Understanding MS Clustering Visualizations in BIDS

This is my first blog post about understanding data mining from an information consumers point of view, that understands almost nothing about the statiscal foundation of this area.

 

For you that are new to data mining it is a statistical approach to finding patterns in data that can save you from writing a lot of SQL or MDX.

 

I will use the well known bike buyer scenario that is part of the Adventure Works 2008 DW database. I am using the Adventure Works 2008 SSAS cube project where you can find the Targeted Mailing data mining structure. Have a look at the picture below.

 

Remember that MS-clustering do not require you to explain bike buyer(yes or no) . Clustering will get you a result that can be used to explain the numbers of cars or any the other attribute values that are part of the mining model and the mining structure of your choice. I will focus on the bike buyer attribute since it is well known and can be used for tying the different viewers in BIDS for SSAS 2008 together.