The Kimball Approach

The Kimball Approach

The Dimensional Data Model

1) Starts with tables
     a) Facts
     b) Dimensions

2) Facts contain metrics

3) Dimensions contain attributes 
  -> May contain repeating groups

4) Does not adhere to normalization theory

5) User accessible

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The Kimball Data Bus

1) Data is moved to staging area
  -> Data is scrubbed and made consistent

2) From Staging Data Marts are created
 
3) Data Marts are based on a single process
 
4) Sum of the data marts can constitute an Enterprise Data Warehouse

5) Conformed dimensions are the key to success

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The Kimball Design Approach

1)  Select business process

2)  Declare the grain

3)  Choose dimensions

4)  Identify facts (metrics)

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Kimball’s Philosophy

1) Make data easily accessible

2) Present the organization’s information consistently

3) Be adaptive and resilient to change

4) Protect information

5) Service as the foundation for improved decision making.

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