Preparing Data Sources

In This Section:

Defining User Needs

Defining Data Sources

Deciding to Create Staging Areas

Cleansing Data

Creating Views, Tables, and User-Defined Tables

Adding Columns to Tables

Joining Tables

Creating Indexes

Transforming Data

Deciding Which Tables Are Available to OLAP Model Creators

Creating Time and Accounts Dimensions

Accessing Tables in OLAP Metadata Catalog

Text Files as Data Sources

An OLAP model is a dimensional model of relational data in the form of a star schema. OLAP models are based on the concept that values in an external data source can be categorized as either facts or dimensions of facts.

Before creating an OLAP model, understand and define your business needs and your data sources. You may need to modify some data sources to make the transition from relational databases or data warehouses to multidimensional databases easier and more efficient.

For information about creating an OLAP model, see Integration Services Console Help.