I

In memory datawarehouse

Technique in which the data warehouse is fully or partially loaded into the internal memory of the server. Mainly aims to process data and make it available more quickly.

Increment (INC)

A step, for example in a process or in the field of application development. By implementing something step by step, the entire process is more manageable and easier to control.

Incremental load

Loading the data modified in the source systems into the data warehouse.

Indexing

Providing a collection of identifiable sequential characteristics. By indexing data, it can be found faster and easier.

Indicatoren (IND)

Indicators are measuring points where the result of a single action becomes visible and can be part of KRI’s PIs and KPIs, but are hardly critical for achieving a better overall performance (customers, gross turnover, number of lost customers, number of orders, etc.)

Information systems architecture

The architecture and prescriptive procedures on the basis of which an information system is built.

Information

A useful and usable collection of data that can be used, for example, to make decisions or to evaluate performance. What BI is ultimately about. Converting unstructured and apparently worthless data into useful and valuable information.

Information analysis (IA)

Research into information and information flows within organizations. In practice it appears that research into the need for information is an important area of attention.

Information analyst (IA)

A person whose main task is to analyze information and information flows. This role is often fulfilled by an objective, external person or party.

Information model (IM)

A logical description of the structure and organization of information, information flows and the interrelationships.

Information need

The need within organizations for information. It is not only about the content of information, but also about the form, frequency and timeliness of information flows.

Information quality

The extent to which (generated) information complies with the relevant requirements with regard to, for example, reliability, validity, completeness, timeliness and the extent to which the information complies with the business rules.

Information quality management (IQM)

The process by which the interpreted quality and value of information used for the decision-making, analytical, and management processes of an organization is measured and improved.

Information silo

A large, non-integrated, data repository in an organization

Information steward

An information steward is responsible for registering data elements in a metadata register. This role occurs in organizations where exchange and reuse of data between multiple systems is important

Information system

A combination of hardware, software, processes, procedures and organization that aims to deliver information.

Information warehouse

A concept based on a central way of managing information and information flows. In line with this, the centrally managed, structured storage of information and data about information is grouped under the term data warehousing.

INK model

INK stands for ‘Institute of Dutch Quality’, an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs established in 1991. The INK model, or INK management model, serves to make quality assurance and quality management measurable and manageable.

Insert

Inserting rows of data into a database. This usually involves a check to determine whether the record to be inserted is not already present in the table. See also: ‘append’, where this check is not performed.

Instance

A collection of related facts in a database. The related facts represent a unique appearance. For example, an order can be an instance, while the ordered product, quantity and price are the facts. Also used as a synonym for object in the object oriented terminology.

Integer

A positive or negative, but always an integer number. A very common data type.

Integrated

Term used to indicate that a particular technique, tool or solution consists of an efficient combination of different parts. Often an integrated interface is used.

Integration

Term used to describe the joining of different parts. For example, merging different (back office) applications.

Integration competency centre (ICC)

A knowledge-driven body with both business and IT skills that can execute data integration projects quickly and cost-effectively based on best practices.

Integrity

The original and intact state of, for example, data (data integrity) or references (referential integrity). Integrity is an important measure in determining data quality. The keywords for integrity are: consistent and correct.

Intelligent database

A database that contains both shared logic and shared data and automatically invokes that logic when the database is accessed. An intelligent database works in particular with Artificial Intelligence, a method in which the most relevant information is offered to users in the interaction with users. This is in contrast to traditional databases where simple questions from a user with …

Inverted file indexes

A technique for more efficient access to data in an ad-hoc reporting or analysis environment. By placing all values in an indexed list, they can be accessed and used in any combination.

Item

One unit that can be uniquely described. Refers to, for example, one element, entity or part

Iterative analysis

An analysis method that works step by step (in several iterations).