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new_titlepage.doc, printed on 02/12/2002, at 10:42 AM

AllFusion ERwin Data

Modeler

Getting Started

new_titlepage.doc, printed on 02/12/2002, at 10:42 AM

This documentation and related computer software program (hereinafter referred to as the
Documentation) is for the end users informational purposes only and is subject to change or
withdrawal by Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) at any time.
This documentation may not be copied, transferred, reproduced, disclosed or duplicated, in whole
or in part, without the prior written consent of CA. This documentation is proprietary information
of CA and protected by the copyright laws of the United States and international treaties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, licensed users may print a reasonable number of copies of this
documentation for their own internal use, provided that all CA copyright notices and legends are
affixed to each reproduced copy. Only authorized employees, consultants, or agents of the user
who are bound by the confidentiality provisions of the license for the software are permitted to
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This right to print copies is limited to the period during which the license for the product remains
in full force and effect. Should the license terminate for any reason, it shall be the users
responsibility to return to CA the reproduced copies or to certify to CA that same have been
destroyed.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, CA provides this documentation as is without
warranty of any kind, including without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability,
fitness for a particular purpose or noninfringement. In no event will CA be liable to the end user or
any third party for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, from the use of this documentation,
including without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, goodwill, or lost data, even if CA is
expressly advised of such loss or damage.
The use of any product referenced in this documentation and this documentation is governed by
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The manufacturer of this documentation is Computer Associates International, Inc.
Provided with Restricted Rights as set forth in 48 C.F.R. Section 12.212, 48 C.F.R. Sections 52.22719(c)(1) and (2) or DFARS Section 252.227-7013(c)(1)(ii) or applicable successor provisions.
2002 Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA)
All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective
companies.

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Contents
Chapter 1: ERwin: The Information Management Solution!
Database Design Made Easy 11
Implement Enterprise-wide Design Standards 12
ERwins Benefits 12
The AllFusion Modeling Suite Manages Application Development
13
For More Information 14

Chapter 2: The Premier Model Solution At Your Fingertips!

ERwin Overview And Installation Information 21
How Do I Use ERwin? 22
Before You Begin 23
Target Databases Supported by ERwin 23
Before You Install ERwin 24
ERwin's Easy Installation Procedure 24
Whats Next? 25

Chapter 3: ERwin's New And Advanced Features!

Introducing Product Enhancements 31
Whats New In ERwin? 32
Whats New In ERwin 4.0 or later? 32
Flexible Support Of Multiple Model Types 33
Adaptable Menu Structure 34
The Model Explorer 34
What Can You Do In The Model Explorer? 35
Using The Model Explorer Context Menu 36
Model Pane 36
Subject Areas Pane 37
Domains Pane 39
Dockable Toolbars 310
ERwin Toolbox 311
Selecting, Moving, and Resizing Objects 312
Alignment, Spacing, And Grouping Tools 313
Drawing Tools 314

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Chapter 4: Putting ERwin To Work!

Working With Data Models 41
What Is An Entity? 42
What Is An Attribute? 42
What Is A Relationship? 43
What Is A Foreign Key? 44
Creating A Data Model 46
Enhance Your Data Model 412
Splitting A Logical/Physical Data Model 414
Derive A New Model 415
Forward Engineering 417
Whats Next? 420

Chapter 5: Jump Start Your Data Design Process!

Use Existing Data To Build A New Model 51
Reverse Engineering 51
Using The Reverse Engineer Wizard 52
Using ERwin's Complete Compare 55
Whats Next? 57

Chapter 6: Build Reports On Your ERwin Models!

Learn What Report Builder Can Do 62

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Chapter 7: Using ERwin's Advanced Features!

Working With Design Layers 71
What Is A Design Layer? 72
Other Design Layer Hierarchies 74
Creating New Design Layers 75
Creating New Design Layers 75
Splitting A Model 75
Deriving A Model 75
Adding a Model Source 76
What Is A Transform? 76
Transform Toolbar 77
Applying Transforms 77
Expected Transform Results 79
Transforms And The Model Explorer 711
Resolving And Reversing Transforms 711
Synchronizing Changes Between Design Layers 711
Preserving Model History 713

Chapter 8: Ask Your Buddy

Ask Your Buddy Questions And Answers 81

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vi

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1
ERwin: The Information Management Solution!
Chapter

Database Design Made Easy

elcome to AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler (hereafter referred to as

ERwin), the database design tool that raises the level of data quality in
transactional and data warehouse systems. ERwin is essential in helping
your organization maintain its competitive edge by providing the tools to design and
implement databases for transactional business, E-commerce, and data warehousing
applications.
ERwin creates and maintains graphical models that represent databases, data
warehouses, and enterprise data models. ERwin provides a modeling platform where
corporate data requirements and related database designs can be defined, managed,
and implemented across a wide variety of database platforms.
ERwin combines a Windows-based graphical user interface with powerful entityrelationship (ER) diagramming tools, custom editors to define physical database
objects, a Model Explorer for a text-based view of model objects, and support for the
leading SQL and desktop databases.

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Database Design Made Easy

Implement Enterprise-wide Design Standards

ERwin streamlines the application development process, allowing different groups
(Standards Administrators, Business Analysts, Data Modelers, and so on) to perform
work independently, while collaborating and synchronizing. In this way, different
groups can simultaneously work on various parts of a model or different model types.

Useful, Consolidated Data

Todays eBusiness architecture is a patchwork collection of technologies ranging from
mainframe applications all the way down to thin-client systems running on the latest
handheld devices. Transforming these peninsulas of information into new business
opportunities and improved service levels are all critically important to gaining
competitive advantage in this new eBusiness environment. ERwins superior
capabilities ensure that data is consistently defined and captured across all your
deployment platforms.

ERwins Benefits

Easy-to-use Design Functionality: Database design is made simple through pointand-click creation of a graphical entity-relationship (ER) model of your data
requirements and data usage rules. Drag-and-drop functionality allows you to
quickly create entities and attributes, tables, and columns, and other model
objects. Additionally, ERwins on-diagram editing facilitates quick and easy design
changes.

Forward Engineering: ERwin generates the physical database schema, including

all supported options, from a physical model.

Reverse Engineering: ERwin lets you capture information in an existing database

or DDL script file and then create a physical or logical/physical model based on
that information. You can quickly reverse-engineer existing databases for
incorporation into new development efforts, and then proceed to add new
database objects or even redesign the database structure.

Manageability: ERwin handles large enterprise models by creating smaller subsets

where specific areas can be highlighted. Subsets of large data models are treated
as subject areas that are quickly and easily created to make your designated
business data model more accessible.

Environment Integration: ERwin can design transactional systems, data marts,

and data warehouses to be implemented on the same or different platforms.
ERwin supports the most popular desktop and SQL database platforms. Because
ERwin automatically converts datatypes and SQL syntax to match the target
server you select, you can reuse a data model for different platforms and
implementations.

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Database Design Made Easy

You can use ERwins application development features to:
Create a model that contains business requirements as well as the exact design
of your physical database.

Create independent logical and physical models with unique notation and
display options.

Split models of older ERwin versions into separate logical and physical
models, derive new models from existing models, and link a model to its
source so that changes can be synchronized.

