Difference between revisions of "IS480 Team wiki: 2010T2 B.I. JOE"
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Detailed project schedule of our team can be found at the link below. | Detailed project schedule of our team can be found at the link below. | ||
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− | + | [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1303923/FYP/Project%20Proposal.pdf Proposal] | |
+ | [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1303923/FYP/ProjectSchedule_v2.xlsx Latest Project Schedule]] | ||
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Revision as of 12:19, 16 February 2011
Contents
Team B.I.JOE
in collaboration with Integrated Distribution Services
An ordinary man is known as an average joe. So what do you call someone who specializes in Business Intelligence?
Our core business: Data Visualizations - effective and efficient business analytics can only be achieved when "data meets the eye".
Members
Picture | Name | Background | Personality | Portfolios | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tan Ying Da | Performance on sports is better than coding. | Visionary | Shoot videos and pictures | Tan Ying Da | |
Ng Wei Quan | Just got attached. | Directionary | Gym Master | Ng Wei Quan | |
Marcus Yap | A speech to text converter integrated into Flash Builder 4 will be beneficial for him. | Roller | Roll Master | Marcus Yap | |
Isaac Lim | Just got married. His daughter's name is Jessica.
|
Gaming | Game Master | Isaac Lim | |
Sim Sing Hong | Penultimate Year Bsc (Information Systems Management)
|
Exchanging | Exchange Master | Sim Sing Hong |
Role Allocation
Prior coming together as a team, everyone has little or some working relation with one another. However, the team knows what is installed for them during this FYP. As such, we have decided to adopt the best fit model approach for role allocation in the team.
Using the best fit model, the team evaluated every individual on their strengths and limitations. With an open-minded environment and culture, everyone in the team shared their experiences and challenges. At the end of the sharing, the team sat together and evaluate how everyone can leverage on each other's strengths and compliment each other's shortcomings.
Roles & Responsibilities
Name | Primary Role | Secondary Role |
---|---|---|
Sim Sing Hong | Project Management | Tester, Schedule tracking |
Isaac Lim | Chief Technology Officer(CTO) | Debugger, Business Development |
Marcus Yap | Documentation, Business Development | Testing, UI improvement |
Ng Wei Quan | Application Developer | Debugger |
Tan Ying Da | Application Developer | Database Administrator |
FYP Supervisor
Zhu Feida, Assistant Professor of Information Systems
Project Overview
Project Title: Geospatial Dashboard for Integrated Distribution Services Analytics
Stakeholders
Stakeholder | Name | Designation | Involvement |
---|---|---|---|
Sponsor | Dr. Kam Tin Seong | Practice Associate Professor, School of Information Systems | Provide the team with project specifications. Participate in Usability Assessment and provide feedback. |
Client | Nicholas Tan | Director IT Application, IDS Group Malaysia | Provide data and share information on current business solutions with the team. |
Client | Paul Fowler | CIO, IDS Group | Final review of application. |
End Users | IDS Group Employees | Merchanising and Distribution Services Departments | End Users. |
End Users | Business Principals of IDS | Business Partners of IDS Group | End Users. |
Supervisor | Zhu Feida | Assistant Professor of Information Systems, SMU | Advise the team on project, direct the team along course guidelines. |
IDS Background
Integrated Distribution Services (HK)
The IDS Group is a leading integrated distribution and logistics services provider specializing in Value-Chain Logistics. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the IDS Group has an extensive logistics and distribution network in Greater China, ASEAN, the US and UK offering customized services to over 400
customers, including an array of multinational brands.
IDS offers a comprehensive Menu of Services ranging across the entire value chain from the conversion of raw material into finished goods in Manufacturing, through the international and in-country storage and movement of goods in Logistics, to the marketing and selling of goods to the
end consumer in Distribution.
Logistics is the fundamental enabler that connects the Menu of Services to an end-to-end value chain. Our extensive and deep Asian logistics network
and our US and UK logistics presence provide the platform on which to layer each of our Menu of Services along the value chain. We call this unique proposition Value-Chain Logistics.
Current Situation
Objectives
To create a GeoSpatial Dashboard for IDS employees to extract information and make analysis through better visual representation of data.
Dashboard is a tool that allows data to be represented in a meaningful format and helps user in decision-making.
Key features of a dashboard are
• Track Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Use the Dashboard in-memory database and scheduler to track the movement of your KPIs over time.
• Monitor KPI’s Performance throughout your organisation
Push and track targets to every level in the organisation.
• Drill down through charts to underlying detail.
Apply drill paths to your charts allowing you to drill down into the underlying detail. Quickly discover the root cause of trends.
• Map Visualization.
Using Geospatial technology, allowing users to have an overview as well as micro-view of the various channels' location on the map.
• View in any web browser.
View data in any browser: Firefox, IE, Chrome, Opera etc. No client software is required, Dashboard runs in Adobe Flash Player.
Project Scope
The system is a visualization tool that provides multi-dimensional and multi-granularity views of the data based on an interactive and dynamic location visualization support.
