Introduction
In the realm of fast-paced data management, efficiency and effectiveness are paramount. Specializing in data warehousing solutions, leveraging automation tools like WhereScape can significantly enhance our ability to deliver value to stakeholders.
However, to truly harness the power of WhereScape and optimize our workflows, it’s essential to adhere to best practices. In this article, we delve into key strategies and best practices for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness when working with WhereScape 3D + RED.
DATA VAULT STANDARDS
Implementing Data Vault 2.0 methodology requires adherence to established standards to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability of the data warehouse solution. Below, we outline key aspects of Data Vault standards that should be defined and followed rigorously:
1. Hashing Standards:
– Define the hash algorithm for generating hash keys and specify input/output formats to ensure compatibility
2. Load Date Timestamp (LDTS): CDC vs. Full Load:
– Determine LDTS capture approach and granularity for accurate data lineage tracking
3. Naming Conventions: Prefix/Suffix:
– Establish consistent naming conventions for Data Vault objects to enhance readability
4. Ghost Records:
– Add Ghost Records to Satellite entities so that equal joins are made possible in ad-hoc queries against the Raw Vault
Adhering to Data Vault 2.0 standards is crucial for maintaining compatibility and interoperability with other implementations. Customizations may be necessary in WhereScape to align with these standards, but deviations should be carefully evaluated and documented.
WhereScape Architectural Setup
Setting up the WhereScape environment requires careful planning to ensure efficient development and deployment processes. Key considerations for architecting the WhereScape environment effectively include:
1. Multiple Environments for RED:
– Configure distinct environments within WhereScape RED to facilitate development, testing, and production stages
2. Recommended Setup:
– Aim for a setup consisting of at least four instances: development (dev), testing (test), pre-production (preprod), and production (prod)
3. Understanding the Role of WhereScape 3D:
– Recognize WhereScape 3D as a development and design tool for creating and modifying Data Vault models
4. Clear Development/Deployment Path:
– Enforce a disciplined approach to development and deployment, starting from WhereScape 3D for model design
Emphasizing the distinction between WhereScape 3D and RED environments is crucial to maintaining consistency and minimizing risks.
Customizations in WhereScape
Approach customizations with caution to ensure the stability and maintainability of your data warehouse solution. Key considerations for handling customizations effectively include:
1. Always Make Copies First:
– Create copies of original components before making any customizations to avoid overwriting or modifying OOTB components
2. Avoid Over-Engineering:
– Keep customizations simple and straightforward to minimize complexity and maintenance burden
3. Best Practices of Data Vault 2.0:
– Focus on delivering business value and follow Data Vault 2.0 best practices to ensure scalability and flexibility
Avoiding bad practices such as merging stages of hubs, links, or satellites from a single source table is essential for maintaining consistency.
Job Scheduler Best Practices
Efficient job scheduling is crucial for maximizing data warehouse performance. Key practices for optimizing job scheduling with WhereScape include:
1. Utilize Load Parallelism:
– Enable parallel loading for various components to distribute workload across available hardware components
2. Understand Hardware Components:
– Thoroughly understand available hardware components to optimize load parallelism effectively
3. Experiment with Configuration Options:
– Fine-tune job execution based on available hardware resources and workload characteristics
4. Avoid Nested Jobs:
– Minimize nested jobs to ensure optimal performance and resource utilization.
By following these best practices, you can harness the full potential of load parallelism in WhereScape Scheduler to accelerate your Data Vault loading processes.
General Tips
In addition to specific best practices, consider the following tips to enhance your overall experience and efficiency with WhereScape:
1. Avoid Applying Soft Business Rules in WhereScape 3D:
– Incorporate soft business rules in WhereScape RED instead of 3D to maintain clarity and consistency
2. Utilize Projects and Groups:
– Organize and manage your development efforts effectively using projects in WhereScape RED and groups in 3D and RED
3. Prepare Content for Deployments:
– Thoroughly prepare and validate content before deploying changes or updates from WhereScape 3D to WhereScape RED
4. Inspect WhereScape 3D & RED Documentation:
– Regularly review documentation provided by WhereScape to better understand platform capabilities and features
By incorporating these tips into your workflow, you can enhance proficiency and productivity with WhereScape.
Conclusion
Working with WhereScape offers opportunities to streamline data warehouse development and deliver value efficiently. By following best practices and embracing a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, BI Developers can navigate complexities with confidence, driving innovation and achieving transformative outcomes for organizations and stakeholders.
If you want to learn more about Wherescape best practices and how to successfully implement a Data Vault 2.0 with it then check out our newest workshop Data Vault 2.0 Automation with Wherescape.
– Kilian Grünhagen (Scalefree)
Get Updates and Support
Please send inquiries and feature requests to [email protected].
For Data Vault training and on-site training inquiries, please contact [email protected] or register at www.scalefree.com.
To support the creation of Visual Data Vault drawings in Microsoft Visio, a stencil is implemented that can be used to draw Data Vault models. The stencil is available at www.visualdatavault.com.