The AllFusion Modeling Suite Manages Application Development

AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler is part of the AllFusion family of products, a
foundation for building, deploying, and managing applications. AllFusion consists of
process and project management, change and configuration management, modeling
and design, and knowledge publication and visualization. AllFusion strengthens your
ability to automate critical application life cycle processes and to thrive in the
increasing complexity and rate of change in todays eBusiness climate. The AllFusion
Modeling Suite helps you simplify the complex aspects of analyzing, designing, and
implementing applications and business processes by providing a visualization of the
relationships between business and technology. The other key components that
provide the integration of design, data and process models are:

AllFusion Process Modeler (formerly BPwin) - The essential tool for

business process modeling.
AllFusion Model Manager (formerly ModelMart) - Used in conjunction
with the AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler and AllFusion Process Modeler, the
AllFusion Model Manager supports concurrent team modeling for large
client/server development projects.
AllFusion Data Model Validator (formerly ERwin Examiner) - The
database validation tool that raises the level of data quality in transactional and
data warehouse systems.
AllFusion Component Modeler (formerly Paradigm Plus) - The powerful
modeling tool for designing, visualizing, and maintaining business
applications.

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Database Design Made Easy

For More Information

After reading this Getting Started Guide, you can refer to the numerous resources for
additional information. Your ERwin CD contains a useful tutorial that showcases
ERwins comprehensive, feature-rich components. Also, be sure to check out the
readme.txt and the ERwin FAQ files, which are installed with ERwin.

AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler Methods Guide

The AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler Methods Guide explains the basic concepts of data
modeling and the IDEF1X and IE modeling notations, which are supported by
ERwin. To learn about basic data modeling techniques and the modeling notations,
we suggest that you read this book before starting to use ERwin.
NOTE: By default, the Methods Guide is installed with ERwin. It is
provided in Portable Data Format (PDF) file, which can be read
using Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0. If you do not have the current
version of Acrobat Reader, you can download a copy from the
Adobe web site or install the reader from the installation CD.

Getting Online Help

The online help system offers procedural information and answers to any questions
you may encounter. When you press F1 from any dialog, you will see a What would
you like to do? topic, which lists all relevant topics for that task.

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Database Design Made Easy

You can also search for a topic by going to the Help menu and choosing Help
Topics and then click on the Contents, Index, or Search tab. In addition, go to the
Help menu and choose Whats New, which provides links to more information about
all of the newest features. And, for tips on using the ERwin Online Help system, go to
the Help menu and choose How to Use Help.

Most Help topics have links to related topics. You can usually find more
information by clicking the links below the topic heading or on the buttons on the
help topic menu bar.

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Database Design Made Easy

Technical Support
If you need technical support, visit us on the web at esupport.ca.com. When you
contact Computer Associates Technical Support, please have the following
information ready for the support analyst:
The version number and the build number of the product (available from the
About menu option on the ERwin Help menu).
The operating system or platform (for example, Windows NT 4.0), as well as
any service pack applied.
A description of the problem, the steps that led to the problem, and any error
messages.
To obtain more detailed information about ERwin from educational courses, go
to this website: www.ca.com/education
In addition, ERwin provides comprehensive training in its advanced features,
along with offering the Best Practices Course for in-depth hands-on ERwin material.

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2
The Premier Model Solution At Your Fingertips!
Chapter

ERwin Overview And Installation Information

Rwin is a powerful database design tool that combines a Windows-based

graphical user interface with entity-relationship (ER) diagramming tools, and
numerous innovative features. These features allow you to easily create and
maintain your relational database and the logical and physical models that
describe it. ERwin works by providing a design solution that helps you create a visual
blueprint (a data model) for your organization.

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ERwin Overview And Installation Information

How Do I Use ERwin?

ERwin is much more than a drawing tool. ERwin not only helps you design a logical
data model, which captures business rules and requirements, it supports the design of a
corresponding physical data model for your target server. This enables you to forward
engineer this physical data model and automatically generate physical database
structures to your system catalog.
ERwin supports reverse engineering of existing databases and provides both a
physical and logical/physical data model so you can maintain an existing database, or
migrate from your current target server to a different one.
In addition, ERwin's groundbreaking Complete Compare technology automates
model and database synchronization by allowing you to compare the model with the
database, displaying and analyzing the differences. This enables you to selectively
move the differences into the model or generate them into the database.

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ERwin Overview And Installation Information

Before You Begin

Before you install ERwin, consider the following list of supported software and
hardware to ensure a trouble-free installation:

RAM

Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5 or 6)
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
Microsoft Windows 98 (1st and 2nd editions)
64 Mb (128MB recommended for large models)

Hard Disk Space

85 Mb

Operating System

Target Databases Supported by ERwin

Desktop Databases
Microsoft Access

SQL Databases
AS/400
DB2 390
DB2 UDB
HiRDB
INFORMIX
Ingres II
InterBase

Clipper
DBASE IV
FoxPro
Paradox

ODBC Generic
OpenIngres
Oracle
PROGRESS
Rdb
Red Brick Warehouse
SAS
SQL Anywhere
SQLBase
SQL Server
Sybase
Teradata
WATCOM/SQL Anywhere

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ERwin Overview And Installation Information

Before You Install ERwin

Be sure to remove (uninstall) any previously installed copies of ERwin 4.x by using the
Windows Add/Remove Programs feature on the Control Panel. When you see the
InstallShield Wizard, choose Remove to uninstall all installed components of ERwin.
Then proceed to install the new software.

ERwin's Easy Installation Procedure

1.

With Windows XP, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows Millennium

Edition, or Windows 2000 running, insert the CD in the CD drive.

2.

If Autorun is enabled, you will be prompted to install. If autorun is

disabled, click on the CD and double-click on Setup.exe.

3.

A License Agreement appears for you to review. If you accept the terms
as described in the License Agreement, select Yes. If not, select No and
exit the installation process.

4.

You are prompted to follow the instructions provided by the Install

program. The installation program asks a series of questions you must
answer, including:
Destination directory for the ERwin files
Product Registration

Buddy TipThe installation program notifies you when ERwin is installed successfully.
To register ERwin:
1. Go to the Windows Start menu and click on Programs. Then click CA
Registration and choose RegisterIT from the menu.
2.

When the RegisterIT Welcome screen appears, choose one of the

registration options, and then click Next to begin the registration process.

3.

Follow the steps on the screen until the process is complete.

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ERwin Overview And Installation Information

Whats Next?
Now that you have installed ERwin, the road to database design and application
development is just beginning . . . this book will guide you through ERwin's improved
basic functions and new features.
The following chapters highlight ERwin's components and provide you with a
clear idea of how to use them. You will soon see how the wide scope of ERwin's
features combines with its ease of use to make ERwin an indispensable part of your
organization.

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3
ERwin's New And Advanced Features!
Chapter

Introducing Product Enhancements

hen database designers and information managers are asked for a wish list
regarding requirements for their data modeling solution, in short what they
ask for is a tool that supports the complete application development cycle.
Typically, the cycle begins with the gathering of business rules and creating logical
constructs and continues to the physical design phase followed by the implementation
of a database that supports one or more applications. Clearly this is an iterative
process.
For this reason, they want a tool that is flexible and easy to use. A tool that
supports multiple platforms, reuse of objects, and the ability to synchronize changes
between data models across their enterprise. ERwin delivers the usability and flexibility
to support the application development process in new and dynamic ways.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Whats New In ERwin 4.0 or later?

