SQLRNNR (1/7/2013)
Looking at this query, I wouldn't look at indexes with an improvement_measure of less than 1000. But that is nothing set in stone. It is a starting point.What you really need to do is have a feel for the data in your databases. You need to know and understand the data, how the app & reports interact with that data and then tune that.
Well in my last job, all projects started on my desk, and I set up all testing before go-live. So I had a great understanding of the database, data, and interaction with applications. Now I am in a new job, with none of that. I have no working knowledge of the data being stored, or how the applications are working (I had all the code, or I had wrote/de-bugged it, in my last job). In addition there are about 20 folks working on the application side, and they make database changes.... but almost never make any PK's, FK's and indexes. But I still need to monitor performance and improve performance.