Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER
7
Modeling the Data for your
Business
Regardless of what technology will be used, the heart and soul of the data
warehouse is the data itself. How the data is organized can have a significant
impact on how well the environment will work. A great deal of thought and
care must go into the design of the data. This chapter presents the concepts
covering how the data should be organized to support reporting and analysis.
The business team will learn the following:
Purpose of dimensional models
Basic components of a dimensional model
How to contribute to the modeling process
A case study of the dimensional model for call center operations is used
to reinforce the concepts presented. This chapter also includes content that is
geared toward the more technical members of the project team, including the
following:
A technique to document the dimensional model, specifically geared
toward the business community
A process for developing the dimensional model with participation from
the business community
An introduction to several advanced modeling concepts
How to take the model forward
This chapter is not intended to provide an in-depth guide to dimensional
modeling. It does share the basic concepts that can be used to communicate
more effectively between the business and technical team members. Before
diving into the modeling concepts, the first section reviews the rationale for
dimensional modeling and why it is of interest to business people.
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