The Dimensional Model (star schema or snowflake)

The normalized approach (3NF model)

Data warehouse

States that the data warehouse should be modeled using a Dimensional Model (star schema or snowflake)

States that the data warehouse should be modeled using an E-R model/normalized model

Data

The data is partitioned into either: facts: which are generally numeric transaction data; dimensions: which are the reference information that gives context to the facts.

The data in the data warehouse are stored following database normalization rules. Tables are grouped together by subject areas that reflect general data categories (e.g., data on customers, products, finance, etc.). The normalized structure divides data into entities, which creates several tables in a relational database. Each of the created entities is converted into separate physical tables when the database is implemented.

Advantages

A key advantage of a dimensional approach is that the data warehouse is easier for the user to understand and to use. The retrieval of data from the data warehouse tends to operate very quickly.

The main advantage of this approach is that it is straightforward to add information into the database.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of the dimensional approach is that In order to maintain the integrity of facts and dimensions, loading the data warehouse with data from different operational systems is complicated.

A disadvantage of this approach is that, because of the number of tables involved, it can be difficult for users both to join data from different sources into meaningful information and then access the information without a precise understanding of the sources of data and of the data structure of the data warehouse.