Subject areas within a data warehouse or data mart are physical tables that are grouped together in a dimensional model or star schema that reflect general data or functional categories. Subsequently, subject areas are synonymous with functional areas and each subject area identifies and groups the data that relates to a logical area of the business.

Some of the subject areas that are common to most corporations and organizations include …

* Sales

* Product

* Order

* Shipment

* Work Effort

* Invoice

* Accounting

* Human Resources