magarity kerns (4/7/2011)
I think the first assertion needs a slight modification; a first version DW should produce one reporting subject area, not just one report. From there, it's a question of how many reports are needed, which may be only one but could be several.
I totally agree with you. Start with one subject area, not one report. If you begin with one subject area and use the Kimball four step process, (1) identify the business process, (2) explicitly state the grain or level of detail required, (3) identify the dimensions or business actors acting in that process, and (4) identify the metrics used in the analysis of that business process, you're well on your way to success. Plus, your building the blocks for additional subject areas to be integrated by sharing conformed dimensions. If you're guided by a report, you're much more likely to build a data silo that will be much more difficult to extend and maintain.