Chapter 7.3

Data Modeling for the Structured Environment

Abstract

The genesis of much data is the operational environment. As transactions are executed,
data are generated as a by-product. Response time is essential for online transaction
systems. Good response time is achieved by adherence to the “standard work unit.” The
swu allows corporations to run many transactions and maintain consistent, good response
time. The structure of operational data is achieved by the creation of a data model. The
data model is built at several levels—the high level is the ERD, the midlevel is the dis,
and the low level is the physical model. An important part of the operational environment
is the component known as metadata. It is metadata that describe the structure and
content of operational data.

Keywords

Operational environment; Standard work unit (swu); Response time; ERD; Dis; Physical
model; Data model; Metadata

The structured environment contains a lot of complex data with a lot of possibilities for
organizing and arranging that data. In the structured environment, the analyst has the
opportunity to shape the data according to his/her needs. And given the many ways that
data can be shaped, the organization needs a “road map” to guide the organization in its
efforts to shape the data.

The Purpose of the Roadmap

The road map serves several important purposes:

• The road map serves as a direction for the organization to go.


• The road map serves as a guide to different people with different agendas who still must build a
  collaborative effort.


• The road map allows a large effort to be sustained over time.


• The road map serves as a guide to end users who ultimately must navigate the final product.

There are many reasons then why large, complex organizations need a data model.

Chapter 7.3: Data Modeling for the Structured Environment