TM1 Forum

Hi All,

Would like get some ideas and suggestion and the best practices on solution and estimation on tm1 proposal.

Please advise-what are important parameter we need to consider while sending solution and estimation for a tm1 project.

Regards,
Ravi

Hi Ravi,

solution and estimation on tm1 proposal

important parameter we need to consider while sending solution and estimation for a tm1 project

I don't know what you're asking for here. Are you asking;

- how to determine the size of a TM1 model?
- how to determine what the requirements are for a TM1 model?
- how to determine how long a TM1 project will take?
- how to determine how to price a TM1 project?

Help us out - what is your role and what do you have to accomplish.

Hi Christopher,

Yes- you are correct-could you briefly explain me on
1)how to determine the size of a TM1 model and 2)how long a TM1 project will take to accomplish.

Regards,
Ravi

ravi wrote:1)how to determine the size of a TM1 model.

This has a relatively "easy" answer in that it is just technical, some basic math and some basic assumptions.
How will the cubes be dimensioned, what is the size of the dimensions? You can estimate the memory needed per dimension from the total number of elements (although memory required only for dimensions is typically a fairly small par t of the overall total.) Next is cube data how many numeric data points will be populated in each cube, then multiply by the assumption on bytes per numeric cell. This will be dependent on OS (32 bit vs 64) and assumption on whether cubes will be dimensioned optimally as this has a big impact on bytes per cell.

Then how much will the model grow, as in how many data points will be added per week, and what will the data retention policy be? You will need to allow for what size in 12, 18 or 24 months time not right now.

Then usage: reporting (infrequent updates) vs planning (frequent updates) as this affects the amount of caching possible. Depending on the usage you may need a "buffer" for caching of 10% or you might need 100%.

Then version and whether parallel interaction will be used, maybe add an extra 10% maybe an extra 50%. Again it depends on usage and frequency of update.

So yes you can do a size estimate but it is only a ballpark estimate and for it to be an accurate ballpark you need to be reasonably expert and have some significant prior implementation experience as much is dependent on assumptions. That said IBM does have a "model sizing template" available (at least for partners).

ravi wrote:2)how long a TM1 project will take to accomplish.

I don't really think there is an answer for this. It all depends on what needs to be done (very simple to very complex), how many users it will touch (very few to thousands), what user interfaces and how many, and the operating environment, management environment, compliance environment and project methodology. A TM1 project is much like any other project using any other technology, usual project estimation rules and caveats apply. Just make sure the project methodology is agile as opposed to a traditional Prince2 like traditional IT PM. Traditional PM when applied to any BI project (not just TM1) is a sure fire recipe for failure.

Hello Ravi

You will need to set up 1 or more meetings with the respective key contacts at the customer.

Let them prepare Excel files or other documentation, based on which you can detect the theme(s) for the TM1 application (e.g. Sales, HR, production, finance, ...)
Next step, try to define the cubes and versions of the data, what are the important dimensions? By doing this, try to make a draft of the cubes needed. What are the relations between them (high level, not in full detail)
How will dimensions be created and maintained? (many TI processes needed or not?)
Will it be a model that is heavily dependent on rules or rather TI?
What kind of templates does the customer require? How many? Do they differ a lot?
Are the data sources easily available or hard to get? (this means more mantime needed)
In addition, try to understand what is possible from a sales point of view: how many mandays by and large does the customer expect and is willing to pay?

And so on.

This, in general, will already give you an indication of the workload and the size.

Does this answer your questions? If not, please be more specific.

Hi Wim and lotsaram,

Thanks for your input- will get back if any further clarifications.

Thank you.
Ravi