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.
The Purpose of Dimensional Models
A specific modeling ...
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