Workplace and user interface enhancements in ERwin include a workspace with a
Model Explorer, new and dockable toolbars, drawing objects, and a new menu
structure. Also, you will notice improvements to basic ERwin modeling features such
as Forward and Reverse Engineering and Complete Compare.

The Diagram Window Displays a graphical view of the data model.

The Model Explorer Provides a hierarchical text-based view of the data model
that is displayed in the Diagram Window. By clicking on a Model Explorer tab,
you can see different views of the model.

ERwin Toolbars All ERwin toolbars are dockable or free-floating. Toolbars

contain task buttons, which you can use as shortcuts to quickly perform common
ERwin tasks. When ERwin is running, simply place the cursor over each toolbar
button to describe the task it performs.

Stored Display Tab By default, every ERwin data model has one Stored Display,
which is named Display 1. You can rename Display 1 and create other Stored
Displays to customize the view of your data model.
NOTE:

In a Logical/Physical model, you can easily toggle

between the logical model and the physical model by
selecting the model type from the option list on the
ERwin toolbar.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Flexible Support Of Multiple Model Types

ERwin provides flexible support for multiple model types, allowing the data modeler
or data analyst to work with the models best suited for his needs.
The available choices are:
Logical A conceptual model that contains objects such as entities, attributes,
and key groups.

Physical A database-specific model that contains objects such as tables

columns, and datatypes.

Logical/Physical Previously the standard ERwin model, a single model that

includes both the logical and physical models.

Model Type Indicator

The Model Type Indicator on the ERwin Toolbar identifies the current models type.

The Model Type Indicator can be switched between Logical and Physical only for
a logical/physical model. For a logical-only or physical-only model, the model type
appears dimmed in the Model Type Indicator list and cannot be switched.

NOTE: A Dimensional Model is a physical data model that represents

the facts and dimensions of a business process in a star schema
diagram. Typically, Dimensional Modeling (DM) notation is
selected to represent objects in a data warehouse model. For a
Dimensional Model, the Model Type Indicator is set to Physical.

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Adaptable Menu Structure

The ERwin menu structure adapts to reflect the options available to you:

NOTE: To help you find the new location of menu options, go to the
Help menu and choose Whats New. From the Whats New list,
click on Menu Structure Redesign.

The Model Explorer

The Model Explorer provides an organized, text-based view of your data model and its
contents. It provides an easy one-click method for creating objects. The Model
Explorer enables you to create, display, navigate, and modify your model using the
Model, Subject Areas, or Domains pane.

Specific objects from

your model appear
under the generic
object type.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

To switch to a different pane, click the tab at the bottom of the Model Explorer.
An example of each pane in the Model Explorer appears below.

What Can You Do In The Model Explorer?

Just as you can work on a graphical view of a model in the Diagram Window, you can
perform the same tasks from the Model Explorer using a text-based view of a model.
When you make changes to an object in the Model Explorer, the graphical view of the
model is immediately updated with the same change. For example, if you rename a
table in the Model Explorer, the new table name replaces the existing table name in the
diagram window and the relevant editors. Similarly, if you make a change to the
diagram or in an editor, you will immediately see the change in the Model Explorer.
In addition to navigating, the Model Explorer provides a whole range of useful
features that will help you easily create and modify your data model such as:
Create new objects

Rename existing objects

Go to objects in the diagram window

Open editors to view or change object properties

Drag certain objects from the Model Explorer to create them in the Diagram
Window

Move, copy, and delete objects

NOTE: In order to work with the Model Explorer, the Model Explorer
display option must be checked on the View menu.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Using The Model Explorer Context Menu

When you right click on an object in the Model Explorer, a context menu is displayed
that lists the options available for that object.
The object type determines
which options are available on
the context menu. On the
context menu, choose:

New to create a new object

Go To to go to the object
in the Diagram Window

Delete to remove the

object from the data model

Rename to edit the objects

name in the Model
Explorer

Properties to open the

editor for the object

Model Pane
The Model pane of the Model Explorer lists all of the object types that appear in the
current data model based on the model type and the target server. For example, if the
model type is Logical, the Model Explorer does not include physical objects such as
triggers, stored procedures, and database views.

Logical Objects

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Similarly, if the model type is Physical, the Model Explorer may not include
physical storage objects, such as a Tablespace, unless the target server supports that
type of storage object.

Physical Objects

Subject Areas Pane

By default, every ERwin data model has a Main Subject Area, which includes all of the
objects in the model. You can create other subject areas to divide the model into smaller
manageable parts. In the Model Explorer, the Subject Areas pane displays model
objects sorted by subject area. You can expand each subject area to see a list of the
members of the subject area.
You can create a new subject area right in the Model Explorer. Just select the New
option from the context menu. When an edit box appears at the bottom of the list,
type the name of the new subject area in the box. To add members to a new subject
area, drag entities or tables from the Main Subject Area into the new subject area.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

NOTE: Keep in mind, that subject area members just reference the
objects in the Main Subject Area, so changes automatically apply
to an object in every subject area in which it is a member.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Domains Pane
In ERwin, a domain is an object that helps to speed the creation of attributes and
columns. A domain is similar to a template because it defines all of the properties that
will be inherited by any attribute or column created from the domain. ERwin includes
a set of default domains, which you can customize. You can also add new domains for
your modeling purposes.
The Domains pane lists all of the Domains for the current model, which includes
all of the default domains as well as any that you created. You can drag a domain from
the Model Explorer right onto an entity to add an attribute or a column.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Dockable Toolbars
All of the toolbars in ERwin are dockable. That means that you can drag them to any
location in the workspace and they will dock along the edge of the window. Or, if you
prefer you can let them float freely in the window.

Depending on your preferences, all of the toolbars may be shown or hidden. On

the View menu, the Toolbars option lists all of the toolbars. Select (check) a toolbar to
make it visible in the workspace and clear (uncheck) to hide it.

NOTE: For more information about all toolbars, go to the Help menu
and choose Help Topics. Then search for Toolbar, overview.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

ERwin Toolbox
The ERwin toolbox is the primary set of tools for drawing and editing a data model.
The toolbox changes based on the model type (logical or physical) and the
notation (IDEF1X, IE, or DM) as shown below.

NOTE: For more information about the IDEF1X, IE, and DM notation,
from the Help menu, choose Help Topics, and search for
Notation. To choose the notation for a data model, from the
Model menu, choose Model Properties and click the Notation tab.

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Selecting, Moving, And Resizing Objects

In the ERwin Toolbox, the new Select tool is used for moving objects and resizing
entity and table boxes. The cursor changes shape for each task so that you know what
action will be performed.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Alignment, Spacing, And Grouping Tools

The appearance of your data model is important to you and the others who use it.
ERwin has many features that help you enhance the appearance of your model. The
tools on the Alignment Toolbar speed the process of graphically arranging and
grouping model objects.

You can select multiple diagram objects, and space them to your preference.
Similarly, the Group tool lets you group multiple diagram objects for easy
manipulation.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Drawing Tools
The Drawing Objects toolbar includes a set of drawing tools that you can use to add
text and objects to enhance the meaning of your data model. The tools work like many
other popular point-and-click drawing applications. Just click on a tool, click in the
diagram window and drag the mouse until the object is the right size.

