Chapter 6.3

Introduction to Data Vault Architecture

Abstract

One of the most important components of the end-state architecture is that of the data
vault. The data vault exists to satisfy the need for rock-solid data integrity. Like all other
components of the end-state architecture, the data vault has gone through its own
evolution. And like all components of the end-state architecture, data vault will continue
to evolve.

Keywords

Data vault; Staging area; Landing zone; Data mart; Hadoop; NoSQL; SQL; Surrogate
key; Primary key; Conformed state; Federated query

What Is a Data Vault 2.0 Architecture?

The data vault architecture is based on three tier data warehouse architecture. The tiers
are commonly identified as staging or landing zone, data warehouse, and information
delivery layer (or data marts).

The multiple tiers allow implementers and designers to decouple the enterprise data
warehouse from both sourcing and acquisition functions and information delivery and
data provisioning functions. In turn, the team becomes more nimble; the architecture is
more resilient to failure and more flexible in responding to changes (Fig. 6.3.1).

Chapter 6.3: Introduction to Data Vault Architecture