Data Modellng tools?

[cojak]

Help!

I've been thrown into the data aspect of the client's programe and I'm rapidly getting to the limitof my current knowledge.

I've been using Excel and Visio to create a data dictionary and some basic data flows, but even I recognise this isn't going to take me far.

Can anyone recommend a tool that will make more sense of the data than I can at the moment?

(Lots of reading to do this weekend. My Data Modelling: A beginner's Guide will get well thumbed )

[MarillionFan]

Help!

I've been thrown into the data aspect of the client's programe and I'm rapidly getting to the limitof my current knowledge.

I've been using Excel and Visio to create a data dictionary and some basic data flows, but even I recognise this isn't going to take me far.

Can anyone recommend a tool that will make more sense of the data than I can at the moment?

(Lots of reading to do this weekend. My Data Modelling: A beginner's Guide will get well thumbed )

For analysing data Oracle - I used Toad
SQL Server - Install it on your local machine

Erwin is considered a decent modelling tool.

If you're doing any schema modelling, there is a freebie tool on the Kimble Methodology website which is quite good. If you need a hand PM me.

[cojak]

Thanks MF, will do when I've got a minute.

[scooterscot]

What is the model trying to achieve?

I use a number of tools for modelling stats. Mostly in terms of likelihood of future events, reliability, forecasting that sort of thing.

[beercohol]

Secret weapon: Kalido Business Information Modeller. Its free.

Technically, its part of their BI suite and allows you to create a Conceptual Model that can be loaded straight into their dynamic warehouse platform. But you don't have to use it for that.

Their modeling technique is streets ahead of the industry, taking the complexity out of other methods, like ER diagrams.

This tool creates really great looking Conceptual Models that you can build in collaboration with the business (users) in a way they can easily understand.

Data Modeling is an art, and suitable for large or complex system requirements. Check out Cliff Longman's site (former CTO of Kalido):

Communicating with data models Free video training

...for a very good introduction to conceptual modelling where he mentions this tool.

I hope this helps.

[beercohol]

a very good introduction to conceptual modelling where he mentions this tool.
I hope this helps.

I might just add, when I looked at his training series, it wasn't finished, but still some very good concepts.

[scooterscot]

Just realised you're all talking about problem structuring methods...

.. Just out of curiosity, I assume those software approaches for conceptual models are more than just drawing pictures and they actually perform some form analytical analysis, how are human factors considers? Is an attempt made to model human behaviour?

[beercohol]

Just realised you're all talking about problem structuring methods...

.. Just out of curiosity, I assume those software approaches for conceptual models are more than just drawing pictures and they actually perform some form analytical analysis, how are human factors considers? Is an attempt made to model human behaviour?

Dude, you lost me man!

I don't know what you're talking about, but it sounds sophisticated.

[scooterscot]

To me a model is a mathematical representation of a system or service that is used in an attempt to understand possible outcomes, usually in the future.

What's a model mean to IT people?

[MarillionFan]

To me a model is a mathematical representation of a system or service that is used in an attempt to understand possible outcomes, usually in the future.

What's a model mean to IT people?

As I have a degree in Mathematics and develop business models for people using Business Intelligence, where i have to model data and processes as well as undertaking the odd underwear photo shoot for catalogues the term model means lots of things to me.