By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
SmartData Collective
  • Analytics
    AnalyticsShow More
    data-driven image seo
    Data Analytics Helps Marketers Substantially Boost Image SEO
    8 Min Read
    construction analytics
    5 Benefits of Analytics to Manage Commercial Construction
    5 Min Read
    benefits of data analytics for financial industry
    Fascinating Changes Data Analytics Brings to Finance
    7 Min Read
    analyzing big data for its quality and value
    Use this Strategic Approach to Maximize Your Data’s Value
    6 Min Read
    data-driven seo for product pages
    6 Tips for Using Data Analytics for Product Page SEO
    11 Min Read
  • Big Data
  • BI
  • Exclusive
  • IT
  • Marketing
  • Software
Search
© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Data Driven Companies Must Understand Differences Between Fact Tables & Dimension Tables
Share
Notification Show More
Latest News
ai in software development
3 AI-Based Strategies to Develop Software in Uncertain Times
Software
ai in ppc advertising
5 Proven Tips for Utilizing AI with PPC Advertising in 2023
Artificial Intelligence
data-driven image seo
Data Analytics Helps Marketers Substantially Boost Image SEO
Analytics
ai in web design
5 Ways AI Technology Has Disrupted Website Development
Artificial Intelligence
cloud-centric companies using network relocation
Cloud-Centric Companies Discover Benefits & Pitfalls of Network Relocation
Cloud Computing
Aa
SmartData Collective
Aa
Search
  • About
  • Help
  • Privacy
Follow US
© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.
SmartData Collective > Exclusive > Data Driven Companies Must Understand Differences Between Fact Tables & Dimension Tables
Big Data

Data Driven Companies Must Understand Differences Between Fact Tables & Dimension Tables

Companies turning to data analytics need to understand the difference between fact tables and dimension tables.

Dariia Herasymova
Last updated: 2022/03/29 at 8:46 PM
Dariia Herasymova
5 Min Read
understand the difference between fact tables and dimension tables
Shutterstock Photo License - vectorfusionart
SHARE
- Advertisement -

If you’re in the business of helping others, then you need to be in the business of data. In the world of data stacking, which is the theory of data organizing, there are two concepts that center around it:

Contents
Fact table vs dimension table.What are Fact Tables vs Dimension Tables?What are Star and Snowflake Schemas?You Don’t Have to be a Tech Expert to Harness Data

Fact table vs dimension table.

This is the topic of harnessing data in a manner that is accessible, and tangible has been posited by many. Entire professions and teams have been built around data analytics and interpretations, an obstacle that has left all but those with enough capital and resources out of reach. This makes it hard for some companies to take advantage of things like data virtualization.

- Advertisement -

Luckily, newer developments in technology are helping to change that discourse. Not only is this new technology making data accessible to those outside of tech, it’s also streamlining consolidation of multiple data sources. So, whether you’ve been using Excel, SQL, CRMs, or other platforms to keep track of your data, this new technology will make accessing and configuring your data simpler.

In the realm of dimensional data modeling, or the hierarchical organization of numerical and contextual values, discourse revolves around the nature and functions of a fact table vs dimension table.

More Read

internet of things and business intelligence

How IoT Can Be Connected to Business Intelligence

14 Brands Using Mobile Apps Instead of Ads to Build Customer Loyalty
5 Vital Business Intelligence Tips All Companies Should Embrace
Impressive Ways that AI Improves Business Analytics Insights
What Data Methods Can Businesses Invest In to Get Better Consumer Results?

What are Fact Tables vs Dimension Tables?

Think of a fact table as a group of data that stores numerical values or figures. For example, you could say that an organization, let’s call it Company A, had 10 sales of their product in any given month. That’s great, you may say. But alone, the numerical values may not offer much information. What’s missing is the context or meaning that gives that digit real, tangible value. This is what dimensional tables offer: the context or meaning behind numerical values.