There are 4 aspects where the system aims to fulfill.
1. Geospatial
2. Visualization
3. Customization
4. Interactivity
The entire system can be summarizes into three different modules:
1. Geospatial Module
This module provides navigation functions and map visualization for the user to view and navigate the map.
Aspect | Component |
---|---|
Geospatial Visualization |
Map Visualization
|
Data Visualization | - |
Customization |
Dynamic Map Scale – Implement map scale that changes according to the zoom level.
|
Interactivity | Navigation
Dynamic Map Scale – Implement map scale that changes according to the zoom level. |
2. Data Module
This module provides views for data both in data visualization way as well as map visualization way.
Aspect | Component |
---|---|
Geospatial | - |
Visualization |
Data Visualization
Users will be able to select different type of charts to best represent their data of interest and also view and filter unstructured quantitative data that are organized in hierarchies.
|
Customization |
Time Series Record – to see data changes over time both on the data visualization and map visualization. |
Interactivity | - |
3. Geospatial/Data Link Module
This module allows interactivity between Geospatial and Data module. Whenever user made a selection on a module, the other module will compliment the other module in other form of visualization.
Aspect | Component |
---|---|
Geospatial | - |
Visualization | - |
Customization |
Search by attributes – search data point according to categories, location or Key Performance Indicator. |
Interactivity |
Focus Marker – when data is being selected at the data visualization, it will focus and zoom on the marker. |
Project Management
Project Diagrams
Project Metrics
Bug Metric
Schedule Metric
Project Schedule
Detailed project schedule of our team can be found at the link below.
Proposal
Latest Project Schedule]
Current Project Status
- Preparing for Midterm Presentation
Progress Summary
B.I.JOE has 5 members. Each member's daily working duration is 4 man-hours
Iteration 1
16 December 2010 - 23 December 2010 (Duration: 140 man-hours)
S/N | Component | Module | Expected Completion Date | Actual Completion Date | Status | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Pan & Zoom | Geospatial Module | 16 Dec 2010 | 16 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
2. | Multiple Map Provider | Geospatial Module | 16 Dec 2010 | 16 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
3. | Screen Layout | Geospatial Module | 16 Dec 2010 | 16 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
4. | Menu Bar | Data Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
5. | Configuration Window | Data Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
6. | Markers Placement | Geospatial Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
7. | Information Panel | Data Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
8. | Tool Pad | Geospatial Module | 16 Dec 2010 | 16 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
9. | Map Scale | Geospatial Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
10. | Load Data Point | Geospatial/Data Link Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
11. | Focus Data Point | Geospatial/Data Link Module | 17 Dec 2010 | 17 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
12. | Usability Studies 1 | - | 24 Dec 2010 | 24 Dec 2010 | Completed | Presented prototype to project sponsor: Prof Kam. Project to proceed with plan and schedule. |
Iteration 2
28 December 2010 - 12 January 2011 (Duration: 240 man-hours)
S/N | Component | Module | Expected Completion Date | Actual Completion Date | Status | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Home Button Design | - | 28 Dec 2010 | 28 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
2. | Layout Design | - | 28 Dec 2010 | 28 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
3. | Search: Location | Geospatial Module | 3 Jan 2011 | 2 Jan 2011 | Completed | Ahead of schedule by 1 day. |
4. | Search: KPI & Categories | Data Module | 3 Jan 2011 | 2 Jan 2011 | Completed | Ahead of schedule by 1 day. |
5. | Spatial Search | Geospatial Module | 6 Jan 2011 | - | Not required |
Client no longer require this function. |
6. | Tree Map: Testing of Algorithm | Data Module | 31 Dec 2010 | 31 Dec 2010 | Completed | Nil |
7. | Tree Map: Group & Nodes Creation | Data Module | 6 Jan 2011 | 12 Feb 2011 | Completed |
Component has been completed. |
8. | Usability Studies 2 | - | 13 Jan 2011 | 13 Jan 2011 | Completed | Nil |
Iteration 3
13 January 2011 - 25 January 2011 (Duration: 200 man-hours)
S/N | Component | Module | Expected Completion Date | Actual Completion Date | Status | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Implementation from Usability Studies 2 | - | 17 Jan 2011 | 16 Jan 2011 | Completed | Made changes based on the feedbacks received from the previous usability studies in iteration 2. however, we were able to complete ahead of schedule and thus, starting schedule ahead of time. |
2. | Treemap: Treemap Policy (Label & Highlighting) | Data Module | 19 Jan 2011 | 19 Jan 2011 | Completed | Nil |
3. | Treemap: Data Hierarchy | Data Module | 19 Jan 2011 | 19 Jan 2011 | Completed | - |
4. | Data Viewer | Geospatial Module | 18 Jan 2011 | 19 Jan 2011 | Completed |
