Methods for abstracting data from various data structures and managing the presentation of the data

Abstract

Methods for accessing relevant data from data sources for presentation, and computer readable media for the same are provided. One exemplary method defines multiple dimensions. Then data sources are identified that contain relevant information for the dimensions. Next the data sources are accessed through an abstraction layer. The abstraction layer performs the operations of transferring portions of the relevant information to a data structure and displaying the selected portions of the relevant information. Some notable advantages of the discussed methods include the ability to create virtual dimensions by building a hierarchical table structure from data in a flat file. The use of an abstraction layer allows for ease of modification and efficiency in presentation, since only the user requested data is presented. In addition, the customer is provided dynamic reports in real-time, thereby allowing for time sensitive and mission critical business decisions to be made with current data.

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