Software engineers know very well that the earlier an error is detected in the software life-cycle, the cheapest correcting that error is. Multidimensional schemata are typically the first design artifact that is created and can be tested, so they have a primary role in ensuring early discovery of errors. All data warehouse design methodologies entail a multidimensional modeling phase, that is carried out either at a conceptual level or at a logical level. Clearly, a conceptual representation (based for instance on the DFM schemas created with indyco Builder) is by far more expressive and can more easily be understood by non-expert users.
Role of multidimensional test in the overall test methodology
What vs. how in DW testingOverall, adopting a methodology that entails a conceptual design phase brings several advantages in terms of design quality and accuracy and in terms of maintainability and reuse, which in return has a positive impact on the effectiveness of testing. In the next posts we will focus on functional DFM schemas testing, which aims at verifying that the multidimensional schema produced for the data mart effectively supports user requirements. It comes in three complementary types, the workload test, the hierarchy test and the conformity test.
Other types of tests (e.g., usability and maintainability tests) will be the subject of forthcoming posts.