Bug solved. |
5. | Visualization Tab in Configuration Window | Geospatial Module | 18 Jan 2011 | 18 Jan 2011 | Completed | - |
6. | Usability Studies 3 | - | 26 Jan 2011 | 26 Jan 2011 | Completed | Received feedbacks on how we can improved on the screen layout and additional tools we can include for IDS |
Iteration 4
27 January 2011 - 10 February 2011 (Duration: 220 man-hours)
S/N | Component | Module | Expected Completion Date | Actual Completion Date | Status | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Implementation from Usability Studies 3 | - | 31 Jan 2011 | 29 Jan 2011 | Completed | Receive inputs from client such as minor change in cosmetic appearance of the layout. |
2. | Marker Highlight | Geospatial Module | 2 Feb 2011 | 9 Feb 2011 | Completed |
Completed |
3. | Dynamic Legend | Geospatial/Data Module | 2 Feb 2011 | 10 Feb 2011 | Completed |
Completed |
4. | Icon Manager | Geospatial/Data Module | 2 Feb 2011 | 2 Feb 2011 | Completed | - |
5. | Treemap: Filter List | Data Module | 4 Feb 2011 | 4 Feb 2011 | Completed | - |
6. | Treemap: Legend | Data Module | 4 Feb 2011 | 4 Feb 2011 | Completed | - |
7. | Scatter Chart: Layout & Render Plot | Data Module | 3 Feb 2011 | 3 Feb 2011 | Completed | - |
8. | Data Viewer with built-in Bullet Chart | Data Module | 5 Feb 2011 | 5 Feb 2011 | Completed | Last minute request by client. However, this feature has been completed and does not compromise iteration timeline. |
9. | Usability Studies 4 | - | 11 Feb 2011 | 7 Feb 2011 | Completed | Usability studies was conducted ahead of schedule because this is a video conference with the client in Hong Kong. Client is pleased with the current development and request for deployment of prototype on a test server. As such, the team has been trying to get the test server working and running. |
Iteration 5
17 February 2011 - 04 March 2011 (Duration: 220 man-hours)
S/N | Component | Module | Expected Completion Date | Actual Completion Date | Status | Remarks |
---|
Iteration 6
11 March 2011 - 25 March 2011 (Duration: 220 man-hours)
S/N | Component | Module | Expected Completion Date | Actual Completion Date | Status | Remarks |
---|
Team Calendar and Important Dates
Team Calendar
Key Milestones
Currently, the team is working towards to Mid Term Presentation in Week 7
Project Documentation
Project Proposal
Project Resources
Tools
- Development IDE: Flash Builder 4
- SDK: FLEX SDK 3, Juicekit for Visual Analytics
- Map Library: Modest Map Library & API
- Project Management: Microsoft Office Project 2007
- Webserver: XAMPP
- Database: PostgreSQL
Useful Resources
- How to understand and read a treemap.[1]
Current Project Challenges
• Inconsistent Data Format
Client is co-operative and kind enough to provide us with operations data ranging from day-to-day to monthly transactions. This valuable data gives us an in-depth information and idea of the company’s operations. From the data, we are able to gather insights and identify what are some of the problems the company is facing.
However, the greatest challenge to our team is the inconsistent data provided by the various departments of the company. Every individual department has its own set of data and data dictionary. Together with the vast amount of data, cleaning up and massaging of data requires some time.
• Converting of Data Language
IDS is based in Hong Kong. As such, most of the end-users are Chinese native. Parts of the data are being input using Chinese characters. As such, when using such data, we would have to ensure the conversion of the data from .xls format into .dbf, data is not being lost in the midst of it.
• Treemap API
Treemap visualization is one of the key data visualization models in our project. Having to synchronize the treemap visualization with live data is one of the key challenge is our project.
There are several APIs that are open-source in the market. Each of them has their pros and cons and currently, we are evaluating and exploring each option.
• Dynamic filter for Treemap
• Transform Application into mobile platform
Team Reflection and Learning Outcomes
- Identify key benefits of utilising visual analytics in a company.
- Identify if a specific requirement is a functional or non-functional requirement.
- Design and implement a spatial enabled business intelligence application prototype using real-life scenarios.
- Identify key project implementation risks and propose possible solutions to minimise any risks identified.
- Monitor project implementation schedule using a Gantt chart (MS Project).
- Applied search for case studies, sample applications and coding examples from social media such as blogs, user forums.
- The ability to handle spatially-enabled business data.
- Understand the end users’ technical requirements.
- Using development software such as Flex Builder to design RIA-based visual analytics application.
- Have a better understanding on Flex 4, Flash Builder 4, PHP, Action-script 3 and Database.
Project Supervisor Meeting Minutes
(Supervisor Meeting 01)
(Supervisor Meeting 02)
(Supervisor Meeting 03)
(Supervisor Meeting 04)
Project Sponsor Meeting Minutes
(Client Meeting 01)
(Client Meeting 02)
(Client Meeting 03)
(Client Meeting 04)
(Client Meeting 05)
(Client Meeting 06)
(Client Meeting 07)
(Client Meeting 08)