Data Warehousing Concepts

Data Warehouse Definitions

• According to Barry Devlin, a data warehouse is a "repository that stores predefined, aggregated, and transformed data in a way that makes it possible to perform cross-functional, enterprise-wide, and longitudinal analysis."

Characteristics of a Data Warehouse (W. H. Inmon)

• Integrated: Data is gathered from multiple sources and integrated into a single, unified view.
• Time-variant: Data is stored with a specific time dimension, enabling analysis and tracking of changes over time.
• Non-volatile: Data is not updated in real-time, but rather is refreshed periodically to ensure consistency and stability.
• Subject-oriented: Data is organized around specific business subjects or areas, such as customer, product, or sales.

Role of a Data Warehouse in Information Processing

• Centralized repository: A data warehouse serves as a single, centralized repository for all organizational data, providing a unified view and facilitating data analysis and reporting.
• Data transformation: Data is transformed into a format suitable for analysis and reporting, enabling users to access and analyze data from various sources.
• Support for business decisions: A data warehouse plays a critical role in supporting business decisions by providing timely, accurate, and relevant data to stakeholders.

Test your knowledge about data warehousing with this quiz. Learn about the principles and concepts of data warehousing and how it supports decision-making processes in organizations.