After you add a drawing object, you can use the font and color toolbar to add
color to the objects.

Buddy TipYou can assign default font and color settings for drawing objects. From the

Format menu, choose Default Fonts and Colors. Click the Drawing Objects tab on the Default
Fonts and Colors editor to select the default setting for drawing objects.

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Introducing Product Enhancements

Whats Next?
You have just skimmed the surface of ERwin's capabilities. But now that you are
becoming acquainted with ERwin's features, you are ready for an in-depth exploration.
The following chapter explains how to take advantage of the latest modeling
techniques that help optimize your data models while managing the impact of design
changes throughout your organization.

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4
Putting ERwin To Work!
Chapter

Working With Data Models

his chapter walks you through some very basic ERwin features and provides an
opportunity for you to become familiar with the ERwin landscape. In this
chapter you will be creating and editing ERwin data models. Before you begin
exploring the workspace, youll learn about the basic data modeling concepts and
objects such as entities, attributes, and relationships.
NOTE: If you are already familiar with these concepts, you can skip
ahead to the section titled Creating A Data Model.

As its name implies, an Entity-Relationship data model, uses entities and

relationships to represent the logical structures that will eventually become the physical
tables in a database. ERwin uses a box with a horizontal line to depict an entity and
solid or dashed connecting lines to depict a relationship between two entities.

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Working With Data Models

What Is An Entity?
An entity is a person, place, or thing about which an organization maintains
information. In the logical model, an entity usually corresponds to a table in the
physical model. Two types of entities/tables can be drawn in an ERwin data model:
independent and dependent.
For example, an independent entity is an entity whose instances can be uniquely
identified without determining its relationship to another entity. It is represented as a
box with square corners. A dependent entity is an entity whose instances cannot be
uniquely identified without determining its relationship to another entity or entities. It
is represented as a box with rounded corners.

What Is An Attribute?
Once you have discovered the people, places, and events that define the entities in
your model, you can begin to define the attributes for each entity. For example, once
you create the CUSTOMER entity, you can begin to define the individual pieces of
information you want to track for each customer, including Name, Address, and
Phone Number. In the logical model, each of these pieces of information is saved in
ERwin as an attribute of the CUSTOMER entity. In the physical model, attributes
equate to columns in a table.

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Working With Data Models

The area above the horizontal line is known as the key area because that is where
the entitys primary key resides. The primary key may be comprised of one or more
attributes that uniquely identify the entity. The area below the horizontal line is known
as the non-key area because that is where all other attributes reside.

When you add an entity, ERwin determines the entity type based on the
relationship in which it is involved. For example, when you initially place an entity in a
model, it is represented as an independent entity. When you connect the entity to
another entity using a relationship, ERwin determines if the entity is independent or
dependent based on the relationship type.

What Is A Relationship?
In an ERwin data model, a relationship shows an association between two entities or
tables. ERwin represents a relationship as a line connecting two entities or two tables.
Depending on the notation you choose, the symbols at either end of the line may
change. The diagram below shows the relationship between the CUSTOMER entity
and the MOVIE RENTAL RECORD entity using Integration DEFinition (IDEF1X)
notation.

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What Is A Foreign Key?

When you create a relationship between entities, ERwin automatically migrates the
primary key attribute(s) of the parent entity, to the child entity. The designator (FK)
indicates the name of the migrated key attribute, also known as a foreign key. This
migration occurs automatically in the physical model.
In an identifying relationship, the FK migrates above the line and becomes part of
the primary key of the child entity. In a non-identifying relationship, the foreign key
migrates below the line and becomes a non-key attribute in the child entity. In ERwin,
a dashed line represents a non-identifying relationship.

Buddy Tip If you want a non-key to migrate instead of the primary key, you can use the
alternate key migration option. For more information, search for Alternate Key Migration
in the Online Help system.

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Other Relationship Types

In addition to identifying and non-identifying relationships, you can also create other
relationships in ERwin, as shown below:

Identifying relationship

Non-identifying relationship

Recursive relationship

Many-to-many relationship

Subtype relationship

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Working With Data Models

Creating A Data Model

1.

To create a new logical/physical model, follow this easy step:

From the ERwin File menu, choose New. The following dialog appears:

2.

In the New Model Type group box, select Logical/Physical. For the purpose of
this exercise, we use the default template, Blank Logical/Physical Model, and the
default target database, Oracle 8.x, for the physical side of the model.

3.

Click OK. ERwin opens a new Diagram Window.

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To Add Entities
1.

Locate the ERwin toolbox and click on the Entity tool

. Then click anywhere
in the Diagram Window to place the first entity. By default, this entity is named
E/1.

2.

Repeat until two more entities appear in the diagram window (they are named E/2
and E/3).

3.

At this point, you should save your data model. From the File menu, choose Save
As. In the ERwin Save As dialog, name the model by typing
My ERwin Model. ERwin adds .er1 as the file extension for data models.

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4.

Click Save to return to the Diagram Window. The name you typed in the ERwin
Save As dialog appears in the ERwin title bar. Your data model should look like
this:

NOTE: Notice that the entities that you created in the Diagram Window
also appear in the Model Explorer because ERwin automatically
synchronizes both areas of the workplace.

To Name Entities
You can name an entity by typing directly in the Diagram Window or in the Model
Explorer. The following procedure uses both methods:
1. In the Diagram Window, locate the entity named E/1. Click once on the entitys
name, wait briefly, and then click again. An edit box appears around the name.
Type CUSTOMER over the default entity name and click the mouse once outside
of the edit box.

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2.

In the Model Explorer, right-click on E/2, and from the context menu, select
Rename. Type ORDER over the default entity name and click the mouse once
outside of the edit box.

3.

Using the method that you prefer, rename the last entity PRODUCT. When
youre done, your diagram should look like this:

To Add Attributes
You can also add attributes to the entities directly in the Diagram Window or in the
Model Explorer. We will try both methods in the following exercise.
1. In the Diagram Window, click in the CUSTOMER entity box and press the Tab
key. An edit box appears below the entity name with the default name, Attribute
Name.

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2.

To add the first attribute, which is the primary key, type Number directly over the
default name. Then click the mouse outside of the edit box.
NOTE: To add another primary key, press Enter and the edit box will
appear above the line in the entity. To add a non-key, press Tab
and the edit box will appear below the line in the entity.

3.

Now, to add an attribute in the Model Explorer, click on the plus sign next to
CUSTOMER to expand the object list. Right-click on Attributes and choose New
from the context menu. A New Attribute edit box appears under Number. Type
Name in the edit box and when youre done click the mouse once outside of the
edit box.

4.

Using the method that you prefer, add Phone Number as a non-key attribute in
the CUSTOMER entity. When youre done, your diagram should look like this:

Buddy Tip To designate an attribute as a primary key, in the Model Explorer, doubleclick on the attributes name to open the Attributes editor. In the General tab, select (check)
the Primary Key box. You can also assign other properties to the attribute such as datatype
and domain.

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To Add Relationships
In the following exercise, we will add two relationships an identifying relationship
between CUSTOMER and ORDER and a non-identifying relationship between
ORDER and PRODUCT.
1.

