A data model is an abstract model that organizes elements of data and standardizes how they relate to one another and to the properties of real-world entities. It is a visual representation of an enterprises data elements and the connections between them. Data models play a key role in bringing together all segments of an enterprise to cooperatively design information systems and databases. They help define and structure data in a way that supports the desired business processes.
A data model represents classes of entities, the attributes of that information, and relationships among those entities and attributes. It can refer to an abstract formalization of the objects and relationships found in a particular application domain or to the set of concepts used in defining such formalizations. A data model organizes data elements and standardizes how the data elements relate to one another. It determines the structure of data elements within an information system and documents the relationships between data elements and how data is retrieved and stored.
Data models are often complemented by function models. There are three different types of data models: conceptual, logical, and physical. Each serves a different purpose as you work through the data modeling process, and all three models can and should work independently of each other. The creation of the data model is the critical first step that must be taken after business requirements for analytics and reporting have been defined.
In summary, a data model is a visual representation of an enterprises data elements and the connections between them. It organizes data elements and standardizes how they relate to one another and to the properties of real-world entities. Data models play a key role in designing information systems and databases, and there are three different types of data models: conceptual, logical, and physical.
