Physical Data Model: Bottom-Up Approach
The physical model involves implementing or generating the model in the target database system, taking into account the unique syntax variations of each database.
A straightforward progression from conceptual to physical data modeling.
One significant advantage of a conceptual model, especially in larger, more complex enterprise organizations, is its ability to provide a robust framework. This framework organizes both the logical and physical models in a manner that’s decoupled from the source systems.
Conversely, the bottom-up approach starts with an analysis of existing data sources. This can include databases, spreadsheets, and various forms of structured and unstructured data. From this analysis, a physical data model is created, mirroring the current data storage and its interrelations.
Subsequently, this approach advances to development a Logical Data Model. This model represents business requirements, followed by a conceptual model that offers a high-level overview of the data. The bottom-up method proves especially useful when working with legacy systems or in scenarios where there is a lack of clear understanding of the organization’s data requirements.