failing You
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View the slideshow to learn how a modern data access solution can alleviate the frustrations of the IBM i basic query tool. Watch the on-demand webinar on HelpSystems.com: http://www.helpsystems.com/sequel/events/recorded-webinars/10-ways-query-fails-you
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10 Ways Your Query Tool Is Failing You
- 1. 10 Ways Your Query Tool Is Failing You
- 2. Heath Kath Sr. Data Access Consultant Mike Stegeman Sr. Data Access Consultant Today’s speakers: Welcome!
- 3. • Why use a query tool? • Common query tool frustrations • What to look for in a query tool • Demonstration • Q&A Today’s Agenda
- 4. • Analyze large amounts of data • Access multiple databases • Share information effectively Why Use a Query Tool?
- 5. • Why use a query tool? • How is your query tool failing you? • What to look for in a query tool • Demonstration • Q&A Today’s Agenda
- 6. Can’t report from other servers Unable to save results to a file or document Difficult to control users and roles Runtime prompts aren’t easy How is your query tool failing you?
- 7. No choice of output Unable to drill down No auto- refresh feature Lacks user interface options How is your query tool failing you?
- 8. Can only access RAW unformatted data Unable to access live data Limited support options Product is not being updated How is your query tool failing you?
- 9. No ‘How To’ examples No additional services offered has hidden costs Unable to save time How is your query tool failing you?
- 10. What are your query challenges? How is your query tool failing you?
- 11. Today’s Agenda • Why use a query tool? • How is your query tool failing you? • What to look for in a query tool • Demonstration • Q&A
- 12. What To Look For In a Query Tool Real-time data displayed in a dashboard
- 13. GUI interface No programs to write No need to know SQL Multiple server access As report designers What To Look For In a Query Tool
- 14. Convert existing queries Deliver meaningful results Discover flexibility/runtime prompts Improve runtime performance with the SQE Build simple and advanced reports As report designers What To Look For In a Query Tool
- 15. • Ease of installation • Quality support • Continual enhancements • Updates • Security and auditing As administrators What To Look For In a Query Tool
- 16. 5250 Output options DistributionDrill down to detail ScheduleAutomation Access live data Prompt DashboardsMultiple interfaces As business analysts Three interfaces: What To Look For In a Query Tool Browser or mobile devices
- 17. GraphsExecutive Dashboards Custom Reports Browser Access (SEQUEL Web Interface) SEQUEL Solution
- 18. Charts & Graphs Pivot Tables Remote Database Access Custom Reports Scripting Browser Access Executive Dashboards Report Distribution Queries & Views Drill-Down Data Analysis Easily Access and Share Data SEQUEL Data Warehouse
- 20. Today’s Agenda • Why use a query tool? • How is your query tool failing you? • What to look for in a query tool • Demonstration • Q&A
- 21. 10-Minute Demo • SEQUEL Demonstration – Green screen query and SQL – SEQUEL graphical interface – Import query objects – Enhance the view (query) – Build dashboard – Distribution options
- 22. • Flexibility—get needed information • Affordability—save time, deploy easily • Ease of use—graphical user interface • Efficiency—use the SQL Query Engine (SQE) • And more! In Summary SEQUEL is the solution!
- 23. Today’s Agenda • Why use a query tool? • How is your query tool failing you? • What to look for in a query tool • Demonstration • Q&A
- 24. Heath Kath Sr. Data Access Consultant heath.kath@helpsystems.com Mike Stegeman Sr. Data Access Consultant mike.stegeman@helpsystems.com www.helpsystems.com/sequel We are ready for your questions!
