
Why Dimensional Modeling?
In a data-driven business world, the ability to derive actionable insights from raw data is critical to business success. Dimensional Modeling is the proven methodology for structuring complex business data to make it optimally usable for analytics, reporting, and business intelligence.
This methodology, developed by Ralph Kimball, has been the industry standard for designing the Presentation Layer in Data Warehouses and Data Solutions for over 3 decades.
Important Information - Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class
Content
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class (DMFC) is a comprehensive training in dimensional modeling that teaches practical techniques for creating star schema-based data warehouses following the proven Kimball methodology.
You'll learn systematically how to translate business requirements into optimal dimensional models that are both performant and business-friendly. From grain definition through dimension and fact design to advanced patterns like Slowly Changing Dimensions and Bridge Tables – you'll master all aspects of dimensional modeling.
The DMFC consists of ten sessions with approximately 15-20 hours of video material (in English), two complete case studies (Retail and Accounting), and numerous hands-on exercises. Additionally, weekly live sessions are offered where you can ask questions and discuss your designs.
After the Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class, you'll not only know how to create dimensional models, but also how to design them optimally for Business Intelligence and Analytics.
Sessions
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class consists of ten sessions with approximately 15-20 hours of video material (in English) and extensive hands-on exercises.
The first five sessions cover the fundamentals of dimensional modeling. Sessions 6-7 deepen this knowledge through a complete Retail case study. Sessions 8-9 address Financial Data Warehousing. In Session 10, you'll present your own design in a live session.
Fundamentals (Sessions 1-5)
You'll learn the fundamental concepts of dimensional modeling: Star Schema vs. OLTP, Facts vs. Dimensions, grain definition, different fact types (Transaction, Snapshot, Accumulating), and advanced dimension patterns like Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCD Type 1, 2, 3, 6), Date Dimensions, and Bridge Tables.
Case Studies (Sessions 6-9)
In two complete case studies, you'll apply your knowledge practically: A Retail case study (FastChangeCo) covering Sales, Inventory, and Promotions, as well as a Financial case study with Chart of Accounts, GL Transactions, Multi-Currency, and Consolidations. You'll learn advanced patterns like Factless Facts, Centipede Facts, and Multi-valued Dimensions.
Capstone (Session 10)
In Session 10, you'll present your own dimensional model in a live session. You'll design a model from your professional environment and present it live. You'll receive constructive feedback from the trainer and learn from the designs of other participants from various industries. You can flexibly choose which live session you'd like to attend.
Live Sessions
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class offers optional weekly live sessions that perfectly complement your self-study with the video materials.
The live sessions take place weekly, last one hour each, and provide you with the opportunity for direct exchange with the trainer and other participants.
Voluntary Participation
Participation in the live sessions is optional. You can complete the DMFC entirely through self-study with the video materials. The live sessions are an additional offering for everyone who wants direct feedback and exchange.
Questions & Discussion
In the live sessions, you can ask questions about the video content, discuss your exercise solutions, talk through your design decisions, and learn from other participants' questions. The trainer provides you with direct feedback and practical tips.
Flexible & International
The live sessions are conducted in German or English depending on the participants. You can flexibly decide which sessions you'd like to attend. All sessions are recorded and available to you later.
Exercises
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class combines theory with intensive practice through numerous exercises and two complete case studies.
Each session contains practical exercises where you immediately apply what you've learned. You'll work with realistic business scenarios and progressively develop complete dimensional models. All materials are in English.
Some of the hands-on exercises include:
- Design Fact_Sales with grain definition
- Create Product Dimension with SCD Type 2
- Model Date Dimension with fiscal calendar
- Design Bridge Tables for many-to-many
- Build complete Retail Data Warehouse
- Create Financial Chart of Accounts dimension
All exercises are thoroughly explained and provided with sample solutions. Additionally, you'll receive bonus resources such as Decision Trees, Checklists, and Best Practice Guides.
Please plan sufficient time for completing the assignments and deepening the course material between sessions.
Value
By participating in the Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class, you create value for yourself and your organization!
Your newly acquired skills enable you to design data warehouses that are both performant and business-friendly. You'll master the proven Kimball methodology and can develop star schema-based solutions that enable intuitive analysis while being technically robust.
This includes:
- You can create precise grain definitions and understand why this is the most important design decision.
- You'll design conformed dimensions that can be consistently used across multiple business processes.
- You'll master all fact types (Transaction, Snapshot, Accumulating Snapshot) and know when each type is appropriate.
- You'll implement Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCD Type 2) for historically accurate analysis.
- You can purposefully apply advanced patterns like Factless Facts, Bridge Tables, and Centipede Facts.
- You'll create comprehensive Date Dimensions with Calendar and Fiscal hierarchies.
