title: Data warehouse design, multiple dimensions or one dimension with attributes?
body: <p>Working on a data warehouse and am looking for suggestions on having numerous dimensions versus on large dimension with attributes.  </p>
  
  <p>We currently have DimEntity, DimStation, DimZone, DimGroup, DimCompany and have multiple fact tables that contain the keys from each of the dimensions.  Is this the best way or would it be better to have just one dimension, DimEntity and include station, zone, group and company as attributes of the entity?</p>
  
  <p>We have already gone the route of separate dimensions with our ETL so it isn't like the work to populate and build out the star schema is an issue.  Performance and maintainability are important.  These dimensions do not change often so looking for guidance on the best way to handle such dimensions. </p>
  
  <p>Fact tables have over 100 million records.  The entity dimension has around 1000 records and the others listed have under 200 each.</p>