- 25. Thank You for Joining Us Today! Website: www.helpsystems.com/sequel Phone: 800-328-1000 or +1 952-933-0609 Email: mike.stegeman@helpsystems.com heath.kath@helpsystems.com support.sequel@helpsystems.com
Editor's Notes
- ============ (on-line….notes) -- PPT 15 -18 minutes! Less time is better, long demo MIke -- Hello everyone and welcome to today’s webinar – 10 Ways Your Query Tool is Failing You : During today’s presentation, we will address common frustrations why basic query tools could be failing you, discuss major data access and distribution trends, and help you understand what to look for in a more advanced query tool. …………………. Notes: --notes…. Goal: 30 minute or less webinar (PPT – Less than 20 minutes + Live Demo 10 minutes) Setup Polling: OPEN Poll #18 – Break Free from Basic QUERY – to be used Just Before Demo Abstract: 10 Ways Your Query Tool is Failing You Your query tool has been around for a while—a long while. It used to be state-of-the-art, but now you’ve started to realize that it’s failing you. Badly. Your management team and business users deserve better. In this webinar, we’ll address more than ten common frustrations with the IBM i basic query tool and show you how a modern, advanced data access tool gives you quick access to your data and helps you present it in a way that is useful to your users. Join us to learn how a data access tool like SEQUEL makes it possible to: • Empower your users with executive dashboards • Access data from other servers (including SQL, DB2, and so on) • Save your results in Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF, etc. • And more!
- Mike: My name is Mike Stegeman. I will be your host for today’s webinar. I am a Senior Data Access Consultant with Sequel Software working in the Schaumburg, IL office outside of Chicago. Today, we have another DB expert that has joined us, Heath how are you doing? Heath: I am doing great, thank you. My Name is Heath Kath. I am also a Sr. Data Access Consultant with Help Systems working for Sequel Software out of US office. I have been working on the IBM i, around data access, for over 24 years. I actually worked IBM in Rochester MN supporting Query/400, SQL, and other DB tools. Today I am excited to show you some of the challenges that I and many others have run into with basic query tools . Mike: About today’s session, if you have questions during the session, please use the CHAT feature and send a message to All Panelists, and we will address those questions during our Q&A at the conclusion of the webinar. I am also recording the webinar and we will include a link to the recording in our follow-up email usually within a day. Now, let’s go ahead and get started. (next slide)
- HEATH – “lets just jump right into today’s presentation, starting with: “Next slide… do NOT talk on. As for our agenda, we will start off with Why query tools are so helpful, address common limitations, and help you understand what to look for in a more advanced query tool. Of which is then followed by a quick demonstration and Q&A
- Heath –(say): why you use a query tool? 1. You may have a lot of data to analyze. This data could be over any type of table or tables (Customer, Patient, Distribution, Accounting or Sales ) You may need to query your data for compliance purposes Collect and examine data History Analyze current and past trends Collect Audit information You may need to pull in data from different sources different database – local and remote. Sharing of information means that it can be viewed, printed or emailed – easily distributed. To borrow a line from the financial world where a person could be income rich and cash poor, meaning they have a good income but their assets are limited. Many organizations are Data Rich but Information Poor. Without a proper query tool, the data contained within the files is just data. You need a proper query tool to select the data converting it to useful information.
- < Skip over … don’t talk to this slide> Limitation of some query tools
- Heath- Say: 10 Common Query Limitations on how your query tool maybe failing you. (remember to read it like a question) Is it, what’s not included with your query package, that is limiting you from getting the data that you need, when you need it and how your need it? Or simply, Is everything that you need included with your Query Tool? <<use pointer>> You query tool or application could be failing you because it can NOT query data on other platforms, remote databases, such as an MS SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL? Or, if it is possible, there may be a fee, an add-on for the limited option? Many query tools have limited output options, I know many users today user query/400 and there is no way to send results directly to Excel or PDF document; either on demand or from a scheduled job You query tool could be difficult to manage and distribute because you are unable to define the users roll, should they be able to run and design the queries, or just run only? Many query tools require users to modify or create new queries because the tool fails to allow them Runtime prompts, the flexibility that allow the users to run the same query inputting different date ranges, or customer numbers, and more, based on their needs at that time.
- Heath – 4 more reasons why your query tool is failing you. Query tools have limited output options, unable to deliver the results to the users in the way they want them? Unable to easily schedule, to automate the process, unable to email or send the results in a PC document like Excel or PDF. Users are unable to drill into detail data or pivot the data, especially if they see a data exception with their current Query tool With many query tools, they fail to display current or live data. Their unable to automatically refreshed the data if displayed on a dashboard. Current data is an important aspect of good information, and many queries fail to do this. Your query toll is failing you by not allowing you multiple interface options such as green browser and mobile access Working with free or standard query tools, users can get the data out of the files with limited options of just viewing or printing. What I found from my personal experience and from several users that I have worked with, these basic query tools will hold you back. These limited query tools will not allow you to easily take the information to the next level, you are unable to convert raw data into true business information. I have just two more reasons why your query tool is failing you.
