Data Warehouse & Data Lakehouse Designs

Faster and cheaper access to relevant data and new information – with DATA MART Consulting.

Tailor-made solutions
In practice, there is rarely just one right approach. At DATA MART Consulting, we therefore combine tried-and-tested architectures and modeling methods to precisely match customer requirements. Our best practices are based on three fundamental approaches in classic data warehousing:

  • Ralph Kimball’s Data Warehouse Architecture
  • Bill Inmon’s Corporate Information Factory (CIF)
  • Daniel Linstedt’s Data Vault 2.0

These approaches also remain relevant in modern analytical data platforms such as data lakehouses, where technologies such as Spark clusters and delta files are used instead of relational databases.

Data Warehouse Designs

Classic architectures

Kimball architectural model

The data warehouse layer is already structured in dimensional form (star schema and snowflakes). This layer often consists of several department-specific data marts that are accessible to the end user. An additional analysis layer is only required if the use of cubes is being considered.

Immon architectural model

Here, the data warehouse layer is mapped in the third normal form, and access is via a multidimensional analysis layer (star schema and snowflakes) based on data marts and cubes.

More flexibility with Data Vault 2.0

Daniel Linstedt’s Data Vault 2.0 places particular emphasis on the flexibility of the data model. Comparable to Inmon’s approach, it differs in that it is divided into a raw vault and a business vault. This flexibility is achieved by dividing the data into three table types:

  • Hubs
  • Links
  • Satellites

Changes are easier to implement as existing tables do not need to be adapted. Instead, new hubs, satellites and links are added using largely standardized and automated processes.

All 3 approaches in direct comparison

The different architectural approaches each offer their own advantages and can be used differently depending on the specific requirements and objectives of the company.

Our expertise for your success

With years of experience in all areas of data warehousing, DATA MART Consulting offers you professional and competent advice. Our aim is to guarantee you fast and cost-effective access to relevant data and information. Put your trust in our expertise and let us work together to optimize and consolidate your data strategies.
Together we will turn your data into your company’s most valuable asset.