Dimensional Modeling In A Business Intelligence Environment

In this IBM Redbooks publication we describe and demonstrate dimensional data modeling techniques and technology, specifically focused on business intelligence and data warehousing. It is to help the reader understand how to design, maintain, and use a dimensional model for data warehousing that can provide the data access and performance required for business intelligence. Business intelligence is comprised of a data warehousing infrastructure, and a query, analysis, and reporting environment. Here we focus on the data warehousing infrastructure. But only a specific element of it, the data model - which we consider the base building block of the data warehouse. Or, more precisely, the topic of data modeling and its impact on the business and business applications. The objective is not to provide a treatise on dimensional modeling techniques, but to focus at a more practical level. There is technical content for designing and maintaining such an environment, but also business content. For example, we use case studies to demonstrate how dimensional modeling can impact the business intelligence requirements for your business initiatives. In addition, we provide a detailed discussion on the query aspects of BI and data modeling. For example, we discuss query optimization and how you can determine performance of the data model prior to implementation. You need a solid base for your data warehousing infrastructure . . . . a solid data model.

Updated new edition of Ralph Kimball's groundbreaking book ondimensional modeling for data warehousing and businessintelligence! The first edition of Ralph Kimball's The Data WarehouseToolkit introduced the industry to dimensional modeling,and now his books are considered the most authoritative guides inthis space. This new third edition is a complete library of updateddimensional modeling techniques, the most comprehensive collectionever. It covers new and enhanced star schema dimensional modelingpatterns, adds two new chapters on ETL techniques, includes new andexpanded business matrices for 12 case studies, and more. Authored by Ralph Kimball and Margy Ross, known worldwide aseducators, consultants, and influential thought leaders in datawarehousing and business intelligence Begins with fundamental design recommendations and progressesthrough increasingly complex scenarios Presents unique modeling techniques for business applicationssuch as inventory management, procurement, invoicing, accounting,customer relationship management, big data analytics, and more Draws real-world case studies from a variety of industries,including retail sales, financial services, telecommunications,education, health care, insurance, e-commerce, and more Design dimensional databases that are easy to understand andprovide fast query response with The Data WarehouseToolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling, 3rdEdition.

"This book presents cutting-edge knowledge on scientific approaches to the management of supply networks in a highly informed global environment with abundant dynamic and uncertain challenges"--Provided by publisher.

An unparalleled collection of recommended guidelines for data warehousing and business intelligence pioneered by Ralph Kimball and his team of colleagues from the Kimball Group. Recognized and respected throughout the world as the most influential leaders in the data warehousing industry, Ralph Kimball and the Kimball Group have written articles covering more than 250 topics that define the field of data warehousing. For the first time, the Kimball Group's incomparable advice, design tips, and best practices have been gathered in this remarkable collection of articles, which spans a decade of data warehousing innovation. Each group of articles is introduced with original commentaries that explain their role in the overall lifecycle methodology developed by the Kimball Group. These practical, hands-on articles are fully updated to reflect current practices and terminology and cover the complete lifecycle—including project planning, requirements gathering, dimensional modeling, ETL, and business intelligence and analytics. This easily referenced collection is nothing less than vital if you are involved with data warehousing or business intelligence in any capacity.

A cutting-edge response to Ralph Kimball's challenge to the data warehouse community that answers some tough questions about the effectiveness of the relational approach to data warehousing Written by one of the best-known exponents of the Bill Inmon approach to data warehousing Addresses head-on the tough issues raised by Kimball and explains how to choose the best modeling technique for solving common data warehouse design problems Weighs the pros and cons of relational vs. dimensional modeling techniques Focuses on tough modeling problems, including creating and maintaining keys and modeling calendars, hierarchies, transactions, and data quality

Business Intelligence describes the basic architectural components of a business intelligence environment, ranging from traditional topics such as business process modeling, data modeling, and more modern topics such as business rule systems, data profiling, information compliance and data quality, data warehousing, and data mining. This book progresses through a logical sequence, starting with data model infrastructure, then data preparation, followed by data analysis, integration, knowledge discovery, and finally the actual use of discovered knowledge. The book contains a quick reference guide for business intelligence terminology. Business Intelligence is part of Morgan Kaufmann's Savvy Manager's Guide series. * Provides clear explanations without technical jargon, followed by in-depth descriptions. * Articulates the business value of new technology, while providing relevant introductory technical background. * Contains a handy quick-reference to technologies and terminologies. * Guides managers through developing, administering, or simply understanding business intelligence technology. * Bridges the business-technical gap. * Is Web enhanced. Companion sites to the book and series provide value-added information, links, discussions, and more.

Between the high-level concepts of business intelligence and the nitty-gritty instructions for using vendors’ tools lies the essential, yet poorly-understood layer of architecture, design and process. Without this knowledge, Big Data is belittled – projects flounder, are late and go over budget. Business Intelligence Guidebook: From Data Integration to Analytics shines a bright light on an often neglected topic, arming you with the knowledge you need to design rock-solid business intelligence and data integration processes. Practicing consultant and adjunct BI professor Rick Sherman takes the guesswork out of creating systems that are cost-effective, reusable and essential for transforming raw data into valuable information for business decision-makers. After reading this book, you will be able to design the overall architecture for functioning business intelligence systems with the supporting data warehousing and data-integration applications. You will have the information you need to get a project launched, developed, managed and delivered on time and on budget – turning the deluge of data into actionable information that fuels business knowledge. Finally, you’ll give your career a boost by demonstrating an essential knowledge that puts corporate BI projects on a fast-track to success. Provides practical guidelines for building successful BI, DW and data integration solutions. Explains underlying BI, DW and data integration design, architecture and processes in clear, accessible language. Includes the complete project development lifecycle that can be applied at large enterprises as well as at small to medium-sized businesses Describes best practices and pragmatic approaches so readers can put them into action. Companion website includes templates and examples, further discussion of key topics, instructor materials, and references to trusted industry sources.