Other modelling methods.
WHAT DATA VAULT IS
A modelling approach separating business keys, relationships and descriptive attributes into distinct table types.
WHAT THE THREE TYPES ARE
- Hubs: business keys
- Links: relationships between them
- Satellites: attributes, with history
WHAT IT PROVIDES
Auditability, since everything is retained with its load timestamp Flexibility when sources change Parallel loading
WHAT IT COSTS
Many more tables Queries requiring more joins Complexity that requires explanation
WHERE IT SUITS
Regulated environments requiring full auditability Many sources describing the same entities Environments where sources change frequently
WHAT IT DOES NOT REPLACE
A dimensional layer for consumption.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Data Vault is typically an intermediate layer, with star schemas built on top.
WHAT WIDE TABLES ARE
Single denormalised tables containing everything about a subject.
WHAT THEY SUIT
Modern columnar engines, where joins are expensive and storage is cheap.
WHAT TO CHOOSE
The simplest approach meeting your auditability and flexibility needs.
WHAT TO AVOID
Adopting a methodology because it is formalised rather than because it fits.
