10 Essential Rules of Dimensional Modeling by Kimball University

Margy Ross from Kimball University writes the 10 Commandments of Dimensional Modeling. (Well she hated to use the word Commandments but I still liked it.)

The article contains pointers, most of which we do follow while designing a Data Warehouse. But, it was really good to have all of them at one place.

I am listing the Commandments here, but please read the full article by clicking on the link here...

1. Load detailed atomic data into dimensional structures.
2. Structure dimensional models around business processes.
3. Ensure that every fact table has an associated date dimension table.
4. Ensure that all facts in a single fact table are at the same grain or level of detail.
5. Resolve many-to-many relationships in fact tables.
6. Resolve many-to-one relationships in dimension tables.
7. Store report labels and filter domain values in dimension tables.
8. Make certain that dimension tables use a surrogate key.
9. Create conformed dimensions to integrate data across the enterprise.
10. Continuously balance requirements and realities to deliver a DW/BI solution that's accepted by business users and that supports their decision-making.