Why bother getting Data Modeling training?

Your organization has invested in Data Modeling software and needs you to be capable and competent in using it. If you’re not confident and aware of the core features of a data modeling tool, you’re in danger of wasting the initial investment, your time and your colleagues’ time.

Let’s take an erwin example. Mark is a busy Data Modeler.

He has lots of projects on the go and uses erwin Data Modeler to document complex software system designs and update databases. Mark, like many data modelers, learned erwin’s key features and how his organization use erwin by working with someone else (we used to call it ‘sitting with Jack!). They, in turn, learn it from someone else, who originally taught themselves… Mark needs to generate a report detailing the differences between his development data model and a reverse-engineered model of the actual implementation in the production database. Unfortunately, it’s not just his data model. Seems that his colleagues have also applied changes to their development data model as well. Mark now sees the report as a daunting task. He cannot rely on just the changes that he knows he’s made (working in isolation). He’s heard of the ‘Complete Compare’ function in erwin, but not had great results. He wasn’t sure which options to switch on or off, so the experience was time-consuming and a bit frustrating. Worse, when he did get it to work, it produced an overwhelming list of differences, on which he didn’t know where to start!

A simple enough request that has ended up in frustration.

The problem is that Mark isn’t really familiar with all of the core features of erwin. He’s good at using the basic functionality, but producing a difference report will take longer, due to the gap in his skill set, or he may end up doing it the entirely wrong way.

So how does Mark leverage the Compete Compare functionality? Take this scenario…

Option 1:
Mark uses a complete compare level of physical, seeing that these are two physical models, Mark then selects all the table and column properties to performs his complete compare.

Option 2
Mark uses a complete compare level of database. Mark then selects all the table and column properties to performs his complete compare.

Option 3:
Mark uses a complete compare level of logical and physical, seeing that these are two models, Mark then selects all the table and column properties to performs his complete compare.

One of these is the correct option. Can you guess which one?

It is the second option. The reason being, Mark is looking for differences between a database and a model and the lowest common denominator is the options provided by the database level compare. Any other option would over load the results and confuse the report consumer.

So now Mark has a problem. He may sit there for quite some time trying to configure erwin Complete Compare. He may eventually give up and just visually compare the two models to identify the differences. Not the best thing to do as it’s unlikely to capture all the differences and will waste a good deal of time. Clearly, there is a big issue when knowledge is assumed, not just for erwin but for any software.

Interrupting other people

Let’s see what else could happen. In the scenario above, Mark might ask one of his colleagues, Sara, who knows a little more about erwin’s Complete Compare feature. Hopefully, Sara has the knowledge that he’s looking for.

“Sara is the one who knows – she’s the erwin in-house go-to person!”

So, Mark asks Sara for help. She’s helping him to her best ability and takes time away from her own work. The result? Mark see’s what Sara did, but this is long way learning how to do it himself, and in the interim Sara has been interrupted, and distracted from her own work and now her own deadlines are looming.
These kinds of interruptions could cost Sara about 30-60 minutes each time in getting back on track. What does that do to the quality of Sara’s work and what kind of impact does it have on her bottom line?

The conclusion…?

It makes sense to invest in yourself, to give yourself the skills and confidence to work with erwin. You may be working in a team or independently, but if you don’t know how to use the features and functions of your software confidently, it will take you longer, you will interrupt others asking for help and you’ll affect both your and their productivity.

You will also be able to let your colleagues continue with their own tasks for which they will thank you for.
The result of training is improved work, more accuracy, better quality and getting more done in less time. Plus, the gratitude of your colleagues for not pestering them on a regular basis!
The quality of everyone’s work improves. Your managers now look to YOU to become an erwin expert, and start to recommend you for more challenging projects.

A result for your bottom line.
To learn how to get more done in less time, by fully utilizing all erwin data modeling features, go to https://www.sandhillconsultants.com/offerings/erwin-data-modeler-workgroup-edition/ where you will find courses specifically for erwin data modelers. Sandhill also offer our course on-demand as well.
Invest in yourself and improve your bottom line.

You can also contact us via https://www.sandhillconsultants.com/contact/. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you maximize your erwin potential.

The biggest asset of any company is its employees. Investing in training has many pay-offs, from increased productivity to happier employees. According to the American Society for Training and Development, in 2016, organizations spent an average of $1,252 per employee on training and development initiatives. Yet the need for more skills development and training is still cited as a factor in hiring, conducting business and customers satisfaction and the overall success of the business. Companies need to make an investment in training to ensure their organization stays viable and competitive.