An improved framework for modelling data warehouse systems using uml profile

Abstract

Data Warehouse (DW) applications provide past detail for judgment process for the companies. It is acknowledged that these systems depend on Multidimensional (MD) modelling different from traditional database modelling. MD modelling keeps data in the form of facts and dimensions. Some proposals have been presented to achieve the modelling of these systems, but none of them covers the MD modelling completely. There is no any approach which considers all the major components of MD systems. Some proposals provide their proprietary visual notations, which force the architects to gain knowledge of new precise model. This paper describes a framework which is in the form of an extension to Unified Modelling Language (UML). UML is worldwide known to design a variety of perspectives of software systems. Therefore, any method using the UML reduces the endeavour of designers in understanding the novel notations. Another exceptional characteristic of the UML is that it can be extended to bring in novel elements for different domains. In addition, the proposed UML profile focuses on the accurate representations of the properties of the MD systems based on domain specific information. The proposed framework is validated using a specific case study. Moreover, an evaluation and comparative analysis of the proposed framework is also provided to show the efficiency of the proposed work.