When we review the evolution of new data architecture and development methodologies, along with the corresponding changes in corporate culture, we can see that there have been numerous approaches over the years. In the earlier days of traditional / waterfall processes for data modeling, there was a more rigid organizational structure with data modelers, programmers, and system analysts. Agile methodologies emerged in an attempt to address the shortcomings of traditional practices. The focus changed to iterative delivery from self-organizing teams that eliminated traditional bureaucracy.
Many organizations have successfully adapted to a hybrid approach, leveraging agile practices for operational execution, within a larger enterprise architecture and project delivery framework. This team approach to solution delivery emphasizes the importance of principles of the methodology along with the technology framework and architecture toward achieving the goals.
From a data architecture perspective, a modeling tool that allows granular check-out and check-in of specific objects gives a data architect the flexibility to work on a subset of the model for a specific task or milestone without negatively impacting the rest of the project. Advanced compare-and-merge capabilities allow updates to be quickly and easily integrated into the core model when the task is complete. These capabilities enable data professionals to streamline the model enhancements.
Rick van der Lans discusses how self-service BI is changing data modeling in this excellent blog post on TechTarget, and discusses how data modeling is essential in an agile development environment in this whitepaper. To hear more on this topic, watch Rick’s on-demand webinar, Become Agile With Data Modeling.
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You can also read this White Paper from Rick van der Lans: Agile Data Modeling: Not an Option but Essential
About the Author:
Ron Huizenga is the Senior Product Manager for the ER/Studio product family. Ron has over 30 years of experience as an IT executive and consultant in Enterprise Data Architecture, Governance, Business Process Reengineering and Improvement, Program/Project Management, Software Development and Business Management.