In the ERwin toolbox, click the Identifying Relationship tool

2.

In the Diagram Window, add an identifying relationship between CUSTOMER

and ORDER by clicking the CUSTOMER entity to designate it as the parent.
Then click ORDER to designate it as the child entity. Your model should look
similar to this:

3.

. To add a
In the ERwin Toolbox, click the Non-identifying relationship tool
non-identifying relationship between ORDER and PRODUCT, click ORDER
and then click PRODUCT. Your model should look similar to this:

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Enhance Your Data Model

You can add drawing objects to a data model to enhance it or to provide meaningful
annotations. In the following exercise, you will add a blue rectangle, a yellow circle,
and some text.
1.

With My ERwin Model.er1 open, on the Drawing Objects toolbar, select the
Rounded Rectangle tool.

2.

Draw a rounded rectangle around CUSTOMER and ORDER.

3.

On the Font and Color toolbar, click the arrow on the Apply Background Color
tool.

4.

Choose any blue color, which will be applied to the background of rectangle.

5.

Repeat steps to draw a yellow circle around PRODUCT.

6.

Double-click on the yellow circle to open the Drawing Objects dialog.

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7.

Click the Text tab and type A product is part of an order. in the box.

8.

Click the Text Properties tab and select any dark color for the text. Click OK to
close the dialog and see the text in the circle. This is just an example of how you
can use drawing objects to enhance your data model.

9.

Save your work and close your model.

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Working With Data Models

Splitting A Logical/Physical Data Model

The following exercise shows you how to divide a single logical/physical model into
two separate models logical-only and physical-only.
1. From the File menu, open the emovies.er1, which is installed with ERwin in
C:\Program Files\Computer Associates\ERwin 4.x\samples\standard
directory.
2.

When emovies.er1 opens, from the Tools menu select Split L/P Model.

3.

When the split model process completes, ERwin prompts you to save first the
logical model, then the physical model. Save the logical model as
emovies-L1.er1. Save the physical model as emovies-P1.er1.

4.

After you save the models, close all other models except emovies-P1.er1,
which you will use for the next exercise.

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Working With Data Models

Derive A New Model

Use the Derive Model Wizard to derive a new ERwin model from an existing ERwin
model and transition from one design layer to another.
1. With emovies-P1.er1 open, from the Tools menu, select Derive New Model.

2.

In the first page of the Derive New Model Wizard, in the Model Type group
box, select Physical. In the Create Using Template box, accept the default
template, Blank Physical Model. In the Target Database list, choose Oracle
version 8x. Click Next.

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3.

On the second page, accept the default settings in which all objects are
selected.

4.

On the third page, also accept the default settings and click Finish.

5.

You have created a new physical model. Save the new model as emoviesP2.er1 and close both models.

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Forward Engineering
When you have a physical data model, ERwin automatically generates the schema for
the target server as you build the model. Forward Engineering is the process that ERwin
uses to transfer the schema from the data model to the target server.
When you forward engineer a data model, you can choose to generate a script file,
which you can use to update the database using a database administration tool or you
can forward engineer by directly connecting to the database catalog. Either way,
ERwin does the majority of work for you by generating the script for your target
server.

Before you forward engineer, you can view the schema, which is a text-based
representation of the database objects that will be created in the database from the
script. ERwin uses the data definition language (DDL) for the target database to write
the script. Each time you add an object or property to your data model, ERwin
automatically updates the script file to reflect the change to the data model.

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To Preview The Script File

1.

From the File menu, choose Open and locate My ERwin Model.er1, which you
saved in a previous exercise.

2.

When My ERwin Model.er1 opens, using the Model Type Indicator, switch to the
Physical model. Then from the Tools menu, choose Forward Engineer/Schema
Generation.

3.

When the Oracle Schema Generation dialog appears, click the Preview button at
the bottom of the dialog. The Oracle Schema Generation Preview dialog appears.

4.

When you are finished previewing the schema, click the Close button to return to
the Oracle Schema Generation dialog.
NOTE: By default, the target server is Oracle. To change the target
server, with a physical data model open, go to the Database
menu and select Choose Database. Click the button next to the
target server and select the version from the list.

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To Generate The Script File

1.

In the Oracle Schema Generation dialog, click the Report button at the bottom of
the dialog.

2.

In the Save As dialog, in the File Name box, type My ERwin Model.sql and
click Save.

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3.

From the File menu, choose Close. When the Close dialog appears, choose the
Save As .ER1 file option and then click OK. ERwin saves and closes My ERwin
Model.ER1.

Whats Next?
By this time you have a better idea of the basic features that ERwin offers, and how
they interact. The next chapter takes you to a new level of achievement: you will
perform reverse engineering and compare the changes between a script file and a data
model.

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5
Jump Start Your Data Design Process!
Chapter

Use Existing Data To Build A New Model

ou are now familiar with how ERwin helps you create a model from scratch or
from an existing model using the Split Logical Physical and Derive New Model
features. In this chapter, we will explore how to create a data model by reverse
engineering, which is a process that takes advantage of an existing database to speed the
design of a new data model and the subsequent delivery of new systems.

Reverse Engineering
When you have an existing database from which you want to create a data model,
ERwin lets you reverse engineer the database schema, which is converted by ERwin
into a graphical representation of the database structures. The process of reverse
engineering saves considerable time because ERwin does the work of creating the data
model directly from the database.

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Use Existing Data To Build A New Model

Using The Reverse Engineer Wizard

1.

From the Tools menu, choose Reverse Engineer.

2.

In the dialog, select Physical as the New Model Type, select Blank Physical
Model as the template, and Oracle 8.x as the target database.

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3.

Then click Next. The Reverse Engineer Set Options dialog box appears:

4.

In Reverse Engineer From, select Script File and then click Browse to locate
the My ERwin Model.sql file that you saved in the previous chapter. For the
purpose of this exercise, accept the default options in the remaining areas of
the dialog and then click Next.

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5.

You will see a small dialog with text that describes the database structures that
ERwin is reverse engineering. When the process ends, a new data model
appears in the Diagram Window.

6.

From the File menu, choose Save and save this model as
My ERwin Model.ER1. When asked if you want to replace the existing file,
click Yes.

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Use Existing Data To Build A New Model

Using ERwin's Complete Compare

Many say that the most valuable tool in ERwin is Complete Compare. This trademark
technology helps you easily compare and synchronize changes between a data model
and its related database or another data model. If you prefer, you can use a SQL script
file generated from the database or connect directly to the database catalog.
Using a step-by-step approach, ERwin guides you into selecting the objects and
properties that you want to compare and filters out those that you do not want to see.
Then, it presents the differences in a side-by-side workspace in which you can
selectively import or export changes. Its that simple to keep your data model and
database synchronized.
The section that follows describes how to use Complete Compare to import and
export changes between the data model and the database script file.
1. From the File menu, choose Open and locate My ERwin Model.er1.
2.

In the Model Explorer, click the plus sign to expand Tables. Next, locate the
CUSTOMER table and expand it. Then, expand the columns under CUSTOMER
and locate the phone_number column.

3.

Right-click on phone_number and select Delete.

4.

Keep the model open.

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To compare the differences in the model:
1.

