Behind every effective data warehouse is the data architecture that makes it possible. Understanding how to craft data architecture that supports the needs of your business is a critical first step to making the most of your available data.
Whether you want to improve internal practices or identify your next market, how you manage your data will determine your level of success. Let’s explore the six key elements of data architecture that will help you to truly own your data.
What is Data Architecture?
A company’s data architecture can make or break its data management processes. Data architecture refers to the behind-the-scenes design and structure at work for internal data management.
This critical component should align with your business interests and provide a clean and clear way for you to reliably manage your data. It covers everything from how your data is organized to what systems you use to manage it.
Core Elements of Data Architecture
Creating a data-driven culture means always being open to learning and adapting your practices. Whether you’re a data expert or a business leader hoping to learn more about data warehouses, these primary elements should be found in every company’s data architecture design.
Learn what they are and how they empower you to own your data and make the most of it.
Data Models
Modeling is a core aspect of data management and a powerful tool for helping companies understand their own data.
Data models are visual models that communicate and demonstrate different types of data, how they relate to one another, and how they connect to the systems around them. The goal is to be able to clearly depict a general view of how the data is organized and what points of connection are at work with each data type.
Database Schemas
Database schemas seem like data models on the surface, but they go well beyond simple imagery. A schema offers a physical breakdown of the data model in a data management system. It will provide a more in-depth look at the structure of your stored data.
The design of a database schema can vary depending on the system being used and the preferences of the owner. However, it is common to clearly show the various types of data at work, where dataflows may be impacted, and any information that is relevant to understanding the data structure, where it is housed, and its overall design.
Data Tables
Whether you’re storing personal contact data or profile information on a customer, data has to be stored in an organized fashion. Tables are the current standard when it comes to organizing data in a neat and consistent way.
Tables, like schemas, can vary. However, they will always offer a general framework for keeping similar data types organized, accessible, and ready to be used.
Data Relationships
Knowing how different types of data are being used and how they relate to one another is essential for effective analysis. Having clearly defined relationships is a best practice that will help you use your data for high-impact trending.
Data architecture should clearly outline where data intersects, where it comes from, and where it is used.
Internal Processes
Turning raw data into empowered business decisions means knowing how to use it. Data management and analysis processes make this possible, and data architecture should always offer insights into the processes at work behind the scenes.
From how data is extracted and transformed to how it is loaded for later use, you will want to define your processes in a concise and visible way.
Essential Tools
Managing a high volume of data requires the use of powerful tools. You will want to know what tools are being used to extract, transform, analyze, and store your data. A list with brief descriptions can keep everyone informed and ready to leverage these tools to drive change and guide decisions.
Remember, top data tools are not just for large businesses–mid-sized businesses have everything to gain from revolutionizing their data management processes.
The Takeaway: Focus on Data Architecture to Create a Better Data Warehouse
Data warehouses empower businesses to own their data and use it to improve their practices–but not all data warehouses meet the same standards. To set your data warehouse up for success, you want clearly defined and organized data architecture that supports the design your business needs.
Explore the Data Group’s News Service and Blog to learn more about how data architecture and data warehouses help you own your data.
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