Get to know possibilities and automatisms for modelling data schemas
Description
Conceptual Information and Data Modelling
Data is the gold of today; therefore, data modelling is a key competence when it comes to leveraging information effectively for business success.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to data modelling using UML class diagrams, the Entity-Relationship (ER) model, and relational data models for the structured development of conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of designing and representing data structures, as well as how to transform conceptual designs into practical relational database schemas, ensuring traceability in terms of data lineage.
The course covers key concepts, methods, and best practices for effective data modelling in a range of software development projects and demonstrates their implementation using Enterprise Architect (EA) from SparxSystems.
With Enterprise Architect, conceptual, logical, and physical data models can be created within the same model repository. Schemas can be imported from existing databases, and database scripts can be automatically generated from the modelled schema. This ensures end-to-end traceability from business concept through to technical implementation.
Furthermore, Enterprise Architect supports Model Driven Architecture (MDA) transformations, enabling the conversion of a Platform-Independent Model (PIM) into a Platform-Specific Model (PSM). In the context of information and data models, MDA can be used to transform a logical data model into a physical data model. Likewise, physical data models can be transformed back into logical data models.
To facilitate the introduction to the Enterprise Architect tool, this training is offered in a blended learning format:
- eLearning: The basics can be completed independent of time and location in self-study via our learning platform – so all participants have the same prior knowledge. The content currently comprises approx. 6 hours and is summarized here.
- Live training: This is followed by the 2-day moderated online training from 9am to 4pm each day.
Target group
This training is aimed, among others, at business analysts, data architects and data modellers, software architects and system designers, database developers and administrators, as well as IT project managers.
If you are already working with, or have previously worked with, UML or Enterprise Architect, this course will help you deepen and expand your knowledge.
Objectives
Foundation: You are familiar with the basic structure of Enterprise Architect and know how to create, modify, reuse, and organise models into views, trace information, and remove elements where necessary.
Part 1: You are familiar with the key UML diagrams, can read them, and are able to create them using Enterprise Architect. You also have a basic understanding of how UML is applied to the conceptual modelling of software systems. In addition, you understand the importance of following a structured modelling approach and are aware of the key tips and best practices for creating UML models in Enterprise Architect.
Distribution of training content: In the Foundation module and Part 1, the focus is on the UML language (approx. 50% of the course duration), applied using Enterprise Architect (approx. 30%). In addition, a modelling method is covered (approx. 15%), complemented by best practices (approx. 5%).
Contents
In modelling, in addition to the modelling language, we need a tool – the Enterprise Architect tool – to be productive, as well as a method to properly use the language with the tool. Experience helps to work efficiently and, above all, effectively.
a) Language
Various languages can be used for data modelling. The most well-known are UML class diagrams and Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams.
Logical Data Models
- UML class model: classes as containers for data
- UML attributes as data elements
- UML associations as relationships between data containers
- UML generalisation for abstraction and simplification of data structures
- EA data models as an alternative to UML class diagrams
- Differences and similarities between UML and EA
Physical Data Models
- The table
- The table column
- Specific constraints on table columns
- The foreign key relationship
b) Tool
- The MDA approach in Enterprise Architect
- Model transformations from UML CD to physical data models
- Model transformations from ER models to physical data models
- Model transformations from physical data models to ER models
- Generating DDL scripts using Enterprise Architect
- Importing existing databases via an ODBC connection
- Working with the Database Builder tool in Enterprise Architect
- Forward engineering of databases
- Importing databases
- Synchronising the model and live database
c) Method
In this course, you will learn a data modelling approach based on the principles of Model Driven Architecture (MDA).
Further courses deepen and extend your knowledge of methods.
d) Experience
Developing an appropriate modelling approach for specific challenges and achieving sustainable added value requires sound experience.
We have 20 years of experience in model-based software engineering with UML. We share this expertise, along with the best practices derived from it, in a structured and practical manner in our courses.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of (software) systems is helpful, but not essential. Ideally, participants should have a fundamental knowledge of UML and some experience in using Enterprise Architect.
All details on the technical requirements for this training, such as the hardware and software needed, Enterprise Architect versions or licenses, and the Moodle learning platform are listed here.
Next dates
- t.b.a.
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Advanced trainings:
- MBSD with UML and Enterprise Architect
- Model simulation of UML/SysML behavioural models
Extension trainings: