DBV Rowic

DBV Rowic, short for Data Base Version Row Identifier Column, is a term sometimes used in the context of database management and data warehousing, particularly in systems employing slowly changing dimensions (SCDs). It refers to a dedicated column within a dimension table that uniquely identifies each version or row representing a particular instance of a dimensional entity over time.

This column typically holds an integer or other suitable data type that serves as a primary key or surrogate key for a specific version of the dimension record. As attributes of the dimension change (e.g., a customer's address or a product's price), a new row is created in the dimension table to reflect this change, and the DBV Rowic ensures each version remains uniquely identifiable.

The DBV Rowic is often used in conjunction with other SCD-related columns, such as:

• Valid From/To Dates: Columns indicating the period during which a particular row (version) was valid.
• Current Flag: A boolean flag indicating whether a row represents the currently valid version of the dimensional entity.

The use of a DBV Rowic facilitates historical analysis and reporting by allowing queries to easily retrieve specific versions of dimension records based on their unique identifier. It also simplifies joining fact tables to the correct version of a dimension record, particularly when fact records need to be associated with the state of the dimension at the time of the event being recorded. This column helps maintain data integrity and ensures consistent reporting across different time periods.