- You'll avoid classic mistakes like NULL foreign keys and instead use Default Dimensions.
- You can create Bus Matrices and use them to plan Enterprise Data Warehouse architectures.
- You'll apply best practices for performance, indexing, and partitioning.
- You'll understand the integration of dimensional models with modern data architectures (Data Vault, Data Lakes).
- You can professionally document and communicate dimensional models.
After the Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class, you can independently design and implement dimensional data warehouses.
You'll master the Kimball methodology and can demonstrate that dimensional modeling is in good hands with you.
Target Audience
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class is aimed at everyone who designs, develops, or works with data warehouses and business intelligence solutions.
The training is ideal for everyone who has one or more of the following terms in their job title:
- Data Engineer
- Data Architect
- BI Developer
- Database Administrator
- Business Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Data Warehouse Developer
- BI Architect
- Analytics Engineer
Project managers in BI/DWH projects as well as anyone interested in dimensional modeling and data warehouse design are also warmly welcome.
Are you a student, high school student, apprentice, or working at a university? Then ask Dirk about our educational discount!
Trainer
DIRK LERNER is an independent and experienced consultant and coach. With more than two decades of experience in BI projects, he is a recognized expert in BI architectures, data modeling, and temporal data. Dirk advocates for flexible, lean, and easily extensible data warehouse architectures.
As part of the TEDAMOH Academy, Dirk coaches and trains in the areas of temporal data, data modeling certification, data modeling in general, and Data Vault in particular. He is co-author of the book "Data Engine Thinking," which describes modern data warehouse architectures with a focus on automation and best practices.
As a pioneer for Data Vault and FCO-IM in Germany, he has published numerous articles and is a highly regarded international speaker at conferences.
Available Worldwide
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class is a comprehensive training in dimensional modeling that we offer worldwide.
As a virtual training with English video materials and optional live sessions (in German or English), or at your location as a closed training (in-house).
Worldwide
We offer the Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class as a virtual training worldwide. The video materials are in English, the live sessions are conducted in German or English depending on the participants.
In-House
Would you like a closed, private training? Contact us and we'll find a date and format together.
We're happy to provide you with a customized quote.
Open Class
Several times a year, we offer the Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class as an open training.
All current dates can be found below on this page.
Testimonials - Dimensional Modeling Course
Here's what participants say about the Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites?
No specific prior knowledge in dimensional modeling is required for this training. A basic understanding of databases and business intelligence is helpful but not mandatory.
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class is aimed at everyone who wants to design or develop data warehouses – from beginners to experienced practitioners who want to systematize their knowledge.
Is SQL required for the training?
SQL knowledge is helpful but not required. The training focuses on designing dimensional models. SQL examples are used to illustrate concepts, but you don't need to be able to write SQL queries.
The focus is on conceptual and logical modeling, not on physical implementation.
What are the technical requirements?
To participate in the virtual Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class, you need a laptop, PC, or tablet and the ability to use Microsoft Teams (browser or client).
For the exercises and your design presentation, you'll need a tool for creating diagrams (e.g., PowerPoint, Lucidchart, draw.io, Visio, or similar).
What's the difference from the Data Modeling Master Class?
The Data Modeling Master Class (DMMC) is a comprehensive training in general data modeling that covers conceptual, logical, and physical modeling for relational and NoSQL databases.
The Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class (DMFC) specifically focuses on dimensional modeling for data warehouses following the Kimball methodology with star schema design.
Both trainings complement each other ideally: DMMC for general data modeling, DMFC for specialized dimensional modeling in the Presentation Layer of the Data Warehouse / Data Solution.
Will I receive a certificate?
After successfully participating in all sessions and your design presentation in a live session, you'll receive a certificate of participation from the TEDAMOH Academy.
The DMFC also optimally prepares you for working with dimensional models in real projects.
How does the personal design presentation work?
You'll present a self-designed dimensional model from your professional environment in a live session. You have 5 minutes of presentation time and will then receive constructive feedback from the trainer.
You can flexibly choose which live session you'd like to give your presentation in – there are multiple dates to choose from. The presentation takes place live via Microsoft Teams.
Detailed requirements and support for your presentation will be provided during the training.
Upcoming Trainings
Dimensional Modeling Fundamentals Class
Why Dimensional Modeling?
In a data-driven business world, the ability to extract actionable insights from raw data is critical to business success. Dimensional modeling is the proven methodology for structuring complex business data in a way that makes it optimally usable for analytics, reporting, and business intelligence. Developed by Ralph Kimball, this training methodology has been the industry standard for data warehouse design for over 25 years.
Early Adopter Offer: €1,575.00 (plus VAT) valid until June 2026