- Heath – – actually, I have more than 10, so 9. Number 9, many query tools fail because they can only access the data as is? It’s very frustrating if you cant get the needed information to help make better business decisions. BI – Business Intelligence can be defined as raw data that has been massaged – converted - to allow for better business decisions to be made. 10. True BI is derived from real-time data. Old data, in most cases, can not yield information at all. Now, historical transactions can provide important information for trends and is the basis for accounting reporting. But the true essence of BI in today’s fast moving business world is that the information needs to be current. 11. Do you have limited support? Query tools may fail you because you can not call Support when needed, or there an extra cost. Some vendors may limit the number of support calls and type of questions. Possibly who can even call. Some tools only allow email support, or just phone, or just on-line chat. 12. Enhancements or upgrades come as an extra cost -- Data needs to be transformed to allow the users to help understand the day to day transactions. The query tool that is being used by several users yet today, is slow, Its limited on data selection, output, and most likely is limited to accessing data ONLY on the local database. Several query tools like QRY/400, cannot access data on other partitions or other databases.
- Heath – – last 4 reasons why your query tool could be failing you. Your query solution does NOT offer on-line examples, how to videos, other tips to help. Your solution doesn’t offer consulting service, or maybe even training sessions Your query tools’ limitations could be costing you money? If you think about it, your TIME is very valuable! Are you working with a query tool that requires people’s time just to make it functional? Need to purchase separate licenses one for users, one for designers, and maybe another to access remote tables. Is your query tool failing you, end users, and possible programmers? Many users are not able to get the data they need themselves so they require a programmer to spend days and possibly weeks to create that customize report that you need. ----------- move to later A quick plug for SEQUEL software, we have found that Programmers have been able to reduce up to 45% of their backlog by using SEQUEL. 45%, Programmers can now build custom reports in hours, verses several days or weeks. Users can also save time, save money, no longer do they have to wait several hours or days to get the information they need,… they are empowered and able to get the data they need – now, when they need it. They can drill into data one way and then another way without requesting a new query to be built or to modify an existing one.
- Heath - one last slide about query limitations on why your Query Tool is failing you. Are you finding it hard to manage too many queries? Do you run multiple queries, one at a time, to finally produce a consolidated report? maybe your are even manually copying and pasting the data into an excel doc Do you have users that could benefit from quick and easy access to data? Do you have a need to control or limit users from accessing certain queries and data? Do you have a need to access data on other systems or platforms such as an SQL Server, ORACLE, My SQL, etc.?
- HEATH - <skip over – don’t talk to >
- Heath - So what should you be looking for in a query tool? Many users need to see data in a variety of ways. A powerful tool allows you to place data on a customized dashboard. Dashboards can also be created for managers or other users, not just executives. Users should be able to access dashboards quickly and simply by clicking on a link or a shortcut, from a PC or Browser. A browser solution than opens the door for mobility…most of us probably have laptops, smart phones and tablets.
- Heath – What to look for in a Query Tool – if you have programmers spending several days to weeks to build a custom report for one users, and than another… how good is that data when it old? How much time do they have to spare for other projects. In order to stay competitive in today’s business environment, you need a robust tool, you need flexibility, you need quick access to your data, but also you need to present business information it in a way that is most useful to your users. As a report designer? <<use pointer>> A Graphical User Interface – that is quick and easy to use, allowing you to drag and drop, double click to build the queries and reports. This GUI interface allows data, the results to be Printed, Emailed, Displayed, and sent to a PC documents A product that doesn't require you to know how to write a program or even know SQL, the structured query language, but a product that still takes advantage of the fastest method of data access - SQL A Wizard to walks your through, helping you build the queries when necessary Query tool that allows you to access data on remote databases.