Here’s a list of contextual value examples a dimensional table may include:

  • Products (product category, features, etc.)
  • Location (country, states, cities where product was sold)
  • Branch (regions, store branches, employees)
  • Time (years, months, weeks, days)

Together, fact and dimensional tables take data and provide the valuable insight and outlook companies small and large alike have been keen on harnessing. But let’s back up a moment and first talk about the two most common types of data models or schema, found out there: stars and snowflakes.

- Advertisement -

What are Star and Snowflake Schemas?

In a star schema, aptly named for its configuration of a star-shape, the fact table is situated in the center. Dimensional tables, each with its own contextual focus (see examples above) branch out from the fact table. When you recall your specific organization or company data, depending on the query, the fact and dimension table provide the results and context you are after. Moreover, the distinguished shape is also a way to conceptualize data stacking in a way that makes sense for the individual company or organization.

Now, a more extended approach to data stacking comes in the form of the snowflake schema. If you think of the shape of a snowflake, you can imagine a central point from which many lines issue out. This would be the fact table. However, unlike a star schema, these extrusions extend out to include dimension tables of their own. In other words, the contextual values include an added layer of context.

An example of this could be Dimension Table A (focusing on products) and Dimension Table B (focusing on variants of a product) branching out from the first. The configuration of your data stack will depend primarily on the extent of dimensions (or values) in use.

You Don’t Have to be a Tech Expert to Harness Data

Many businesses don’t incorporate data-driven strategies to grow or market their businesses. Oftentimes, getting access to that data is expensive. However, advancements in data stacking technologies are making it easy for small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, or other business types to harness their data.

Peter Fishman, CEO and Co-Founder of Mozart Data, describes his platform as “the easiest way to set up a modern data stack.” He explains that “not every business gets value out of their data . . . but every business can.”

- Advertisement -

Data analytics can offer advantages and guidance to businesses by freeing up time and resources to focus on product development, customer feedback, fundraising initiatives, research, and long-term growth.

TAGGED: business intelligence, data modeling, data stacking
Dariia Herasymova March 29, 2022
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn
Share
By Dariia Herasymova
Follow:
Dariia Herasymova is a Recruitment Team Lead at Devox Software. She hires software development teams for startups, small businesses, and enterprises. She carries out a full cycle of recruitment; creates job descriptions based on talks with clients, searches and interviews candidates, and onboards the newcomers. Dariia knows how to build HR and recruitment processes from scratch. She strives to find a person with appropriate technical and soft skills who will share the company's values. When she has free time, she writes articles on various outsourcing models for our blog.
- Advertisement -

Follow us on Facebook

Latest News

ai in software development
3 AI-Based Strategies to Develop Software in Uncertain Times
Software
ai in ppc advertising
5 Proven Tips for Utilizing AI with PPC Advertising in 2023
Artificial Intelligence
data-driven image seo
Data Analytics Helps Marketers Substantially Boost Image SEO
Analytics
ai in web design
5 Ways AI Technology Has Disrupted Website Development
Artificial Intelligence

Stay Connected

1.2k Followers Like
33.7k Followers Follow
222 Followers Pin

You Might also Like

internet of things and business intelligence
Internet of Things

How IoT Can Be Connected to Business Intelligence

6 Min Read
businesses using mobiles app for success
Big Data

14 Brands Using Mobile Apps Instead of Ads to Build Customer Loyalty

19 Min Read
tips for making the most of business intelligence
Business Intelligence

5 Vital Business Intelligence Tips All Companies Should Embrace

7 Min Read
ai is beneficial for making sounds business analytics insights
Analytics

Impressive Ways that AI Improves Business Analytics Insights

5 Min Read

SmartData Collective is one of the largest & trusted community covering technical content about Big Data, BI, Cloud, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, IoT & more.

AI and chatbots
Chatbots and SEO: How Can Chatbots Improve Your SEO Ranking?
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Exclusive
ai in ecommerce
Artificial Intelligence for eCommerce: A Closer Look
Artificial Intelligence

Quick Link

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Follow US

© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?