How can you use Dataedo to document and visualize data models?

1 Connect to data sources

The first step to use Dataedo is to connect to your data sources. You can do this by creating a repository, which is a central place where you store and manage your data models and documentation. You can create a repository on your local machine, or on a shared server or cloud service. To connect to a data source, you need to provide the connection details, such as the server name, database name, username, and password. You can also specify which objects you want to import, such as tables, views, procedures, functions, and triggers. Dataedo will then scan your data source and import the metadata, such as the object names, columns, data types, keys, indexes, and constraints.

2 Edit data models

Once you have imported your data sources, you can edit your data models using Dataedo's graphical interface. You can add, modify, or delete objects and their properties, such as descriptions, aliases, tags, and custom fields. You can also create relationships between objects, such as foreign keys, using drag and drop or manual selection. Dataedo will automatically generate diagrams for each table and view, showing the columns, data types, and relationships. You can also create custom diagrams to group and arrange objects according to your needs. You can use different colors, shapes, and icons to highlight different aspects of your data models.

3 Export data models

After you have edited your data models, you can export them to various formats, such as HTML, PDF, Excel, or Word. You can also generate SQL scripts to create or update your databases based on your data models. Dataedo allows you to customize the appearance and content of your exports, such as the layout, fonts, colors, logos, headers, and footers. You can also choose which objects and properties you want to include or exclude, such as descriptions, aliases, tags, custom fields, diagrams, and scripts. You can save your export settings as templates and reuse them for future exports.

4 Share data models

One of the benefits of using Dataedo is that you can share your data models and documentation with others easily and securely. You can do this by publishing your repository to a web portal, which is a web-based application that allows you to access and browse your data models and documentation online. You can also grant permissions to other users to view or edit your repository. The web portal also supports collaboration features, such as comments, notifications, and version history. You can also integrate the web portal with other tools, such as Confluence, SharePoint, or Power BI, to enhance your data analytics workflow.

5 Discover data models

Another benefit of using Dataedo is that you can discover and learn from other data models and documentation. You can do this by browsing the public repositories, which are collections of data models and documentation created by other Dataedo users and experts. You can also search for specific objects, properties, or keywords across all public repositories. You can view the details and diagrams of each object, as well as the comments and ratings from other users. You can also download or copy the objects to your own repository, or export them to your preferred format.

6 Learn data models

The last benefit of using Dataedo is that you can learn and improve your data modeling skills. You can do this by accessing the resources, such as tutorials, articles, videos, webinars, and courses, that Dataedo provides. You can also join the community, such as forums, blogs, newsletters, and social media, where you can ask questions, share tips, and get feedback from other Dataedo users and experts. You can also participate in the challenges, such as quizzes, puzzles, and contests, that Dataedo organizes to test and enhance your data modeling knowledge and creativity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?