From the Tools menu, choose Complete Compare. The Complete Compare
Set Options dialog appears:

2.

In the Compare Type group box, select Database Level Compare.

3.

In the Compare Current Model With group box, select Script File and click
Browse and locate My ERwin Model.SQL

4.

In the Sync Action group box, select the default Update Current and click
Next.

5.

In the Items to Compare page, accept the default selection (all objects) and
click Next.

6.

On the Object Filter Options page, accept the default selection and click
Next. At this point, ERwin begins to process the Script File.

7.

On the Other Model Filter Options page, accept defaults, click Next.

8.

On the Resolve Differences page, two trees appear next to each other. They
represent the differences that ERwin finds between the current model and the
script file. The left tree is named My ERwin Model and the right tree is
labeled MyERwinModel.SQL.

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To resolve and synchronize the differences between the model and the script file:
1. On the Resolve Differences page, review the differences between the model
and the SQL script.
2.

In the right tree, locate the CUSTOMER table and select the Phone_Number
column by clicking on the line to highlight it.

3.

Click the Import button on the right side of the dialog. Then click Next.

4.

Click OK when prompted to import and apply the changes that you selected
to the model.

5.

In the Model Explorer, verify that phone_number was re-added to the model
after previously being deleted.

6.

Close and save the model before you exit.

Whats Next?
The next chapter describes the ERwin Report Template Builder and explains how you
can use this tool to quickly create reports about your model.

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6
Build Reports On Your ERwin Models!
Chapter

Use The Report Template Builder

he Report Template Builder creates predefined report templates in HTML,

RTF and Text formats that can be reused to report on any model. For
instance, if you choose the RTF format, the report output will automatically
invoke your local word processing software. If you choose the HTML format, the
report output will automatically launch your locally installed web browser. If you
choose Text format, the report output will automatically launch Microsoft Excel.
You can view and save your reports to share with others using a web browser.

Learn What Report Builder Can Do

You can preview the Report Template Builder before you actually use it:
1. After you open the Report Template Builder from the ERwin Tools menu,
press F1 to display the online help.
2.

Select any topic to learn more about the Report Template Builder or any
other topic.

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To create a Report Template:
1. Open eMovies.er1 and switch to the Logical model.
2.

Go to the Tools menu, choose Report Builder. Until the first template is
saved in the Reports folder, you may see a message indicating that the folder
is empty. Or you may see a message indicating that you need to click the
Browse button on the next dialog and select a folder where you want to save
your reports.

Click New to create

a new report
template.

Buddy TipYou can read or execute an ERP report file created in the ERwin
Data Browser using the Report Templates dialog. Select your ERP report from
the list, or click Browse to search for the file.

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3.

In the Report Template Builder, in the Report Layout pane, double-click

Document Untitled.

4.

Accept the defaults on the Property Tree tab. Click the Title Tab.

5.

Enter Basic Report on Model: over the Document Title. Be sure

to place a space at the end of the title before performing the next step.

6.

Click the Add Macro button to append the models name to the report title.

7.

Click the Export tab and verify that HTML is the report output type. If not,
choose HTML from the Export AS list. Then, in the HTML Export
Properties group box, select Picture Reports as pop-up windows.

8.

Close the window and return to the Report Template Builder pane.

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Use The Report Template Builder

To add report sections to a Report Template:
1. In the Report Template Builder, in the left Available Sections pane, select
Picture, and click the right arrow to add this section to the Report Layout
pane.
2.

In Available Sections pane, select Entity (in Logical Section), and click the
right arrow to add this section to the Report Layout pane.

3.

In Report Layout pane, double-click Entity section to open the Properties

dialog and specify the report details for this section.

4.

Click the plus sign to expand Entity, then check Name and Definition.

5.

Click the plus sign to expand Attribute, check Name, and close the window to
return to the Report Template Builder.

6.

Save this report template as MyReport.

To run an HTML report:

1. With emovies.er1 open, in the Report Template Builder, click the Run button
on the toolbar
. When you run the report, the Report Template Builder
launches your web browser with the report displayed.
2.

In the left frame of the browser, locate the links to the Report Components.
Click the links in the Picture and Entity sections to review each section.

3.

In the Entity section you can change the view from Tabular to Hierarchical.

4.

Close the web browser.

5.

Return to ERwin and close the Report Template Builder. Close emovies.er1.

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A report produced in HTML, based on the emovies.er1 model, looks like this:

To apply a template to another model:

1. Open emovies-L1.er1.
.

2.

Click the Report Template Builder button on the toolbar

3.

On the Report Templates dialog, from the Available Templates list, select
MyReport.

4.

From the Output Type list, select RTF.

5.

Click Run to launch your local word processor and display the report in the
document window.

6.

After you have viewed the report, close your word processor and then close
emovies1.er1.

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7
Using ERwin's Advanced Features!
Chapter

Working With Design Layers

enerally, in a design layer hierarchy, different model types are used for a
distinct purpose in the application development lifecycle. For example, a
logical model may represent business requirements and rules. From that
model, a generic physical model may be derived, in which physical constructs are
designed for a generic database. Once the generic physical model is considered stable,
you can derive from it multiple database specific models. In this way, the generic
physical model becomes the standards model.
A variety of ERwin features are necessary to support the separation of model
types and to keep related models linked and in sync. A brief discussion about these
features follows in this chapter.

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What Is A Design Layer?

A design layer is a single data model or set of data models used for a particular purpose
in the application development processes. Each design layer is part of a hierarchy of
two or more design layers.
In the simplest view of design layer hierarchy, the first design layer is a logical data
model that captures the business requirements for an application. Then in a second
design layer, those business requirements are transformed into database
implementation rules in a physical data model. A generic physical model may be
created using generic ODBC as the target database. A third design layer may represent
different physical implementations of the same data model, but on different target
server platforms.
Logical
Model

Design Layer 1

Physical
Model

Design Layer 2

Design Layer 3
DB2
Physical
Model

Oracle
Physical
Model

Generally, it is unfeasible to use the same model to accommodate all phases of the
design process. Instead, you must be able to develop and link related models in
different design layers. Within each design layer, you must be able to make and record
design decisions that transform the structure from one layer to another. Finally, you
must be able to maintain the links between the models in different design layers and to
synchronize changes made in different layers while maintaining the appropriate
structures in each. In ERwin, the combination of linking models in different design
layers via model sources and applying transforms within a model provide this
capability.

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The First Design Layer: The Conceptual Logical Data Model

ERwin delivers a superior approach to visualizing database structures and, facilitating
the design of Logical and Physical data models. This structured, systematic approach
to information management and application development begins with a conceptual
Logical model, the first of several design layers to capture your specific business
requirements (including generic entities and supertype/subtype structures).

The Second Design Layer: The Generic Physical Model

This is where you establish the structure of the tables and columns and generic naming
needed to represent the business application. But, in the physical generic data model,
the objects and properties are independent of a database. Other database-specific data
models can be derived from a generic physical data model.

The Third Design Layer: Database-specific Physical Models

Now you can use ERwin to translate this expertise into database implementation by
creating a database-specific physical design layer. Each application can run on several
database platforms; a final design layer is needed for database-specific data models.

