Practical Dimensional Modeling – Part II

Part I of Practical Dimensional Modeling (SE BI Newsletter1.1) explained that the hallmark of a good dimensional modeling process is one that encourages Business and IT to agree on a model that meets the requirements of the analyst’s reporting and analytical needs, while documenting it in a way that is easily understood and actionable by the build team. The result of this modeling design process is the creation of the Data Warehouse Bus Matrix and accompanying supporting documents. For more information on this process see my videos on the subject at www.ScalabiltyExperts.com and msdn.Microsoft.com:

The Data Warehouse Bus Matrix - Part I
The Data Warehouse Bus Matrix - Part II
Implementing Best Practices on Large Analysis Services Databases

In this installment of our Dimensional Modeling series, you will learn
 
• Where to put most of your effort in architectural planning
• The most important design technique to ensure long life of your data warehouse project
• How not to lose the intelligence in your Business Intelligence Project

The information in this article is important to the technical design team as well as management at all levels of the project. Design decisions needed here require ultimate management support to weather the political storms often encountered when organizations attempt to consolidate their operational data from across the enterprise into a single, cohesive data warehouse.