Update entities using ODBC import

[IanC]

Is there any way to update a model that was generated from an ODBC source?

I have worked the generated model diagrams and added documentation to entities in the notes and now I want to update the model as it changes in its implementation environment.  I need the import from ODBC to find my existing model and update the entities instead of replacing them and also leave the notes field contents as is.

How can I do this?

[Paolo F Cantoni]

Is there any way to update a model that was generated from an ODBC source?

I have worked the generated model diagrams and added documentation to entities in the notes and now I want to update the model as it changes in its implementation environment.  I need the import from ODBC to find my existing model and update the entities instead of replacing them and also leave the notes field contents as is.

How can I do this?

We eventually had to create our own process - using a merging DB to allow us to merge the incoming DB structure with the existing model.  The EA process is about reverse engineering NOT synchronisation.  Synchronisation is a LOT harder (and generally the province of "heavy lifting" RDBMS managers - such as Embarcadero ER Studio).  I haven't used the process for many many years, but it took a while to develop.  It's not rocket science, but it is NOT trivial.

Paolo

[IanC]

Is there a script to merge or some other EA integrated tool that can be shared?

This would do it.  I do not need synchronization.  One way merge would suffice.

Thanks.

[Geert Bellekens]

IIRC the ODBC import actually leaves existing entities in place.

I remember modelling dependencies from/to imported tables, and not losing those.
Haven't actually checked their GUID's however, so maybe it could also be that the "replace" mechanism was also reconnecting connectors.

With regards to keeping notes, I'm afraid you are out of luck. I think these notes are taking from the documentation on the tables in the database.

But if the notes is all you need to be restored then you might be able to export the notes to excel and then import them again.
You might need some kind of script or VBA macro or similar to do that, but it still seems easier then doing the whole import yourself.

Geert