Scribd
Upload
11 views3 pages

Data Modeling

Data modeling is the process of creating visual representations of information systems to communicate data structures and flows. It plays a crucial role in business intelligence by improving data quality, enhancing integration, and supporting faster decision-making. There are three main types of data models (conceptual, logical, and physical) and various techniques, such as dimensional modeling, that aid in the effective organization and utilization of data.

Uploaded by

futuretawodzera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views3 pages

Data Modeling

Data modeling is the process of creating visual representations of information systems to communicate data structures and flows. It plays a crucial role in business intelligence by improving data quality, enhancing integration, and supporting faster decision-making. There are three main types of data models (conceptual, logical, and physical) and various techniques, such as dimensional modeling, that aid in the effective organization and utilization of data.

Uploaded by

futuretawodzera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

DATA MODELING

: Introduction—What Is Data Modeling?

 Definition: The process of creating a visual representation of an entire information


system or parts of it to communicate structures, relations, and data flows.

The Role of Data Modeling in BI

 Improved Data Quality & Consistency: Clear definitions and relationships reduce
redundancy and errors.

 Enhanced Data Integration: Seamless integration from various sources, whether it’s
transactional data, social media, or IoT devices.

 Faster Decision Making: With a well-modeled database, analytics and reporting


become more efficient.

 Better Scalability: Structured models make it easier to scale your BI solutions as data
grows.

 Alignment with Business Goals: Reinforces data governance policies and supports
strategic initiatives.

Types of Data Models

1. Conceptual Data Model

 Focus: High-level business concepts and relationships.

 Audience: Business stakeholders.


 Example: A flowchart showing primary business entities (Customers, Products,
Orders).

2. Logical Data Model

 Focus: Detailed structure without concern for physical implementation.

 Components: Entities, attributes, relationships (often represented with ER diagrams).

 Example: Entity-Relationship diagrams showing one-to-many or many-to-many


relationships.

3. Physical Data Model

 Focus: Implementation details on a specific database technology.

 Components: Tables, columns, data types, indexes, partitions.

 Example: SQL table creation scripts with defined constraints.

Data Modeling Techniques for BI

Dimensional Modeling

 Star Schema:

o A central fact table linked to dimensional tables.

o Great for query performance and intuitive reporting.

 Snowflake Schema:

o A more normalized form where dimensions are split into additional tables.

o Can save space but might add query complexity.

Normalization vs. Denormalization

 Normalization:

o Organizing data to reduce redundancy.

o Generally used in OLTP (transactional) environments.

 Denormalization:

o Reducing the number of joins, typically applied in OLAP (analysis) scenarios.

o Improves read performance for BI queries.

Fact and Dimension Tables

 Fact Tables:
o Contain quantitative data for analysis (e.g., sales amount, transaction counts).

 Dimension Tables:

o Contain descriptive attributes related to fact data (e.g., time, location,


product)

The Data Modeling Process

1. Requirements Gathering:

o Identify business needs and data sources.

o Interview stakeholders and document key performance indicators (KPIs).

2. Conceptual Modeling:

o Define high-level entities and their relationships.

o Create an initial ER diagram.

3. Logical Modeling:

o Expand the conceptual model with detailed attributes and refined


relationships.

o Validate with both business and technical teams.

4. Physical Modeling:

o Translate logical model into database schema.

o Address indexing, performance optimization, and storage.

5. ETL Integration:

o Design data extraction, transformation, and loading processes.

o Ensure data quality and adherence to modeling standards.

6. Validation & Iteration:

o Continuous testing, validation, and incorporation of feedback.

o Use pilot data to refine the model as needed.

Modeling Tools:

 ER/Studio, Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or open-source alternatives.

You might also like