4. Unified Logical Data Model Architecture Industry data models are built by integrating appropriate shared modules and extending them with industry-specific content on the modelers workbench. Shared modules are managed independently in a collaborative modeling environment. Model integrators can work concurrently on the same shared modules. Shared modules will also contain industry content. Industry Model Extensions Functional Modules Foundation Modules
5.
6.
7.
8.
Hinweis der Redaktion
On behalf of Teradata, I am pleased to provide you with an introduction to the concepts and structure of the Unified Logical Data Model (LDM) Framework. This unification of Teradata LDMs represents a major advance in our LDM offer, which was deployed to our customer base starting in late 2010. As you will see, the unification constitutes a natural evolution in how Teradata builds LDMs, but the benefits are profound. In order to understand the benefits, it will help for you to know something about the framework.
Once you know something about the structure of the Unified Model Framework, many of the benefits become clear. The modular structure allows modelers to easily build on industry and business area foundations to create more LDM content. Enables rapid construction of new industry, cross-industry, and sub-industry models from Unified Framework components. Businesses that use a Teradata LDM have the opportunity to access plug-and-play business function content. It becomes easier to customize LDMs for specific situations, by using modules not typically included in a given industry LDM. Available LDM content is extended among the industry models, making each of them richer in capabilities. Standardization and commonality improves productivity during implementation, especially when adding modules not typically used in a given industry LDM.
Here are some of the key concepts of the Unified LDM Framework. The Unified LDM Framework is a way for us to structure LDM content into “modules” that can be easily shared across industry LDMs. Some shareable LDM modules are used in all industry LDMs, while others are used only where relevant. Each industry LDM still has industry-specific content that reflects the unique needs of that industry. Keep in mind that a major Teradata differentiator is that we have deep and specific industry insight built into our LDMs – it’s not a one-size-fits-all LDM. As we create a consistent “framework” for all of our LDMs, with content built into shareable modules, the result is that we can extend content from one industry to another. This supports the needs of businesses that are growing and innovative. Think of retailers that want to manufacture their own house brands – the retailers can more easily blend the required manufacturing modules with their retail LDM. IN addition, this retailer/manufacturer now wants to model their transportation network & put up an executive dashboard that analyzes corporate data across all three business units, so they integrate the Transportation LDM features as well. Standards and conventions for creating LDM content are now consistent across industry LDMs in ways that make the integration easier.
This graphic provides a global view of the modular approach and the key elements of the framework. At the bottom is the Foundation with a set of shareable modules used in most or all industries. Next are the Functional modules, such as Account, Clickstream, and Financial Management. These are used where relevant. Finally, at the top of the stack is the Industry-specific LDM content. To understand how things are changing, let’s review where we are coming from. Prior to unification, we had some shareable elements in our LDMs, such as Financial Management. This subject area was used in all industry LDMs because every business has a Finance function. We also used common structures like Party and Event in all of our LDMs. But even though we had common elements, the industry LDMs had some longstanding differences in how they were structured, so content was not truly modular. One of the things that led to the unification was that business processes that were “native” to a particular industry also had relevance to other industries. So, as our LDMs matured, and our customers’ businesses had more overlap between functions, it became apparent that we would realize great benefit by creating a more modular approach to our LDMs. The “unification” that resulted from this re-design now benefits our customers by making richer content available across all industries & business models.
This is a current list of the major releases of Teradata industry LDM products, although Teradata is constantly in the process of building new LDMs for other industries & sub-industries as well. We are always ready & willing to build a data model to fit your particular industry & business requirements.
I would like to leave you with a few thoughts. First, this unification initiative represents a major advance in an already strong offer, with many benefits for our customers and partners. One of the most important benefits is that customers have access to more LDM content than ever, and that ongoing enhancements can be added more frequently and more easily. Existing customers can be assured that there is a mapping scheme for the transition from pre-unified to unified industry LDM content. The consistency provided by modular structures means that LDM implementers can now be more productive, especially where content from multiple industries or value chains is required. Finally, the benefits of this new structure can be realized now and in the future, as we continue to make more LDM content available in less time.