The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling
The most authoritative and comprehensive guide to dimensional modeling, from its originators—fully updatedRalph Kimball introduced the industry to the techniques of dimensional modeling in the first edition ofThe Data Warehouse Toolkit(1996). Since then, dimensional modeling has become the most widely accepted approach for presenting information in data warehouse and business intelligence (DW/BI) systems.The Data Warehouse Toolkitis recognized as the definitive source for dimensional modeling techniques, patterns, and best practices.This third edition of the classic reference delivers the most comprehensive library of dimensional modeling techniques ever assembled. Fully updated with fresh insights and best practices, this book provides clear guidelines for designing dimensional models—and does so in a style that serves the needs of those new to data warehousing as well as experienced professionals.All the techniques in the book are illustrated with real-world case studies based on the authors' actual DW/BI design experiences. In addition, the Kimball Group's "official" list of dimensional modeling techniques is summarized in a single chapter for easy reference, with pointers from each technique to the case studies where the concepts are brought to life.The third edition ofThe Data Warehouse Toolkitcovers:Practical design techniques—both basic and advanced—for dimension and fact tables14 case studies, including retail sales, electronic commerce, customer relationship management, procurement, inventory, order management, accounting, human resources, financial services, healthcare, insurance, education, telecommunications, and transportationSample data warehouse bus matrices for 12 case studiesDimensional modeling pitfalls and mistakes to avoidEnhanced slowly changing dimension techniques type 0 through 7Bridge tables for ragged variable depth hierarchies and multivalued attributesBest practices for Big Data analyticsGuidelines for collaborative, interactive design sessions with business stakeholdersAn overview of the Kimball DW/BI project lifecycle methodologyComprehensive review of extract, transformation, and load (ETL) systems and design considerationsThe 34 ETL subsystems and techniques to populate dimension and fact tables