The Dimensional Fact Model is an ad hoc and graphical formalism specifically devised to support the conceptual modeling phase in a Data Warehouse project. The Dimensional Fact Model, or DFM, is extremely intuitive and can be used by analysts and non-technical users as well. A short-term working is sufficient to realize a clear and exhaustive representation of multidimensional concepts (e.g., attributes, measures and hierarchies). It can be used from the initial DW life-cycle steps, to rapidly devise a conceptual model to share with customers. To this purpose, indyco Builder represents the first tool to further accelerate the design of the conceptual model by using DFM, while indyco Explorer is its counterpart that can be used by any business user to understand the Data Mode.
The goals of the Dimensional Fact Model are to:
– lend effective support to conceptual design;
– create an environment in which user queries may be formulated intuitively;
– make communication possible between designers and end users with the goal of formalizing requirement specifications;
– enable early testing and verification of user requirements;
– build a stable platform for logical design;
– provide clear and expressive design documentation.