When developers approach databases, they tend to overlook proper data modeling. This can lead to many fiddling with the data structure over time. Fiddling is OK for a proof of concept. However, when assigned the task of developing a complex and evolving project, you need to define the data structure from the start. Besides, when there is a disconnect between the development team and the business team, many potentially valuable data can be lost, misplaced, or underused.
What is Data Modeling?
When the data specification is visually represented, it is called a data model. Data models would be usually designed in the form of a UML diagram. Whether it is an SQL or NoSQL database, there are many ways to store and collect. Data modeling is the method of defining what data needs to be collected and how it should be stored.
A UML editor may be used to do data modeling. But there is an array of tools specifically designed for data modeling. A high-end data Modeling tool will not only draw beautiful pictures but also integrate directly with your databases.
How Data Modeling Works?
Data modeling typically consists of three layers:
ü The Conceptual Model: Fordeterminingthe entities, their attributes, and their relationships.
ü The Logical Data Model: For defining the structure of the data elements, Compare SQL changes and establish the relationships between them.
ü The Physical Data Model: For describing the database-specific implementation of the data model.
The Importance of Data Modeling for Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation is indomitable within the business world. It happens irrespective of corporate will, a true force of nature. In terms of structure, digital transformation is the unchecked development of digital technologies that have shaped economies and societies for a long time.
This leads to developing new habits and needs in both private life and business. One of these transformations is Big Data. As discussed many times in our previous blog posts, Big Data is today a powerful weapon within the corporate competition. But nothing is as simple as it looks. To dominate Big Data, professionals and companies must invest in developing new skills. Data modeling is one of those skills that allow businesses of any size to handle a wide range of data with varying volumes, complexity, and value.
The Nutshell
Data is a company’s most valuable asset. To extract useful information from this data, you need to perform data analytics Compare SQL changes, among others. Incorporating Data Modeling can simplify that process significantly.
