More about Innovator for Information Architects

DB Reverse Engineering and DDL Generation

Existing databases are linked using reverse engineering. This is normally for both documenting database schema and integrating these databases into new projects. Innovator for Information Architects either directly reads the database using JDBC access for this or creates DB models from DDL scripts.

Based on the database schema, Innovator for Information Architects generates DDL scripts, either CreateTable scripts for new creations or AlterTable scripts for modifying existing databases. This means that all company features or project-specific features can be taken into consideration.

Mapping Between the Database Schema and Conceptual Model Content

In Innovator for Information Architects, database schema and conceptual schema are integrated with each other. Changes to the database schema are adopted in the conceptual schema. This is a basic requirement for real IT projects as manual maintenance of data models is time-consuming and it is easy to make mistakes. e.g. conceptual models are created for integrating existing undocumented databases.

Vice versa, the database schema can also be created from or compared with the conceptual schema.

Database Schema

Innovator for Information Architects supports all commonly used relational database systems. Support for all relational databases can also be configured.

Tables, columns, views, primary keys, foreign keys, indexes, triggers, stored procedures and access rights are supported in database schemata. As well as semantic data types, direct data types are available from the target systems for typing.

The ISO standard, IDEF1X, is used when visualizing database schema; edges represent foreign keys.

You can change the size and compartments shown for database tables, e.g. for table columns and foreign keys. Compartment entries can be hidden and automatically maintained.

Functions, such as combining and splitting database tables (split columns, split rows), also support modeling in the database schema.

Conceptual Schema

The conceptual schema describes the technical requirements of the user independent of the implementation. Entity and relationship types are defined and graphically displayed in the model. Entity relationship modeling (ERM) has been established as the standard method for semantic data modeling.

Innovator for Information Architects provides different options for ER model notation: depending on which diagrams the user is already familiar with, they can use the classic Chen notation, James Martin ("crow's foot"), SERM, DSA or IDEF1X notation or a notation based on UML class diagrams. In SERM notation, three different edge displays can be selected (standard, classic, or James Martin).

Mapping OO-ER for Integration with UML Models

Innovator for Information Architects allows UML 2 models from Innovator for Business Analysts or Innovator for Software Architects to be connected via OO-ER mapping. The mapping maps object-oriented modeling concepts to relational databases' concepts. This works in both directions. Object-oriented analysis models are often taken in UML as the starting point for a conceptual database schema. For example, a UML model with the requirements analysis' result from Innovator for Business Analysts is converted into an initial conceptual schema via OO-ER mapping. Traceability links are set, which allow modifications in the analysis model to be transferred into the conceptual schema at a later date. In the other direction, classes can be generated from entities; this facilitates development against the relevant database. Trace links can also be used here to ensure consistency between models.

NoSQL Data for the Integration of Unstructured Data into the Conceptual Schema

Innovator for Information Architects provides you with a single platform for your Data Governance. You can use a model for merging conventional, structured, relational enterprise data models with unstructured data models and for linking them with the applications and processes used.

Data Mart Visualization of View Relationships in a Conceptual Schema

Innovator for Information Architects enables you to visualize relationships between views of an entity relationship model based on the underlying entities. Relationships are automatically evaluated and do not have to be explicitly modeled.

This is extremely useful when reengineering databases. Simply import the database schema and automatically derive the conceptual model from it. You can then use this model to visualize relationships between views, enabling you to quickly identify relationships and potential for improvement.

This function is also particularly helpful when designing Data Warehouse views. You can add an abstraction layer to your Data Warehouse based on views; this can then be used to help when automating your Data Warehouse. Using Innovator means that you will still be able to keep track of everything, in spite of the extra views, and that you will always be able to visualize the relationships and collaborate about them.

Data Vault 2.0 for Historization in a Data Warehouse

Methodically, the Data Vault standard has many advantages, from high flexibility for enhancements and the full historization of data to the significant parallelization of the data load processes for your data warehouse. Thanks to standardization, the process can be quickly transferred to different projects and can be automated with excellent results.

Innovator for Information Architects offers complete support for the Data Vault 2.0 notation, which is primarily composed of the categories "Hub" (information that uniquely describes an object, i.e. its identity), "Satellite" (attributes that describe an object) and "Link" (relationships between objects).

This offers you optimum support when creating your models and allows recurring activities to be (partly) automated. Innovator and Data Vault 2.0 provide effective support, making it quicker to create your models and build a Data Warehouse.

Multi-Dimensional Modeling in Cube and Dimension Diagrams

Models are the perfect way to communicate relationships and concepts. These models are particularly used for communication between operating departments to coordinate demands. Innovator for Information Architects offers a new model form that is specially designed for communication with specialist departments in the Business Intelligence environment.

You can create cube diagrams for multi-dimensional data models in a simple and easy-to-understand display form that indicate the analysis possibilities that the cube will have later on for the support of an online analysis process (OLAP). You can depict dimensions, hierarchies and their levels, based on the cube design.

Through integration with the conceptual data model, you can always trace the point of origin of analysis data. Innovator for Information Architects also enables generation of physical data models which you can use to create appropriate scripts for creating your analysis database.

This consistency will decrease the time it takes to go from the requirement to the evaluable cube in your Data Warehouse.

Describing Data Origin Processes

You can describe your complex business data preparation processes in process models that can be created quickly. Mappings of the transformation steps in a language that everyone can understand make specification easier and even complex steps can be conquered.

Visualizing Data Origin (Data Lineage)

Use Innovator's Impact Analysis to trace the data origin to the attribute level as an automated process and visualize it. Data Lineage gives you peace of mind knowing that your analysis data is accurate and informative.