Infor Data Lake Setup and Analytics Configuration
Infor Data Lake is a cloud-based data repository built on AWS infrastructure that aggregates data from all connected CloudSuite applications into a unified analytics layer. For CloudSuite Industrial customers, Data Lake replaces traditional on-premise reporting databases by replicating CSI transactional data into a star-schema optimized for Birst analytics, custom dashboards, and advanced reporting. This guide covers Data Lake provisioning, data replication configuration, and analytics setup.
Data Lake Provisioning and Replication Setup
Data Lake is provisioned as part of your Infor OS subscription and activated through the Admin Portal (Admin > Data Lake > Configuration). Once activated, ION automatically begins replicating BOD data from connected CloudSuite applications into the Data Lake's Compass schema. The replication process captures every BOD published by CSI, transforming the XML payload into relational tables with foreign key relationships preserved. Initial data load typically completes within 24-72 hours depending on historical data volume.
- Activate Data Lake in Infor OS Admin Portal and verify ION connection point for Data Lake destination is enabled
- Configure Data Lake data objects by selecting which CSI BOD nouns (ItemMaster, SalesOrder, PurchaseOrder) to replicate
- Monitor initial data load progress in Data Lake Administration showing record counts per object and replication status
- Compass schema auto-generates star-schema tables from BOD structures with fact and dimension table relationships
- Set replication frequency: real-time (every BOD processed) or batch (hourly/daily) based on analytics freshness needs
Birst Analytics Integration and Dashboard Creation
Birst is the embedded analytics platform within Infor OS that connects directly to Data Lake for visualization and reporting. Birst provides pre-built CSI content packs with standard KPI dashboards for manufacturing, supply chain, and financials. Custom dashboards are built in Birst Designer using the Data Lake Compass schema as the data source, with drag-and-drop report building, calculated fields, and drill-through capabilities from summary to transaction detail.
- Install CSI Birst content packs from the Infor Marketplace providing pre-built dashboards for manufacturing and finance KPIs
- Connect Birst Designer to Data Lake Compass schema for custom report development using the semantic layer
- Build calculated KPIs using Birst formula language: on-time delivery rate, production yield, inventory turns, cash-to-cash cycle
- Configure drill-through paths from Birst summary dashboards to CSI transaction detail via URL-based context passing
- Schedule automated report delivery via email using Birst's report distribution engine for executive dashboards
Custom Data Pipelines and Advanced Analytics
Beyond standard BOD replication, Data Lake supports custom data ingestion through ION API file-based uploads and direct SQL access for advanced analytics tools. Organizations can push data from external systems (CRM, MES, IoT platforms) into Data Lake custom schemas, enabling cross-system analytics that combine CSI ERP data with operational and customer data. Advanced analytics teams access Data Lake through JDBC/ODBC connections for use with Python, R, or business intelligence tools beyond Birst.
- Upload custom data files (CSV, JSON) to Data Lake via ION API for external system data consolidation
- Access Data Lake via JDBC/ODBC connections from Python (pandas), R, Tableau, or Power BI for advanced analytics
- Create custom schemas in Data Lake for non-BOD data sources maintaining referential integrity with Compass tables
- Build cross-system analytics combining CSI manufacturing data with IoT sensor data and CRM customer records
- Implement data retention policies on Data Lake tables to manage storage costs and comply with data governance requirements
Want to unlock the full potential of your CSI data? Netray builds Infor Data Lake analytics solutions that turn operational data into strategic insights.
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