EA14.1: Transformations - Data Model to logical, conceptual, ERD ... vice-versa

[vansree]

Hi,

1. In EA 14.1, I created ODBC connection and imported physical data model from SQL database. Now, I have Physical data model.

2. How do I apply transformations such as
         Physical Data model to Logical, Conceptual ...
         Data model to ERD
         or vice-versa

      When I click the "Apply Transformation" , I can see left side as "Database A" (Element Type: Artifact) and Right side, I see a bunch of Transformations like C#, VB Net, ... I dont see the ERD or logical or conceptual.

Please advice, how to do

3. Also I dont see SQL 2016 or SQL 2017 or SQL 2019 Model Structures. Where can I download these ...

Thanks
Sree

[qwerty]

Good questions. Ever thought about reading those manuals? Or attending a course?

q.

[vansree]

I read the manual and also asked the other information architects who are using the product and they all had the same issue. I took the leap forward and asking in the forum.

I am not seeing in the Transformations list ...

How to load if missing or search if missing, please tell.

Also I dont see SQL 2016 or SQL 2017 or SQL 2019 Model Structures. Where can I download these ..

thanks

[qwerty]

Well, a transformation is meant the other way round: go from a logical to a physial model. So the way out is to use your brain and do the abstraction.

q.

[vansree]

This is my scenario.
- Joined a project as newbie
- Existing app uses SQL 2008, and we all know it is ending support, come up with a new model
- New model, I am recommending, is using SQL 2017 or SQL 2019.

I  tried reverse engineered the schema and then I am at the stage to get the logical model and then get the ERD, present to the team and management and then do the new model.

Given my hands tight and all the old team left, seeking the expertise here ...

Thanks
Sree

[Geert Bellekens]

Sree,

I'm not sure what you predecessor did, but I can't see how you would be able to automatically transform a physical model to a logical one.
There are transformation templates you can use to transform a model, but they are never going to be able to make actual abstractions. If you would use a transformation like that it would never result in a logical model, but rather a different representation of your physical model.

Since you really seem to have hit a roadblock it might be interesting to get a specialised consultant on site to get you going.

I don't think there are model structures for SQL Server 2017 or 2019, but you can use the one for 2012 as well as the structure of the model hasn't changed I believe.
You might need to look into creating a database system + datatypes though.

Geert

[vansree]

Geert,

1) SQL 2017 / SQL 2019 ... Thank you for your reply. Same thinking I did and started doing the Database system + Data types, for Azure IaaS SQL Server. 
         Also you confirmed there are no model structures for sql 2017 or sql 2019 as of now. Thank you for reply.

2) Totally agree that we cannot do the Physical Model to a Logical one ... My plan and was more looking as "As-Is" documentation like one-to-one table mapping, which is NOT abstract model. Just to provide to the management saying these steps we did part of the old system documentation.

3) Please could you elaborate on how to do this ... "There are transformation templates you can use to transform a model"
         This is what I tried,
           Created new project, added two models "Basic SQLServer 2012 Model", "Simple Entity Relationship Model"
           I reverse engineered the database into the "Basic SQLServer 2012 Model"
           I am trying to select the artificat and convert into the ERD and logical model ...
           The same or similar approach I did in my previous  projects was from class diagram to erd or data model. First time doing the physical to logical or ERD.

4) FYI: New system is completely different table names and structure as it follows different app flow. My target is some time later in the project to come up with mapping, transfer, elt details. which is out of the scope for this thread or enterprise architect. Writing these to give the full picture.

Thanks
Sree

[Geert Bellekens]

Hi Sree,

There are model to model transformations available (like the ones you used to go from class model to data model)
I'm not sure if there is one that does what you are looking for, but you can create your own set of transformation templates and edit them to do exactly what you need.
As an alternative you could also write a script to do the same (probably what I would do as I'm more comfortable with the APi and scripting)

If you are looking to do mapping between physical and logical datamodel you might want to look at the (free open source) EA Mapping addin I made

Geert

[vansree]

Hi Geert,

Thanks for the reply.

1) Please point to me where I can download for EA 14... Like you said ... "There are model to model transformations available (like the ones you used to go from class model to data model)"

Yes that is what I am looking for.
        I never did the custom transformation templates.

2) I will look into your add in. I read your article about EA Mapping add in, which looks superb in my first reading.

Thanks
Sree

[Sunshine]

There was a post on the community site a while back on this very topic.
https://community.sparxsystems.com/community-resources/512-84data-modeling-logical-and-conceptual-mda-transforms
There was a download file called "ddl-transforms.zip" at the bottom of the page with the transforms. Just follow the instructions 

Found it by using something called google.com and searching for "sparx physical to logical transform"

[vansree]

Hi Sunshine,

I downloaded the zip file from the link you posted earlier (via google only). I did the transform and it does not do it. I am using Enterprise 14.

Hence wrote all detailed steps.

Still in the same stage ...

Thanks
Sree

[Sunshine]

Tried the transforms with V 14.1 and worked for me.

[vansree]

I tried removing the EA14.1 and reinstalling the EA14.1

I am able to do the transformations and the same steps.

Appreciate and Thanks for all the help - Greet and Sunshine.
      Not sure what went wrong, this took me some time.

Is there a way I can mark this thread as answered?
Thx
Sree

[qwerty]

IIRC there should be a "Close" button around for you. But only a few people here actually close their thread.

q.