- Heath – Also, are you concerned that you have spent a lot of time building those queries, possibly several hundred, you need a query product that allows you to keep your work, to be able to import and convert those existing queries so you don’t lose all that work. A tool that allows designers to easily add calculated and derived fields, yielding better and more useful information One report that can be use by several analysts, one query to be run by different users, departments, managers and so on. The flexibility of runtime prompts allows uses to enter in those variables at runtime is priceless. A tool that can take advantage of the newer SQE (SQL Query Engine) which has been proven to improve run-time performance especially over extremely large data files. On average 3 to 10 times faster, but we have seen some customers improved up to 90 times. A product that allows you to build both simple and advance queries from selecting one to several files and members.
- Heath - (say): As an Administrator, many solutions have limited support and limited or costly updates… You need a query tool that offers: quick and easy installation. Doesn’t require days, weeks, months to get the product up and running Access to quality support and documents like user guides A product that is continuously being enhanced… possibly requests from the user on what they need Software updates and conversions should be included without any additional hidden costs A powerful tool allows you to secure the data, the query tool should allow access to data by the users who need it and Only those who are authorized to it. Keeping data secure is important for every organization. Auditing, A good tool will have an option to turn on tracking, to be able to track which reports are being run and by whom and how long. These audit reports are extremely useful feature to system managers and Auditors, especially when compliance issues are involved.
- Heath - << Use Pointer>> Now for the business analysts, looking back at how a query product maybe failing you mainly from data access to data distribution. Your needs are around how the data gets to you or to someone else – the focus is on the distribution of the results. You may need the query results EMAILED, DISPLAYED, sent to a FILE, FTP’d, or send the results to an Excel, PDF, Text, or HTML file Need flexibility of automation, to be able to emailed, FTP’d, or printed the results on a daily, weekly, monthly basis Majority of queries have a hard coded data range or some other records selection. A proper query tool will allow the analysts to select data for the last 2 weeks, but another analysts can run the same query and get business information for the entire month. To be able to select a customer number or location. As an analyst, you may need to have summarized data displayed but than to be able to drill into the detail or underlying data. Need access to current, relevant data - True BI To be able to display key business information in a dashboard Have multiple interfaces to Access the data,, from a green screen, a PC, or a Browser…. Which leads to mobile devices. To be able to access data efficiently, quickly, even over several millions of records. And, to be able to get Excellent Support – from asking the how to questions to getting issues resolved. to be able to go on-line to a Web site and get help by reviewing: On-line Tips Recorded How To Demos Review other customer’s testimonials Get User Guides and other helpful documentation?
- Heath – Now let’s talk about SEQUEL software, our data access and distribution solution. A tool that is just the right size for data access and distribution needs for all types of uses and businesses.
- SEQUEL is a complete tool set, use a single BI solution that allows you do to most everything, from the creation to the distribution of information. SEQUEL can provide data to analysts in a variety of forms and formats. You have data coming in from your applications, remote databases like an MS SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or from a data warehouse like SEQUEL Data Warehouse. SEQUEL can help distribute the information, whether simply displaying the information, emailing, providing summary data for the user to drill into details on demand. And, for those power users, they can easily build powerful views, custom reports, drill-downs, dashboards, build charts, and more – very quickly with our graphical user interface.
