Creation of Synthetic Keys

[thebigwhite]

Good morning, 

I am creating a model where they key among the tables is a string. I am wondering if I can create a "numeric synthetic" keys from the string key field. I am wondering if a numeric keys can have a positive impact on the perfomance. 

Thanks in advance 

[thebigwhite]

thanks for the answer. Is there any function to create a unique synthetic key starting from a string?

[HotChilli]

A Power Query function?

What is the conversion? - just a simple data type conversion or are you trying to generate a surrogate key from fresh?

Also, make sure to use a star schema for the model - this will give the best performance gains.

[HotChilli]

Yes, it does help performance.  The reduction in storage and the performance of joins are where it helps.  Most of the time I don't bother unless every ounce has to be squeezed to get what you want .