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Embracing Data Warehouse Layers: How to Build Scalable Data Modeling

How to leverage the data warehouse layers for efficient data engineering and data activation with just the right amount of abstraction.

Kyle Rego.

Kyle Rego

May 8, 2023

7 minutes

data warehouse layers
  • Focus on flexibility: Remember that the data warehouse layers are virtual categories. Adapt them to your team's unique needs. Grouping models and organizing your data flow according to these layers will provide clarity and structure without rigid constraints.
  • Maintain traceability: To ensure that your data flow remains transparent and easily accessible, maintain a history that connects the presentation layer back to the source layer. This will help you avoid unnecessary clutter and versioning of tables in the final layer.
  • Keep security and scrutiny in mind: Pay extra attention to the presentation layer, where data is used by your end customers. Implement strict security measures and maintain high standards for data quality in this layer to protect your data ecosystem and your customers' trust.
  • Why Data Layers Matter

    The data warehouse layers provide a solid foundation for organizing your data flow from ETL to Reverse ETL, without introducing unnecessary abstraction. This will ensure your data teams:

    • Avoid redundant work
    • Easily manage data dependencies (with tools like dbt)
    • Focus on data security and finalization at the presentation layer
    • Visualize and act strategically on their data ecosystem (e.g., identify bottlenecks or sources of complexity)

    With a strong presentational layer, Data Activation platforms play a complementary and vital role in streamlining the data flow process to your end users by significantly reducing manual labor, improving data accuracy, and allowing your team to focus on more strategic and creative tasks (like rewind campaigns.)

    By embracing this paradigm with flexibility and a focus on security, traceability, and the efficient use of reverse ETL solutions, you can iterate quickly and take your data operations to new heights.

    More on the blog

    • The Seven Stages of Data Lifecycle Management.
  • What is a Customer Data Warehouse?.
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