For a business to be successful, its operations must be seamless. Data models, or database models, provide an easy framework for businesses to store and retrieve information. To learn data modeling, you must have an open mind and enough time to dedicate to study. It is a skill that can put your business on the map.
This guide will cover all the resources you need to learn this new skill. There are online courses, books, and tutorials that will bolster your learning process. Utilizing data modeling is integral for modern businesses, from small organizations to Fortune 500 companies.
What Is Data Modeling?
Data modeling is the process of creating a model to store data in a database. It is a visual representation of data that illustrates the connection between different types of information, including their structure and organization.
If you want to become a database administrator, you should be familiar with data modeling. It uses standard schemes and formal techniques to provide a consistent data resource. Businesses can then utilize predictive analytics to make accurate predictions using the data by defining and managing it to benefit the organization as a whole.
Data modeling can take different forms depending on the needs of a particular business. The goal of the data collection is usually determined by a company’s stakeholders. The information can be stored and used to generate reports when necessary. Data models are shared among a company’s partners, vendors, and industry peers.
What Is Data Modeling Used For?
Data modeling is a combined effort by the business side and the IT team in an organization. Developers, business analysts, and data architects can view a database and use it to draw accurate conclusions. Below are a few reasons why data modeling is essential.
- Reducing risk. As the amount of data available to a company increases every day, organizations are faced with a challenge. The data being collected must be kept simple and low risk to avoid issues.
Data modeling provides reliable diagrams for data processes so that the full architecture of the data can be reviewed. By viewing all of the data, a company can protect certain data by curtailing employees’ access to it.
- Improving collaboration. It is much easier for the IT team to collaborate with non-technical staff if a data model is in place. Businesses can use the system to integrate business processes, data structures, data rules, and implement physical data.
- Streamlining business processes. Data modeling can help a business better understand its operations. The information gathered can provide a clear view of a customer base, which can bring to light areas in need of improvement. Boosting customer relationships and engagement can then stimulate growth.
- Reducing expenditures. Data modeling ensures that a company’s processes are streamline, which allows ease of business. You will be able to spot errors quickly when using a data model, which can significantly reduce costs.
Types of Data Models
There are many different data models available, the most common of which is the relational model. Let’s look at some of the widely used models below.
Hierarchical Model
The basis of this model is a tree-like structure that has records stemming from roots that grow into leaves. It is a common way to store information in a real-world scenario. It is utilized by companies such as IBM and in the creations of website sitemaps.
It is one of the simplest models to use. Any change made on the parent node affects the child node, which improves the integrity of the data.
Relational Data Modeling
The model maintains data in a two-dimensional table. The structure of the model is tables, which are typically referred to as relations. The rows of this model are called tuples.
The column represents the attribute of an entity, and the row represents the records. It is simple, scalable, and structurally independent.
Entity-Relationship Model
This model uses diagrams to depict the different elements in a database. It contains entity sets and relationship sets. It is an effective communication tool that can be transferred to any other model.
Network Model
The network model is quite similar to the hierarchical model. The only major difference is that in this case, a record can have more than one parent. Also, instead of a tree, this model uses a graph to represent information. Data can be easily accessed in this model because it can be obtained from more than one path.
Learning Data Modeling
There are many materials online that you can turn to as you learn data modeling, but choosing the best ones can be a challenge. Data modeling is an excellent skill to have, but it must be acquired through the proper channels. Below, you will find a list of online resources that will be instrumental in helping you study.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Data Modeling?
The time it takes to learn any skill can’t be set in stone. Everyone will take a different amount of time to complete a course or finish their self-paced studying. An expert in data science may be able to fully learn data modeling in a matter of weeks. However, it may take months for a novice to fully grasp the concepts of this topic.
People with more free time to dedicate to learning may be able to complete a course in just a few days. But if your schedule is cramped, it will take much longer.
How to Learn Data Modeling: Step-by-Step
Below are some simple steps you should follow as you start learning about data modeling.
- Purchase and install tools. There are many tools available online for data modeling. You may choose to download Erwin Data Modeler, Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler, or Archi.
- Watch data modeling tutorials. You can check out some data modeling tutorials to help you gain a deeper understanding of the practice. These tutorials are instrumental in ensuring you learn the processes correctly.
- Sign up for classes. There are classes on data modeling available worldwide, including physical classes and online options. You may want to consider an online class until the Coronavirus subsides.
- Read books. There are many books out there on data modeling that will offer information that can help you gain more insight into the various models, and their benefits and uses.
- Practice. Remember that to become a good data architect, you must continually practice.
