1. Employ a Star Schema Structure That Is Clear
Fact Table: Contains quantifiable occurrences (e.g., transactions, sales). Keep it flat and broad.
Descriptive attributes, such as customers, products, and dates, are included in dimension tables. Make sure everyone has a distinct key.
2. Describe Connections Create one-to-many (1:*) relationships between the dimensions and the fact table correctly.
Make use of data types that match single-column keys.
Use one-direction (from dimension to fact) filtering instead of bi-directional unless it is necessary.
3. Optimize Column Usage and Data Types
In the fact and dimension tables, eliminate any unnecessary columns.
To increase performance, whenever possible, use numeric keys rather than text.
Steer clear of high-cardinality columns (like GUIDs) unless absolutely required.
4. Flatten and Simplify
Steer clear of snowflake schemas and combine hierarchies into a single flat dimension, such as Product Category > Subcategory.
Maintain simple, intuitive relationships.
5. Make Use of a Specific Date Table Provide a complete calendar dimension with all dates included.
Link it to every date field in the fact table and mark it as a Date Table in Power BI.
6. Label and Record Fields and Tables Make sure to use names that are clear and friendly, such as Sales Amount rather than Amt_Sls.
Please provide self-service users with field descriptions.
7. Assess Positioning
Measures can be kept in a separate Measures table (for organization) or the fact table.
Use DAX measures instead of calculated columns.
8. Model Dimensions and Upkeep
Review and shrink the model size on a regular basis (using tools like DAX Studio).
As data changes, update and confirm relationships.
