Metrics for Data Warehouse Quality

Abstract

This chapter proposes a set of metrics to assess data warehouse quality. A set of data warehouse metrics is presented, and the formal and empirical validations that have been done with them. As we consider that information is the main organizational asset, one of our primary duties should be assuring its quality. Although some interesting guidelines have been proposed for designing “good” data models for data warehouses, more objective indicators are needed. Metrics are a useful objective mechanism for improving the quality of software products and also for determining the best ways to help professionals and researchers. In this way, our goal is to elaborate a set of metrics for measuring data warehouse quality which can help designers in choosing the best option among more than one alternative design.