Developing the Data Model

Members of the PPDM Association undertake development of the PPDM Data model based on business needs that they face in their day-to-day business of managing data and information. The Association has developed a strong data modeling methodology that supports international participation and input from business and technical experts from every sector of industry.

Chaired by member companies, each work group begins the design process by developing a project plan that describes the scope of work to be done, specific methods to be used, deliverables to be created and a preliminary schedule. Once completed and approved, this plan is delivered to the PPDM membership so that each company can consider the strategic importance of that work group to their business and nominate appropriate business or technical experts to participate.

Business requirements are the most important element in data base design, and are the focus of the majority of the work group's efforts. Using the PPDM methodology, called 'the PPDM Way', these requirements are developed and documented through a series of work group meetings held in person, by audio-conference, chat room and email. When complete, a straw model is designed that addresses each requirement.

Following work group acceptance of the straw model, an alpha model is generated and delivered to the work group for testing. The testing process requires that each new table be populated with a small sample of business data and a reference guide written that describes how to use the model. Requests for additions or modifications to the model are compiled and reviewed prior to incorporation into a Beta model version. The Beta version is released to the entire PPDM membership for review, comment and testing. The results of the Beta test period are compiled and reviewed for adoption in the model; this beta period may be iterated if necessary.

Final acceptance of the model is followed by a production release; any member company may adopt this release, as they require. Many members choose to implement only portions of the model, particularly when their business is limited to a subset of the functionality in the PPDM data model.

Model Structure

The mandate of the PPDM Association is to develop products based on standardized, open and platform independent technology. SQL*92, a standardized ANSII language for relational database design, is presently the underlying technology for model deliverables. The PPDM Association provides Data Definition Language (DDL) that supports entry level SQL*92 standards.

PPDM version 3.7 is comprised of business and support modules. Business modules are developed entirely through the work group process and support data and information requirements that support key operational activities of the members. At this time, there are 31 business modules in PPDM.

Support modules in PPDM version 3.7 are auxiliary modules that supplement or support business modules. Support modules are developed by work groups to support their specific business requirements; the modeling committee oversees this work to ensure consistency and integration of the work done. There are 14 support modules in PPDM version 3.7.