Recently Jennifer Grumbling sat down with Shawn Cady to discuss the development of the ContractPro® AthenaSM reporting module, the next generation of trade performance management reporting from Answers Systems.
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Jennifer:
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What is Athena Reporting v1.0 in 100 words or less?
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Shawn:
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Athena 1.0 is Answers Systems next generation reporting product that will allow users to glean actionable information from their claim, sales and contract info. Athena uses OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes which provide large amounts of data in a more dynamic and efficient manner. Athena is about giving users access to data that while it was stored previously, it was virtually impossible to uncover. Given the technologies at the time we simply could not extract such an enormous amount of information.
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Jennifer:
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What are the three biggest benefits to clients with this new tool?
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Shawn:
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Speed of access to information: Clients are now able to access information that has always been stored, but now users can access it in a way that it is realistic for them to use. Having this information more easily accessible, clients can make better and more informed decisions on how to run their business.
Customizable Nature of the Reporting Interfaces: Allows users to save customized versions of reports with their own parameters. Can choose different presentation formats they would like to see such as 2D reporting or Pivot (3D). For example, a user can manipulate the way the data is shown without getting Answers involved; they have the ability to perform the task on their own. Previously, we needed to involve Answers Systems Professional Services team, IT, etc., spec out the report and follow the approval process.
Foundation for Future enhancements: The foundation that Athena provides for will allow for future ContractPro® enhancements. This allows for future enhancements that will open the doorway to passive discovery (versus active discovery). With the passive discovery model, data will be generated without the user directly seeking the actual data.
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Jennifer:
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How will this standout reporting tool differ from the reporting currently available to clients?
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Shawn:
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It will pool data in such a way that it will pull in a more consistent way. Pulling data from a “data warehouse” that will be consistent across the customer base. Reporting will become more consistent because data is being stored in a more consistent way.
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Jennifer:
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With Beta testing already launched, what are your initial expectations?
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Shawn:
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My initial expectations are that it will necessitate the cleanliness and consistency of the data that is used inside the system. Currently data can be inconsistent across manufacturers. Exposing the inconsistencies will force needed standardization.
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Jennifer:
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When is the anticipated launch date?
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Shawn:
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April 13th is the launch date along with the ContractPro® 4.0 launch which includes changes in vanity of the User Interface. However, the workflow and location of elements on screen will not change. Athena will not “automatically” appear, keeping in mind that users must be integrated. Each client must be integrated and the reporting that each client will have available will be based on the data that they provide. For example, if a client does not supply sales data, sales related reports will not be available.
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Technorati tags: feature release, trade promotion management, reporting