What is Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)? A quick start guide

In the world of big data and analytics, OLAP has emerged as a game-changing technology. But what exactly is OLAP, and why does it matter for businesses dealing with large volumes of data? Keep reading to understand the benefits, and see how we’ve applied this technology to email analytics at Sinch Mailgun. 

Online Analytical Processing, or OLAP is a technology designed to quickly analyze multidimensional data from multiple perspectives, allowing businesses to gain deeper, more comprehensive insights from their data. Welcome to the multiverse, sort of. 

OLAP uses a multidimensional data model, which allows for complex analytical and ad-hoc queries with rapid execution time. Here’s how it works: 

• Multidimensional structure: OLAP organizes data into cubes (often called OLAP cubes) instead of tables. These cubes allow data to be analyzed from different viewpoints, or dimensions. 
• Pre-aggregation: OLAP pre-calculates and stores aggregations of data, enabling fast query responses. 
• Slice and dice: Users can “slice” the cube to focus on specific dimensions and “dice” it to view data from different angles. 
• Drill up/down: OLAP allows users to navigate from summary data (drill up) to more granular data (drill down). 

Understanding OLAP’s features helps clarify its benefits: 

OLAP’s strengths lie in its versatility and efficiency. It offers fast query performance through pre-aggregated data structures, enabling rapid analysis of large datasets. Which is just a fancy way of saying it can organize and analyze data extremely fast. 

Its multidimensional approach allows the examination of data across various angles to support diverse analysis. OLAP also excels in trend analysis, making it easy to identify patterns and forecast trends over time. These features collectively transform raw data into valuable insights, empowering businesses to make informed decisions quickly. 

OLAP is ideal for businesses dealing with large volumes of data who are looking for an easier way to make that data actionable. OLAP streamlines these common data processes. 

• Improved decision making: OLAP provides quick answers to complex business questions, enabling data-driven decision making. 
• Enhanced data exploration: The ability to view data from multiple perspectives leads to deeper insights. 
• Increased Productivity: Faster query times mean analysts spend less time waiting for results and more time interpreting data. 
• Better Reporting: OLAP facilitates the creation of dynamic, interactive reports that can be easily adjusted to answer new questions. 

At Sinch Mailgun, we’ve integrated OLAP technology into our analytics features to provide more powerful email insights.  

Unlock the full potential of your email analytics with Sinch Mailgun’s OLAP-powered features. Analyze performance across multiple dimensions, get instant answers to complex questions, and drill down into campaign specifics for deep insights. Compare current and historical data effortlessly to spot trends and optimize your strategy.  

We’ve leveraged OLAP technology with the goal of enabling our users to gain deeper insights into their email performance and make data-driven decisions to optimize their email programs. For more insights into your email deliverability check out our deliverability services. 

Author: Em Blitstein Em Blitstein is a Sr. Content Marketing Manager at Sinch Mailgun. She manages the Mailgun Blog, curates top-notch content, and falls down SEO rabbit holes. She writes about all things email and loves a good dev deep dive.