Best data modeling, database version control, and deployment management
February 01, 2019
Best data modeling, database version control, and deployment management
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with erwin Data Modeler
We are a big organization that supports multiple applications. We use erwin Data Modeler for database model design before it can actually make to the database.
We build ER diagrams out of requirement documents and then use these ER diagrams to discuss in meetings with functional and DBA teams. Once the design is approved, we further use erwin Data Modeler to make both logical and physical data models, include triggers and constraints in the model, and forward engineer deployment scripts for the DBA team.
erwin Data Modeler has greatly helped us maintain a SDLC for database changes and version control.
We build ER diagrams out of requirement documents and then use these ER diagrams to discuss in meetings with functional and DBA teams. Once the design is approved, we further use erwin Data Modeler to make both logical and physical data models, include triggers and constraints in the model, and forward engineer deployment scripts for the DBA team.
erwin Data Modeler has greatly helped us maintain a SDLC for database changes and version control.
- erwin Data Modeler helps generate deployment scripts for database deployments without the need to worry about programming syntax.
- It helps you compare different models pretty easily and identify any discrepancies induced due to human error during deployment cycles.
- I have a great experience of using erwin Data Modeler to generate database models straight out of database SQL file. This feature is called reverse engineering in erwin Data Modeler world.
- erwin Data Modeler allows only 25 entities in a trial version. It really limits you when you want to try out the product before actually deciding to pay for licensing cost. It would be rather helpful if they limit the trial period by days instead.
- The UI is pretty good but sometimes the large diagrams are hard to manage. A little improvement in that area would be helpful.
- It has greatly improved version control of our database design and deployment part of SDLC.
- We have improved our productivity and reduced reworks caused by deployment errors.
- We have a way to track each database change back to requirements where the database change had originally originated.
I have used few other data modeling tools like Toad Data Modeler and SQL Developer Data Modeler. erwin Data Modeler is easy to use and has additional features that make overall data modeling productive and easy to manage.
erwin Data Modeler Feature Ratings
Evaluating erwin Data Modeler and Competitors
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Prior Experience with the Product
- Vendor Reputation
- Existing Relationship with the Vendor
- Third-party Reviews
Prior experience was the single most important factor in why we chose the product in our initial phase of project planning.
We are very pleased with the product and our evaluation process. I don't think we need to change something in that context.
Using erwin Data Modeler
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Creating ER Diagrams.
- Generating SQL scripts from the data models.
- Comparing data model with another model or SQL script.