Data Modeling Jump-Start Package

Data Modeling
Data modeling is the process of determining data requirements from business requirements and then creating data structures to capture and store the business data. Obviously, data modeling is a key component of any data architecture. The fact is that most data and metadata originates from data modeling efforts. Data modeling also drives the evolution of the data and metadata over time. As the business evolves, so will the logical and physical models supporting the business’ data. Good data modeling practices ensure valid and usable data and metadata.

CA, Inc (CA) provides the CA ERwin® Data Modeler (ERwin) and the CA ERwin® Model Manager (Model Manager) software to support data modeling efforts. ERwin facilitates data modeling efforts by providing a GUI interface to create logical and physical models. These models capture the data requirements and create relational databases through physical models. Model Manager allows ERwin data models to be stored centrally. The logical and physical models are important to the entire development process. Having the models centralized makes them available to all project members. Model Manager also centralizes and facilitates model change management. Data Innovations, Inc. provides a jump-start package to establish an enterprise data modeling practice using ERwin and Model Manager.

Jump-Start Package
Data Innovations’ jump-start package establishes the environment to support an enterprise level data modeling practice. The following sections identify the components of the package:

Requirements:
The jump-start package will require the following:

These requirements allow Data Innovations to provide discounts for both software licenses and professional services.

Product Installation:
The ERwin and Model Manager software will need to be installed. The following bullets identify the components of this service:

  • A custom installation plan for ERwin and Model Manager is created.
  • Perform the product installations and create detailed installation procedures for both products.
  • Install the license files.
  • Establish the Model Manager environment:
    • Create the security groups.
    • Define the libraries to store models.
    • Define the security for each library.
    • Establish user access for the RDBMS and Model Manager.
    • Create the change management policy.
    • Establish connectivity to the ERwin client.
    • Create step-by-step administration procedures.

Establish Best Practices:
Once the environment is established, best practices are defined to ensure proper utilization and to enforce the change management policy. The following bullets identify the components of this service:

  • Define data modeling standards.
    • Logical and physical model requirements.
    • Naming Standards.
    • Change management standards.
    • Define product standards and user groups.
    • Create a document identifying data modeling best practices.
  • Create an enterprise data model.
    • Determine the approach to build the enterprise model.
    • Create the base enterprise data model.
    • Define the process for maintaining and utilizing the enterprise data model.
    • Create a document identifying the enterprise data model best practices.
  • Establish database administration standards.
    • Determine RDBMS standards for database administration.
    • Define the physical model requirements.
    • Define the change management standards.
    • Establish the product standards and user groups.
    • Create a document identifying the database administrator’s best practices.

Data Modeling Services:
Data Innovations provides expert services to guide the client to success and ensures the return on investment for the software. The following bullets identify the types of services available:

  • Data Modeling. Our experts work closely with the clients to develop logical and physical models to solve business problems for data warehousing and application development projects.
  • Meta Modeling. Our experts work closely with the clients to develop logical and physical meta models and metadata repositories.
  • Model Manager Administration. Our experts support the Model Manager environment by maintaining the libraries, security groups, user access, and software maintenance.