Creating star schema groups

Star schema groups provide context about objects that belong together, which makes the model more intuitive.

Star schema groups can also facilitate multiple-fact reporting by allowing the repetition of shared dimensions in different groups. For more information, see What are multi-fact, multi-grain queries.

Star schema groups also provide context for queries with multiple join paths. By creating star schema groups in the business view of the model, you can clarify which join path to select when many are available. This is particularly useful for fact-less queries.

In a star schema design, numeric, transactional data is contained in a central fact table with related dimension tables radiating out from the fact table.

star schema design

Star schema groups can contain the selected dimensions, query subjects, or shortcuts. The objects in a star schema group cannot reference, or be referenced by, any object outside the group. Therefore, Framework Manager automatically creates a shortcut for any object that is referenced by an object outside the group.

  • dates of sales (Time)
  • locations of sales (Region)
  • product details (Product)
  • customer information (Customer)

You include quantity in the fact table.

Procedure

  1. Select one or more dimensions or query subjects.
  2. Click Tools, Create Star Schema Grouping.
  3. If you want to exclude an object from the group, in the Available objects box, clear the check box next to the object.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • To add shortcuts to the group, click Create a shortcut for all selected objects.
    • To move the objects to the group, click Create shortcuts only for objects that are used outside the star schema.
  5. To move the selected objects to a separate namespace, ensure that the Create a new namespace for this grouping check box is selected and type the name in the Namespace name box.
  6. Click OK.
  7. If there are multiple relationships, also known as role-playing dimensions, create relationship shortcuts for them Creating a relationship shortcut, or create individual dimensions or query subjects if you must rename them.