Overview
The University Data Warehouse (UDW) is the central authoritative data source for the University, providing support for reporting, ad hoc data queries, and analytics. It is comprised of data originating in multiple University systems — including the Student Information System (PeopleSoft), PRISM/EBS (financials), and PittWorx/HCM (human resources). Data is extracted from those systems and then optimized for speed and ease of use.
Beginning in 2024, the warehouse migrated to Snowflake, a modern cloud data platform, as part of the University's move to a Data Lakehouse architecture. That migration is now complete: financial (General Ledger), HR/employee, and student data are all available in Snowflake.
Access to the warehouse is available through supported analytics tools (Tableau and Alteryx) as well as direct SQL access for advanced users. All access is governed by the University's Federated Authorization process, which ensures individuals have access to the data required for their jobs.
Full documentation lives in the public Pitt Data Universe Confluence space: https://pittit-analytics.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PUB/overview
How do I get access?
Access to data in the warehouse is granted through the University's Federated Authorization process. Before requesting access, review the Getting Started article in Pitt Digital's Knowledge Base, then speak with the appropriate Federated Authorization contact so they understand your needs and can review your request.
Find your Federated Authorization approver — the data you need determines who approves your request:
Full details: Getting Snowflake Data Warehouse Access
Once access is granted, you will receive a welcome email from Snowflake. This is expected and no further action is needed.
What data is available?
Data is organized into subject-area marts and schemas:
Specialized data sources are available as part of existing dashboards or by special request, including PeopleSoft, PRISM/EBS, PittWorx/HCM, ISIS (legacy SIS), MyFunding (PERIS), MyRA, NIH/NSF Grants, Pitt Patents, Panther Express, EPM/PBCS, Concur, Perceptive Content, Archibus, TeamDynamix, Clinical Trials, and Salesforce. If you have a use case for an enterprise system to be added to the warehouse, contact the Pitt Digital Help Desk for a consultation.
How do I connect?
Tableau (most common)
Most users consume warehouse data through Tableau dashboards and published data sources.
Direct SQL — web browser (Snowsight) or DBeaver
Advanced users can query the warehouse directly. Go to http://pi.tt/snowflake and click "Sign in using Pitt SSO."
For a desktop SQL client (DBeaver), use these connection settings:
| Setting |
Value |
| Host |
djb69528.us-east-1.snowflakecomputing.com |
| Port |
443 |
| Database |
PROD_DB |
| Warehouse |
PROD_GENERAL_WH |
| Schema |
PUBLIC |
| Username |
<your-username>@pitt.edu |
| Password |
leave blank |
| Authenticator |
externalbrowser |
Full guide: Connecting to Snowflake to Write SQL (Snowsight and DBeaver)
Alteryx
Training and reference
Moving from Oracle to Snowflake?
If you previously used the legacy Oracle warehouse, these transition guides map old objects to their Snowflake equivalents:
Frequently asked questions
How often is the data updated?
Most data is refreshed daily, Monday through Saturday. Timing can vary by source system.
How is the data structured?
The Snowflake lakehouse is optimized for analytics using current transformed views (dynamic tables) and point-in-time snapshots (census tables). The legacy Oracle Student Mart used a star schema and has been refactored to run natively in Snowflake.
Can I store my own / my department's data in the warehouse?
Yes. Analytics teams and power users can request an Enablement Schema to host non-enterprise data in the warehouse (naming convention R<rc code>_<project>, e.g. R61_INTEGRATIONS). Request one through the Pitt Digital Help Desk.
How do I request a new column or data source be added?
Submit a ticket to the Technology Help Desk. For a brand-new enterprise source, Pitt Digital will schedule a consultation.
Can I automate data extraction?
Yes. Tableau extracts can be scheduled, and automated feeds (e.g., via Alteryx or a programmatic access token) are possible subject to security review.
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