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Other Design Layer Hierarchies

Enterprise Model Hierarchy
In a similar example, the conceptual data model may instead be an enterprise-level data
model, which establishes the standards for all applications across the organization. The
enterprise-level data model may be Logical and include all of the approved standards
for entities and attributes that the organization supports. The next design layer may
have multiple Logical data models for multiple business applications, such as an Order
Entry application and a Sales Commission application.
While these are very different types of applications, it is likely that they share some
common entities such as EMPLOYEE and CUSTOMER. The enterprise-level model
may include both of these entities along with others that may not be selected for either
of these application-specific models. In this hierarchy, the next design layer may be a
generic Physical model for each application. As in the previous example, if each
application runs on several database platforms, a final design layer is needed for
database-specific data models.
Enterprise Model (Logical)

Logical Model

Logical Model

Generic Physical Model

Generic Physical Model

DB2 Physical
Model

DB2 Physical
Model

Oracle
Physical Model

Oracle
Physical Model

Order Entry System

Sales Tracking System

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Data Warehouse Hierarchy

A data warehouse requires additional layers for models of the entire warehouse and
data marts. ERwin provides options in the physical model for dimensional notation
and for features related to data movement (data source information, data
transformation rules) that allow you to optimize for warehouse models.
Warehouse
Model

Marketing Data
Mart

Sales Data
Mart

Creating New Design Layers

Splitting A Model
If you have been working with a data model that was saved in a previous version of
ERwin, you have a logical/physical model. If you want to separate that model into two
models a logical-only and a physical-only you can use the Split Model option,
which is on the Tools menu.
When you split a model, ERwin prompts you to save the separate logical and
physical data models with different names. When you save the new models, the logical
model becomes the source of the physical model, which is necessary for synchronizing
changes between the two model types. The original logical/physical model is preserved
with its original name.

Deriving A Model
Whether you have a logical/physical model or a logical-only or physical-only model,
ERwin makes creating a new model easy. Rather than copying objects from one model
to another or starting from scratch, the Derive New Model wizard takes a step-by-step
approach to help you derive a new model from a model source. ERwin links the
original model as the source of the new model. Then you and others can work on the
separate models knowing that changes to each model can be synchronized at any time.
To derive a new model, choose the Derive New Model option on the Tools menu.
The Derive Model wizard walks you through the process and lets you specify the
objects that you want the source model to contribute to the new model.

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Adding A Model Source

A model source is the parent model that is linked to another model for the purpose of
synchronizing changes. ERwin automatically assigns hidden identifiers to objects in the
model source and the linked model. ERwin keeps track of changes made to both
models using the object identifier. Then, you can synchronize the changes even if the
objects name changes.
Sometimes building a design layer hierarchy requires linking two models that
already exist rather than deriving a new model from an existing model. For example,
you may have a generic model that you want to designate as the model source to other
database-specific models. In this case, you can add the generic model as the model
source to the database specific model. When you add a model source, you designate
the objects and properties that you want the model source to contribute to the target
model.
To add a model source, choose the Add Model Source option on the Tools menu.
The Add Model Source wizard uses a step-by-step approach to help you specify the
objects that you want to add to the target model. ERwin adds the objects to the target
model and links the objects so that you can later synchronize any changes.
You can add multiple model sources if you want objects to be contributed by
multiple models. After you add a model source, you can use the Model Sources
Properties dialog to view and edit information about the model source.

What Is A Transform?
A transform is a method by which you can apply and maintain a record of a design
decision, which is a decision to change objects or properties within a design layer. When
applied, a transform changes a set of objects from one state to another for the purpose
of refining, normalizing, or denormalizing a model. The main advantages of using
transforms include:
Automation. ERwin simplifies the refinement of the logical and physical
model. You can use wizards to automatically apply design layer changes,
instead of manually applying changes.

Traceability. ERwin maintains historical information for each model object

that the transform creates. You can trace the history of transformed objects.

Preservation of object properties. ERwin preserves the properties of the

transformed objects. (You do not have to manually reenter the information.)

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Transform Toolbar
The Transform Toolbar provides a set of tools to apply transforms. The model type
and the objects that you want to participate in the transform determine which tools are
available on the Transform Toolbar.

Applying Transforms
In most cases, when you select the objects that you want to transform, the appropriate
tools on the Transform Toolbar become available. For example, to apply a Supertype
Subtype Rollup transform you must first select the supertype/subtype symbol.

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How A Transform Works

The Many-to-Many transform is probably the best example to demonstrate the ERwin
transform process. To use this transform, you must have two entities connected by a
many-to-many relationship. Often, to resolve this type of relationship, an association
entity is added between the two original entities and connected to each with an
identifying relationship. By using the Many-to-Many transform, the many-to-many
relationship is automatically dissolved and replaced with an association entity and two
identifying relationships.
After selecting the participating objects that you want to transform, you click the
toolbar button, which opens a wizard. Then, you simply respond to a series of
questions that determine how the transform is applied. The wizard clearly lays out the
post-transform results. When the transform is finished, the participating objects are
transformed.

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Expected Transform Results

The following chart illustrates the before and after state of the objects that participate
in a transform.
Select
This Object(s)

Click
This Tool
Many-to-Many

Supertype/
Subtype Identity

Supertype/
Subtype Roll-up

Supertype/
Subtype Roll-down

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Result
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Select
This Object(s)

Click
This Tool
Vertical Partition

Horizontal Partition

Roll-down
Denormalize

Roll-up
Denormalize

Copy/Link Column

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Transforms And The Model Explorer

Each time you apply a transform, the Model Explorer is updated with important
information under the Transforms folder. The information includes the name of the
transform and the source and target objects involved in the transform.

Creating Nested Transforms

When you apply a transform to an existing transform, you create a nested transform.
You can work with nested transforms in the same way you work with single
transforms.

Resolving And Reversing Transforms

ERwin provides two methods for undoing a transform. You can resolve or reverse a
transform.
When you resolve a transform, ERwin preserves the model objects that the
transform creates but deletes the source objects.
To resolve a transform, go to the Model Explorer and right click on the
transform. From the context menu, choose Delete and then choose Resolve.
NOTE: If you have a model source linked to the model in which the
transform was applied, the link between the transformed objects
and the source objects in the model source will be broken when
the transform is resolved.

When you reverse a transform, ERwin preserves the source objects and deletes
the transform and the model objects that the transform creates.
To reverse a transform, go to the Model Explorer and right click on the
transform. From the context menu, choose Delete and then choose Reverse.

Synchronizing Changes Between Design Layers

As youve read, a model can be linked to a model source as the result of splitting a
logical/physical model, deriving a model or adding a model source. Once a model has
a model source, ERwin automatically tracks the changes to the objects that were
contributed by the model source. At any time, you can use the Sync with Model Source
wizard to import and export changes between a model and its source.
The Sync with Model Source wizard takes you step-by-step through the process of
selecting the types of objects and changes that you want to compare and synchronize.
You can also define case conversion and maximum length rules for logical and physical
model objects, and specify a file to enforce naming standards in the target model. The
result is a side-by-side list of changes that were applied to either the source and/or the
target model.
Whether you import or export changes, ERwin updates the models and the Model
Sources Properties dialog with the date of the synchronization.