- Heath. Our demonstration is coming up next. I have a hand full of questions, lets take just a couple of minutes… (2 min) Please read through the questions and when finish, press the submit button. Are you able to easily create PC documents, xls, pdf, rtxt, xml and so forth? Do your results look outdated? Would your users benefit from a more modern look and feel of the data? Are your users on the move and would they benefit from mobile access to the data? Do you need to access data on other partitions or remote databases? What does your organization use to access data today? Polling question: Poll [18] Break Free from Basic Query Tools Show RESULTS! THANK YOU
- Heath - < GO to next page… don’t talk on> At this time I am going to show a brief demonstration of SEQUEL…. Bring up Next Slide…
- Heath- It’s time for a quick demo, …. I am going to start with a quick demonstration of using Query/400, showing its’ limitations. Then jump right into SEQUEL. Sequel is easy to install, easy to learn and easy to use. If you get stuck or have questions, we have excellent tips and documents on line, and we have world class support to assist you along the way any way we can. Time for a quick demo.. <<share desktop and play video or do live demo. Demo is 18 minutes> > ----------------- Demo Script ------------------------------ Show basic query and basic SQL options… green screen Show VP designer window and import an existing query, enhance it – add runtime prompts Build quick simple dashboard – summarized view with chart Open dashboard from SWI – show the runtime prompts and output options As closing … just show the Surfboard/Consolidated dashboard walk through of how easy it is for SEQUEL to convert your existing queries. [RUN RECORDED WALK-THRU; Heath/MIKE TALKS OVER IT LIVE] Jump back after showing the last Surfboard dashboard that is shown just as an example… (10 minute demo)
- Heath - To review what you should look for in a Query Tool. <<use pointer>> No longer do you have to struggle with those query limitations, those query tools that are holding you back maybe because it has limited output options, limited support, slow, can’t access real time data, not able to access remote data, etc.. Your query tool should be: Flexible to handle scenarios from simple to complex. Allow the users to get the information they need, when they need it, and how – from display, print, email, ftp, or even export the data as a PC document such as Excel or PDF. Affordable – taking into consideration the costs in terms of hardware, setup, deployment. Users can access the information quickly from their PC , from their smart phone or tablet. A solution that offers multiple licensing for different size buisnesses. Should have an easy to use graphical user interface, a solution that is easy to download and configure, be up and running in hours verses days, weeks, or even several months. Is efficient with processing, allows runtime variables – making sure the users get the business information they need, when they need it, and quickly. SEQUEL Is a tool that has many advanced functionality, for when you need them.
- HEATH - That is all I have today, so I will hand it over to Mike for Q&A.
- Mike: Heath, let’s take a look at the questions that came in during todays session. And if you still have a question or two, please send them to all panelists. Please keep in mind that we only just scratched the surface in showing you some of SEQUEL’s capabilities. Lets take a look…. Heath: Mike as you are looking for questions…I am going to bring up another quick poll at the same time, (bring up another POLL on top of this slide ): The results will be kept to us, we will not share them. We are curious… How helpful was today session and is there another topic or area on BI solutions, data access, dashboards, or even general topics on the IBM I that you would like additional information…. Maybe we some information that could help or we could possibly build a presentation to. Once you are set, press the submit button to complete the survey. You response will not be shared back, this is to help us. Poll [2016 - 02] IBM i 101 ( Do Not Share!) Did you find today’s overall content helpful (1 to 5, 5 being very beneficial) (select 1 thru 5) What other areas or subjects would you like to learn more about? Questions - fillers: Sample QUESTIONS: (Host reads the questions and Expert to answer them… unless the export has a questions that was sent to him via a chat) Do you need a separate license between the users and administrators or designers? No, with SEQUEL licensing we only look at the jobs being run, not so much on who is doing the request. Does SEQUEL provide a GUI interface that all users can use? Yes, SEQUEL ViewPoint is the Thick Client or the GUI front end that your users can use. With VP, users will be able to design Query objects just by dragging and dropping and double clicking. They do not need to know SQL to build a view, just the files they want to get information from. The option to create and deploy dashboards, does it come with SEQUEL? Yes, absolutely Does the Tabling features come with SEQUEL? Yes, both the HOST and CLIENT Tables options are included, and you can access both tables from VP and from SWI How can I get additional information about SEQUEL Web Interface? Contact us …. Call / email / web … The ability to create dashboards, does it come with SEQUEL? Can SEQUEL be used by ALL type of users from basic or your end user to a power user ? Yes…. With the SEQUEL software you will find that all users, managers, CEO’s can use SEQUEL to get the data that they need. How SECURE is SEQUEL and your SWI? You have full control of security. We do support IBM’s object authority, if someone does not have authority to the object, they can not access or query that data. You can define what users can run SEQUEL object or do both Run and Design SEQUEL objects. Can data displayed in Dashboards from SWI have the data be automatically refreshed? Yes..
- Mike: I want to thank everyone for attending today’s presentation. If you have any further questions, or would like to take a closer look at SEQUEL and how we can help solve your query issues, Please feel free to reach out to us and we can schedule a demo. That concludes or presentation on 10 Ways Your Query Tool is Failing You. Thank you, and have a great day! ** STOP RECORDING