Chris Grenz

Data model patterns identify common model structures and define how they should look and interact with other parts of the model.  PowerDesigner can assist in this process by automating the setup of objects (tables, columns, mappings) based on the pattern to be applied and ensuring consistency through the use of custom model checks. Stereotypes Anyone […]

In its most basic form, deploying a data model means simply applying the model directly to a database via ODBC or a DDL script.  But that neglects much of that value in your model beyond the physical structure. Here are the steps in our model deployment process.  We’ve scripted these in the build tool, but […]

Here’s a few utility scripts I’ve developed to aid in your XEM scripting: Scope Many functions, especially members of ExtensibleObject, require the “scope” or code of the XEM be included when referencing extended attributes, methods, collections, etc.  I’ve added these lines to the global script section as a helper: ‘ Extension navigation. All references to […]

Once you’ve invested the time and effort into creating really solid, well documented data models, it would be really great to let some folks know about it, right!?!? If you’re using PowerDesigner, you’ve got a few options: Use the included (in some editions) web repository.  This requires the use of the model repository and displays […]

We’re constantly looking for ways to streamline the BI development process.  Data mapping (source to target) can be a complex and cumbersome process due to: Ongoing model changes – the target moves! Poor (or “loose”) communication between those mapping and the development team. Lack of consistency in collecting and documenting mappings (Excel, I’m looking at […]

In our standards XEM file (extended model definition), I’ve added column ordering functionality by categorizing each column and then ordering the categories. Column groups are defined in a BaseColumn template.  We have:   PRIM,0,%Primary% ROWMETA,3,%extIsRowDateMeta% META,4,%extIsMetaColumn% AKNONMETA,1,%AllKeys% BASE,2,TRUE  

Setting up a new data governance program means bringing deep change to the operating culture of an organization.  As a result, getting traction for an enterprise scale effort may not always be the pragmatic route.  Sometimes its better to be small and excellent here and let the enterprise adopt governance organically. Limited Data Governance The […]

I love PowerDesigner.  It’s the Cadillac (Mercedes, BMW, etc.) of the modeling tools.  I love that I can do conceptual, logical, and physical data modeling.  I can do business process modeling with direct linkage to my data models.  And I can model mappings between everything for both data flow relationships (ETL mappings) and design flow […]

To build a custom plugin in groovy, do this.  I know this seems redundant, but it wasn’t as clear as it should have been. 1. Create a project directory.  Just a plain ol’ directory. Wherever you like. 2. Add the source file subdirectories: src\main\groovy\…  (with the package path you’d like to use.  We have src\main\groovy\com\perficient\gradle) […]

Quick tip of the day: Use Gradle plugins to package up functionality for easy reuse.  For example, we developed a simple “database” plugin to handle the common tasks associated with building and upgrading a database.  Things like: build – create a new database from scratch. Runs the CREATE DATABASE and sqlcmd’s the full DDL upgrade […]

While the Gradle manual is extensive, since we’re not building an executable or the like from source code, many of the concepts are a little opaque.  Here’s a quick primer on Gradle for BI: Gradle is “project” based, with each project containing a set of inter-dependent tasks which in turn contain actions: The whole thing […]

We’ve chosen Gradle as our build system for our iterative BI environment.  It’s a powerful tool, but there’s a bunch of awesomeness in there. Gradle uses Groovy as its scripting language.  Groovy is just plain great.  You get the power of the Java platform in a scripting language and can do things like this: def […]