The 3 Types of Facts (Data Modeling 101)

If you want to build a star schema data model...

You need a Fact table.

It sits right in the middle of the action and is where core metrics will live.

But for many data teams, it's also the part that can be the most challenging.

While some Fact tables are obvious and straightforward to build...

Most require a much deeper level of understanding of the data itself.

Most importantly, knowing how it is "actually" used and analyzed by the business.

So, in this week's video, we're going to talk about Fact tables.

And we're going to focus on the 3 most common types:

1. Transaction
2. Periodic Snapshot
3. Accumulating Snapshot

Some of these you may already have in place.

Others you may never have a need for.

But by the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of the options available to you.

So you can ultimately be more effective in any situation and better support the business.