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Managing Standards
When multiple individuals or groups are responsible for designing a set of data models,
the enforcing of standards is a critical element. Typically, the naming of objects and
the mapping of datatypes are primary areas in which inconsistency can be a problem.
ERwin provides built-in tools to help you manage the naming conventions and
datatype standards that you apply across your enterprise models.

Naming Standards
ERwin has a wide-range of naming standard features that can help you develop new
standards or implement existing standards. You can take full advantage of all of the
naming standard features or use only those enforced by your organization.
On the Tools menu, choose Names and then choose the Model Naming Options
dialog. In this dialog, you define the naming standards for the current data model. You
can specify the case (lower or upper) and maximum length for physical objects. For all
model types, you can specify how ERwin responds to non-unique names (ask, allow,
or disallow).
On the Tools menu, when you choose Names and then choose Edit Naming
Standards, ERwin opens the Naming Standard Editor. In this editor, you can specify
separate naming standards for logical and physical objects.
In the Glossary tab on the Naming Standards Editor, you can either import an
existing names glossary or build one from scratch. You can define how these standards
are implemented, and create entries including business terms, and abbreviations, that
are relevant to your business. ERwin saves naming standards information in a naming
standards file (*.nsm). For each ERwin model in which you use naming standards, you
must attach a naming standards file. You can apply a naming standards file to multiple
models.
When you attach a naming standards file to a data model, ERwin automatically
applies the standards and conventions defined in the file. You can also use the file to
check compliance of the names of objects in the model, which is similar to a spell
checker in a word processing application. ERwin uses the naming standards file as a
dictionary and compares the names in the data model to the names in the dictionary.
When it finds a discrepancy, ERwin stops to let you decide whether to ignore or
replace the non-compliant name.
Buddy TipIn ERwin, you can use the ERwin Macro Toolbox to assign names to
model objects. ERwin includes macros designed to make it easy to distinguish between their
application in the logical and physical model types.

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Datatype Mapping
A datatype is a predefined set of characteristics for an attribute or column that specifies
field length, acceptable characters, and optional and required parameters. For example,
the datatype char(18) specifies that the column can store up to 18 alpha and numeric
characters.
By default, ERwin applies a datatype to every attribute in a logical model and to
every column in a physical model. In the logical model, the datatype is determined by
the domain from which the attribute inherits its properties or from the datatype that
you assign. In the physical model, the datatype is determined by the default value
specified by the target server or the datatype that you assign. Considering the large
quantity of attributes or columns a data model usually has, it can be quite tedious to
manually assign and maintain consistency of datatypes. For this reason, ERwin has
several tools that help you with this task.
The Datatype Standards Editor can be used to edit the default datatype mapping
for your logical and physical models. For physical models, you can edit the default
datatype that ERwin automatically attaches to each column. For logical models, you
can add logical datatypes and assign the datatypes to the attributes in the logical model.
You define the datatype mapping standards by specifying how logical datatypes
map to the available datatypes for your target server. If you have database applications
running on multiple server platforms, you can map datatypes for all of the target
servers. ERwin saves datatype mapping information in a datatype standards file
(*.dsm). For each ERwin model in which you use datatype standards, you must attach
a datatype standards file. If you open an ERwin model and you have not attached a
datatype standards file, ERwin uses the default datatype mapping.
Of course ERwin lets you define your datatype mapping standards once and apply
them to multiple data models. On the Tools menu, when you choose Datatypes and
then choose Model Datatype Options, you can specify the datatype mapping file that
you want to apply to the current model.

Preserving Model History

You can save historical information for your model, entities, attributes, tables and
columns. Using the History feature, you can track meaningful changes to derived and
transformed models, as well as routine information about the creation and revision
dates of your models.
To set the history options, from the Model menu, choose Model Properties. In
the Model Properties dialog, click the History Options tab and select (check) or clear
(uncheck) the history options for the model objects whose history you want to
preserve.

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You can save historical information for the following events:

When you create a logical model and add entities and attributes.

When you create a physical model and add tables and columns.

When you derive a physical model from a logical model and create tables and
columns in the derived physical model.

When you split a logical/physical model into independent logical and physical
components.

When you apply a transform to two tables and create a single denormalized
table.

When you reverse engineer a database or script file and create tables and
columns in the new model.

When you add a model source that contributes tables and columns to a
model.

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8
Ask Your Buddy
Chapter

Ask Your Buddy Questions And Answers

Question:

Where can I find out about ERwins new features?

Answer:

You can open the Whats New menu item in the ERwin Help
menu to review new features and related overview topics.

Question:

How do you bring older 3.5.2 models into the new ERwin structure?

Answer:

Perform a normal file open and point to the old 3.5.2 file. ERwin
4.x will automatically convert your models into the latest format.

Question:

Once I have opened a logical/physical model, how do I split it into

separate logical and physical models?

Answer:

With the logical/physical model open, from the Tools menu, choose
Split L/P Model. ERwin begins splitting the model and prompts you
to save first the logical-only and then the physical-only model. When
the split is complete, the new models will contain a history entry that
indicates that they were created by splitting the original model.
Additionally, the logical model will be linked to the physical model as
its model source. The original logical/physical model is preserved
without any changes.

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Question: What is a Model Source?
Answer:

A Model Source is a logical connection that ERwin maintains

between related models. The purpose of this connection is to keep
track of objects (e.g., entities and tables) that one model has
contributed to another.
This connection allows ERwin to guide the synchronization of
related models when changes are required. For example, when a
physical model is derived from a logical model, a model source is
created that records the entities that were used to generate the tables
in the physical model.

Question: Can I provide model information on the Web?

Answer:

ERwin 4.x has an integrated reporting option called the Report

Template Builder or RTB. This option allows you to report both
diagrams and tabular information from a model. Models can be
reported in HTML, RTF, or CSV format. HTML format makes
model information readily available for publishing on the web.

Question: How does ERwin connect to my database?

Answer:

ERwin connects to your database using native DBMS connection

software or through Windows ODBC standard drivers. You can
read more about the software required for database connectivity in
the ERwin online help. On the ERwin Help menu, choose Help
Topics, click the Index tab and search on Target Server:connection
table.
ERwin 4.x supports generic ODBC, which can used to connect to
any target server that is not directly supported by ERwin. On the
ERwin Help menu, choose Help Topics, click the Index tab and
search on ODBC:Generic for more information.

Question: How do I embed my ERwin diagram into another application?

Answer:

On the Edit menu, choose Select All, then Edit>Copy Group. The
clipboard image can now be pasted into another Windows
application.

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Question: When installing ERwin, the installation program could not create the
Program Items or Program Group.
Answer:

If you are installing ERwin on Windows NT, you must have the
appropriate permissions to create a Program Group. Your System
Administrator can assign these permissions in the Administrators,
Power Users, and Server Operators groups. Contact your
Administrator if you need to upgrade your permissions to allow you
to create a Program Group.

Question: How can I export my model for use in other applications?

Answer:

ERwin ERX output is replaced with a new XML format output file.
This XML format provides access to all data within an ERwin model
and is based on the ERwin 4.x metamodel. New options have been
added to the File Save As and Open dialogs to support the reading
and writing of files in XML format.

Question: How do I break the link between a model and its model source?
Answer:

Use the Save as New Model feature to save an existing model with a
new model identifier. When you save a source model as a new
model, you break the associative link between the model and any
derived models.

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