January 2025

To hash or not to hash (dimension surrogate keys) ... that is the question?

This article explores why hash surrogate keys should be avoided in a data warehouse and makes the case for sticking with integer surrogate keys.

Jan 30 • 

Adam Gilmore

August 2024

Data Warehouse Architecture

The modern Data Warehouse architecture has evolved to meet the growing demands of big data and data science, leveraging new technologies to do so. It…

Aug 15, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

July 2024

What is a Star Schema (and why it’s important)

A Star Schema is a data modelling technique used to model the presentation layer of a Data Warehouse. It refers to the way Facts and Dimensions in the…

Jul 18, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

Star Schema vs Snowflake Schema

The Star and Snowflake schemas are two types of Dimensional modelling techniques used in Data Warehousing to organize and structure data for efficient…

Jul 18, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

Modeling Many to Many Relationships in a Star Schema

Many to Many relationships are defined in a Star Schema Dimensional model using a “Group” Dimension and a “Bridge” Fact. Take the example below:

Jul 17, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

June 2024

Slowly Changing Dimension

What exactly are Slowly Changing Dimensions, and why should you care about them?

Jun 26, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

May 2024

Dimension Tables – An Introduction

A Dimension table is one of the 3 key elements of dimensional modelling used to build a Data Warehouse. This article will give you an in-depth…

May 3, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

March 2024

What is a Fact table? (and why you need them)

In the context of a data warehouse, a fact table represents a business process or event and contains the measures and metrics you want to analyze for…

Mar 28, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

What is Dimensional Modeling (introduction)

Dimensional modeling is a data modeling technique used to model the presentation layer of a data warehouse. It focuses on delivering simplicity and…

Mar 19, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

1

Gathering Requirements and Designing a Data Warehouse

How do you gather requirements for a Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse project?

Mar 19, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore

February 2024

What is a Data Warehouse (and why you need one)

A Data Warehouse is a database that supports enterprise reporting and analysis.

Feb 26, 2024 • 

Adam Gilmore