Data Modeling

A Common Blueprint

As more data becomes available, it is imperative that everyone in the data chain be on the same page. Data modeling facilitates interaction among designers, application programmers, and the end users of the product being developed. In simple terms, this is what serves as the communication tool between all of the individuals involved in the project. Its overall purpose is to support the business process within the scope of information systems.

Structured Approach

Data modeling is used to model data in a standard, consistent, predictable manner in order to manage it as a resource. This enables the developers, functional users and other stakeholders to understand and use an agreed concept of the information items within the organization and how they relate to one another. Data models provide a structure for data used by providing specific definition and format.

Getting it Right

In the fast-paced world of technology today, we often find teams utilizing one or more of the following data models:

Enterprise Data Modeling - Documents the very high level business objects & definitions. This will provide an Enterprise wide scope showing the strategic view of the Enterprise data.

Conceptual Data Modeling - Covers a much broader scope than Logical Data Modeling

  • Business Key
  • Attributes of data objects
  • Definitions of business data objects
  • Relationships between data objects


  • Logical Data Modeling - This is frequently within the scope of a defined project
  • Business Key
  • Attributes of data objects
  • Definitions of business data objects
  • Relationships between data objects


  • Physical Data Modeling - This is frequently within the scope of a defined project
  • This shows the technical design of the tables
  • Columns
  • Keys
  • Foreign Keys
  • And any other constraints to be implemented in the database.
  • Quality Wins Out

    Data Models help ensure a higher quality product in the end. By defining problems early on, it enables the team to consider different approaches and adjust accordingly. Not only will this reduce your overall cost, but you will also find that your software will make it to market faster with a much higher accuracy level.