FAQ : Why we need BI Semantic Model?

The Semantic Model helps us in various ways. The major benefits of Semantic model are as follows : -


Single Source of Truth : By providing a BI Semantic layer with user friendly definition, Relation , business logic and data access methods,  all those who consume the data will have consistent and correct data.

Readability :  Often the object names may not be user friendly because of various reasons like Product limitation, legacy database as data source or the technical terminology in the physical data model.  In BI Semantic model we can provide more meaningful object names. We can also define the relations even if it is not available in the data warehouse and there by provide more readability.

Layer of Abstraction : BI Semantic Model provides a layer of abstraction since the users access the BI Semantic Layer not the raw data(data warehouse)

Self Service/Personal BI  :  Once the Semantic Layer is defined and published, the data consumer can function independently without support from IT.  This provides a capability of Self-service BI and Personal BI.

FAQ :What is BI Semantic Model in MSBI?

Wiki page says “A semantic layer is a business representation of corporate data that helps end users access data autonomously using common business terms”. BI Semantic Model in MSBI  is a layer between Data warehouse and reporting tools/Users. BI Semantic Model maps the data structure/schema of data warehouse or any data source in more business oriented terms with all the possible relations defined and business logic implemented which can be easily understood by both the business users and the IT Professional.  In general, we do not provide direct data warehouse (Raw data) access to the data consumers. Data Consumer will be accessing the BI Semantic Model , BI Semantic Model will be in turn connecting to the data warehouse or data source and in that way it gives a layer of abstraction. BI Semantic Model can address all the BI requirement be it Reporting, analytical, scorecard & dashboard , Personal/Self Service BI and custom application.  In larger organizations each department may have their own BI Semantic layer as “Single source of truth” so that the users can consistently consume the correct data.

 BI Semantic Model in SQL Server has three major elements. Data Model, Business logic  and Data Access.  There are three different approach to create BI Semantic Model in SQL Server. PowerPivot Workbook, Tabular Model and Multidimensional Model