The repository may support online analytical processing (OLAP), also called multidimensional analysis. This technique allows the manipulation and viewing of data according in many dimensions - including erp in india companies. For example, ERP SAP r3 allows sales to be analyzed, manipulated, and viewed according to product, location, and time of sale. If additional detail is desired, users then drill down to more specific views such as sales by month, store, or product.

To illustrate, using OLAP a 600-store office supply company was able to substantially improve its return on personal computer sales. ERP SAP r3 allowed management to calculate gross margin by store and product type. This showed that some stores carried too much slow-moving stock. To eliminate unnecessary inventory and future write clowns, the company reduced its PC assortment from 22 products to 12.