The Best Data Modeling Courses and Training
Deciding to enroll in a class or training course is key to becoming a data scientist. Increasingly more organizations are seeking to hire people with technical knowledge of data modeling techniques. Businesses are now relying on data modeling strategies to improve their profit margins.
From the courses below, you should select one that matches your preferred type of learning as you learn more about data modeling.
Best In-Person Data Modeling Classes
Having an instructor available is the ultimate resource for any student. Some people find it easier to study in a classroom where you can get one-on-one time with your teacher. This makes it easier to clear up any questions you have about new terms or mind-boggling concepts.
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
- Provider: IBM
- Time: 10 months
- Prerequisites: N/A
- Cost: Free
This is an exceptional course for people who want to improve their skills. By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of the data programming language SQL, spreadsheets, pivot tables, data science, and how to program with Python. Students will be proficient in using spreadsheets, creating versatile charts, and describing data ecosystems using SQL, Python, and Jupyter Notebooks.
Big Data Modeling and Management Systems
- Provider: University of California, San Diego
- Time: 13 hours
- Prerequisites: Quad Core Processor, Apache Hadoop
By the end of this beginners’ course, you will be able to perform several functions using the data modeling software Hadoop. You will be able to differentiate between types of data, use a logical data model, identify frequency, and design big data systems. You can sign up for a more advanced course after completing this level.
Best Online Data Modeling Courses
Online classes are a good way to pick up any new skill. Let’s look at some of the best online options for learning data modeling.
Mastering Data Modeling Fundamentals
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 13 hours
- Prerequisites: N/A
- Cost: $9.99
In this course, students will master the techniques needed to build data models. The lessons will cover hierarchies, relationships and attributes, entity types, and entity-relationship models. Students will also learn more about key data modeling designs, data points, foreign keys, primary keys, and how to convert conceptual data models into logical or physical data models.
Databases: Modeling and Theory
- Provider: EdX
- Time: 2 weeks
- Prerequisites: N/A
- Cost: $50
This is a self-paced course that involves learning about relational databases and SQL, OLAP and recursion, as well as modeling and theory. All the classes are based around video lectures and video demos, to make sure students get a firm grasp of the material. Each course also includes extra reading material, quizzes, and other resources.
Data Science: Inference and Modeling
- Provider: Harvard University
- Time: 8 weeks
- Prerequisites: N/A
- Cost: $99
In this course, students will learn about how to use inference and modeling to develop statistical approaches. The course teaches all the necessary concepts to help you define margins and errors. Additionally, you will learn the basics of Bayesian statistics and models that are used to aggregate data from multiple sources.
Using Excel for Financial Modeling
- Provider: Harvard University
- Time: 8 weeks
- Cost: $99
In this LinkedIn learning course, the instructor will teach you how to make informed decisions using data analytics. You will learn how to build models for use in corporate finance, investment banking, commercial banking, and portfolio management.
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Best Free Data Modeling Courses
You don’t have to shell out a lot of money to be able to include data modeling on your resume. Below is a free course you can take to get started.
Data Modeling and Regression Analysis in Business
- Provider: University of Illinois
- Time: 25 hours
- Prerequisites: Intermediate data modeling experience
- Cost: Free
This is an excellent course for business managers who want to get equipped with data description, statistical inference, and regression.
Best Data Modeling Books
You can easily get the same knowledge from books as you can from online courses. If you prefer a more traditional approach to learning new skills, you should consider some of the books listed below.
The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling by Ralph Kimball
In this book, Kimball and Ross introduce students to dimensional modeling techniques such as invoicing, accounting, customer relationships, and fundamental database design. This book includes plenty of real-world case studies and is very accessible for all levels.
Data modeling Made Simple, 2nd edition: A Practical Guide for Business and IT Professionals by Steve Hoberman
By the end of the book, you will have mastered the basics of data modeling. You will know when to apply different types of data models, and how to read complex data and build a functional data model. You will also gain an understanding of the different categories of data models and UML concepts.
The Data Model Resource Book Vol.3 universal Patterns for Data Modeling by Len Silverston
This book focuses on the basic patterns that affect data modeling structures. This information is vital in saving time and money while helping you learn how to meet consistency and quality guidelines.
Should You Study Data Modeling?
Organizations and businesses are constantly trying to win over consumers and to do so, they must develop strategies that will advance their products. These strategies involve using data and data models to improve operations.
A proper data model will ensure lower costs, save time, and improve quality. Using data modeling will ensure that a business can become successful by using the information it has collected to implement changes.
So if you are looking for a secure job, data modeling is a good choice. There is a high demand for people with skills in data modeling. A career in this field can bring many prospects, as there will always be data ready for analysis and storage.
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