操作数据库是信息分发中心的数据源。它包含用于运行日常交易操作的逐点数据。随着升级的进行，信息会尽可能频繁地更改，并反映最终交易的当前价值。
操作数据库管理框架也称为 OLTP(在线事务处理数据库)，用于实时监控能量信息。
数据仓库框架在信息调查和决策的范围内为客户或信息专家提供服务。此类框架可以在特定设计中组织和显示数据，以满足不同客户的不同需求。这些框架称为在线分析处理 (OLAP) 框架。
操作数据库和数据仓库的区别：
| Operational Database | Data Warehouse |
|---|---|
| Operational frameworks are outlined to back high-volume exchange preparing. | Data warehousing frameworks are regularly outlined to back high-volume analytical processing (i.e., OLAP). |
| operational frameworks are more often than not concerned with current data. | Data warehousing frameworks are ordinarily concerned with verifiable information. |
| Data inside operational frameworks are basically overhauled frequently agreeing to need. | Non-volatile, unused information may be included routinely. Once Included once in a while changed. |
| It is planned for real-time commerce managing and processes. | It is outlined for investigation of commerce measures by subject range, categories, and qualities. |
| Relational databases are made for on-line value-based Preparing (OLTP) | Data Warehouse planned for on-line Analytical Processing (OLAP) |
| Operational frameworks are ordinarily optimized to perform quick embeds and overhauls of cooperatively little volumes of data. | Data warehousing frameworks are more often than not optimized to perform quick recoveries of moderately tall volumes of information. |
| Data In | Data out |
| Operational database systems are generally application-oriented. | While data warehouses are generally subject-oriented. |