Datamodelling for Sales Database

[OracleBee]

We are implementing Sales data into the DW. We at the requirement analysis stage. How do you handle sales history data? I am getting input in various forms as Excel Spread Sheet, XML format. We are planning to use Oracle 10g as database and .Net for reporting. We should have a option of import/exporting data into/from excel sheet.
Would like to hear some thoughts/advice on modeling (star schema). Any input appreciated!

 

[johnherman]

As usual, I recommend you check into "The Data Warehouse Toolkit", 2nd Edition by Ralph Kimball. There are sample star schemas in there for most industries.

You may also gain knowledge through Adamson & Venerable's "Data Warehouse Design Solutions" and
"Mastering Data Warehouse Design" by Inmon, Galemmo, and Geiger.

Also, check out faq353-5189 for the basics of star schema design.

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The trouble with doing something right the first time is that noboby appreciates how difficult it was.
- Steven Wright

 

[ffoley]

THe modeling of the schema is not related to the input format of the data coming in. Most ETL tools can handle just about any format that is out there: fixed length mainframe files, delimited ascii files, xml files etc...

The scehma for the sales history is one of the most common and well documented in warehousing books.

hope that helps