Data Modelling Frameworks: Understanding Inmon, Kimball, and Data Vault

When it comes to modelling data for data warehouses, there are several approaches, but the three most prominent ones you're likely to encounter as a data engineer are the Kimball, Inmon, and Data Vault modelling techniques. Each of these methodologies has its philosophy and set of principles for organizing, structuring, and managing data, and understanding them is key to designing efficient, scalable data warehouses.

In this post, we’ll compare the three major data modeling approaches through a fun analogy, showing how Inmon, Kimball, and Data Vault would organize a snack table and what it reveals about their data strategies!

Feel free to skip ahead to the details [here] if you're ready to dive in.

Imagine you’re at a lively office party, and the guest list includes three quirky personalities: Inmon, Kimball, and Data Vault. Each has a very specific way of organizing the snacks, and their approaches to the buffet are as unique as their personalities.

Inmon - The Architect:

Inmon’s idea of a party snack table is meticulously structured, like a high-end gourmet event with precise planning. Think of it as a massive, well-architected spreadsheet, where each snack is categorized by type, flavor, origin, and even its historical nutritional value.

Inmon’s snack table is like a centralized database—meticulously organized with predefined categories. Guests must follow a specific order, accessing treats through rows and columns. It’s all about precision and structure, with detailed information (like sugar content) readily available.

While this rigid approach may not suit everyone, it’s ideal for those who value consistency and scalability. For those who crave predictability, Inmon’s setup delivers a reliable, no-surprise experience.

Kimball - The Entertainer:

Kimball is the life of the party, hosting a lively buffet where snacks are grouped by theme—savory, sweet, and maybe even a "fusion" area. There’s no rigid order, just plenty of variety, allowing guests to grab what they want quickly and easily. Simple, accessible, and flexible.

Kimball’s focus is on user experience and efficiency. There’s no need to read through an index or carefully follow a path—just grab and go. Want a cookie? It’s right there in the "sweet" section. Need something to pair with your sandwich? Head over to the "savory" section.

Kimball’s setup is less rigid than Inmon’s, but it’s more flexible and user-friendly, ideal for those who want quick access without the hassle of searching. It’s perfect for fast-paced, dynamic environments where ease of use is key.

Data Vault - The Innovator:

Then there’s Data Vault—an innovator, a little unpredictable, but always adaptable. Picture Data Vault as the snack cart that rolls into the party halfway through. It’s not a buffet; it’s a modular system—a mix of items that change and evolve as the night goes on. On this cart, you’ll find buckets labeled “historical,” “raw data,” “temporary,” and maybe even “experimental.” No one knows exactly what will be on it, but everyone loves it for its adaptability.

Guests can add their treats or tweak existing ones, creating a dynamic, ever-evolving snack table. While initially chaotic, Data Vault thrives on flexibility—whether adding a personal touch or swapping snacks. Plus, its resilience ensures it adapts quickly to changes without disrupting the party. Ideal for events where surprises and shifting needs are expected, Data Vault excels at handling change and growth.

So, in summary:

Inmon is like a structured, top-down approach to data modeling—a gourmet snack organizer that ensures everything is perfectly in its place. It’s great for those who value completeness and a solid foundation, even if it’s a bit too rigid for some.

Kimball is all about quick, flexible access to data—like a buffet that’s easy to navigate, allowing people to grab what they need without getting bogged down by details. It's user-friendly and fast, ideal for an efficient, streamlined experience.

Data Vault is the wild card—think of it as a modular snack cart that evolves as the party progresses. It adapts to changing needs, allowing for innovation, customization, and recovery from unexpected mishaps. It’s a bit chaotic but thrives in dynamic, ever-changing environments.

Now, just imagine these three personalities trying to figure out who gets the last cookie on the table. Inmon would want to analyze every angle of the cookie's nutritional breakdown, Kimball would grab it and toss it on the sweet side of the buffet, and Data Vault… well, Data Vault would invite everyone to add their cookie topping and call it a success.

The party’s never dull when you have Inmon, Kimball, and Data Vault in charge of the snacks!

About

Benjamin ("Benj") Tabares Jr. is an experienced data practitioner with a strong track record of successfully delivering short- and long-term projects in data engineering, business intelligence, and machine learning. Passionate about solving complex customer challenges, Benj leverages data and technology to create impactful solutions. He collaborates closely with clients and stakeholders to deliver scalable data solutions that unlock business value and drive meaningful insights from data.