SQLBits 2024

Timespan Fact Tables

Timespan Fact Tables provide a structured approach to handling historical data within fact tables by capturing the timespan when each fact row was effective. In this informative talk, we delve into the practical application of Timespan Fact Tables. We'll explore the concept of adding a row effective date, row expiration date, and a current row indicator to fact tables, much like the approach used for type 2 slowly changing dimensions. By doing so, we enable a granular understanding of when facts come into play, change, or expire.
A Timespan Fact is an alternative approach to tracking history in a Fact Table. Discover its advantages over a Periodic Snapshot Fact.