Turning data into business advantage

 Home  Services  Downloads / Links  Résumé  Company Profile  Contact  Search
   Data Modelling      
   Data Architecture      
   Data Analysis      
   Database Design & Implementation      
   XML Schema & Vocabulary Design      
   XML Value Validation      
   Model Change Management      
   AllFusion ERwin & PowerDesigner Tool Suites      
   Hands-on consulting      

 

 

Modelling Tools

On this page

Topic

1. Why use modelling tools

2. Reference sites


1. Why use modelling tools?

In the early days of data modelling, the models were drawn up by hand, first on paper, then using drawing tools. It proved to be a good technique for structuring and normalising data. However, there were also some limitations:

  • Cumbersome sharing of paper based models

  • No embedded structured model information, such as attribute definitions, etc.

  • Impossible to search and report on specific aspects of the model

  • Manual implementation of data model

  • Difficulties to keep model up-to-date

 

Some of today's modelling tools have very powerful features, greatly improving productivity and accuracy of managing your data asset:

  • Keeping track of model changes and versions

  • Supporting various types of models (UML, ERD, XML Schema, etc.)

  • Storing structured embedded information for each model object

  • Generating code for various target platforms (relational databases, XML Schema, etc.)

  • Multi-user, concurrent modelling

  • Synchronisation of data model and its database or XML implementation

  • Bridging the chasm between UML and XML Schema vocabularies

  • Web-publishing of data models and documentation

 


2. Reference sites

Data Management Solutions has implemented a number of successful, tool supported model management solutions:

  • Two Wellingtonian organisations in the financial sector use AllFusion ERwin for

    • Developing data models

    • Generating databases

    • Synchronising models and databases

    • Periodically re-publish the models on the intranet

  • The New Zealand Education Sector has been using Sybase PowerDesigner to:

    • Model the enterprise messaging data model in UML

    • Transition UML to XML library schema models according to OASIS UBL NDR

    • Compose XML document schemas by cherry picking from the XML library schema models

    • Generated XSD files

    • Semi-automatically enforce naming and standards compliance

    • Version UML and XML

    • Perform impact analysis

    • maximise automation potential using DMS's MXV Productivity Tools


3. Services available to you

Data Management Solutions can provide:

  • Hands-on consulting expertise when evaluating or installing a modelling tool. The critical success factor however is how the tools are deployed

  • Tailored data management processes and training courses to meet your organisation's needs

  • Tailored PowerDesigner scripts to meet your organisations needs for minimising model maintenance effort while maximising generated outputs.


For details, please see my résumé, or feel free to contact me.

 


        © Copyright 2007 Data Management Solutions, Wellington, New Zealand                   Last Update: 2011 April 14