Synchronizing a Data Model

If data models are distributed to company personnel, it is important to keep them updated to reflect system changes. Data models provide visual understanding of the database; if they are corrupted, users can become lost and frustrated.

For example, consider the situation when a database administrator structurally alters a database table by adding columns, modifying data, or renaming a field. If the changes are not registered to data models, then Dashboard sections, metatopics, or intranet-distributed reports become obsolete.

Advanced users can ensure data model integrity using the Sync With Database command, a one-step integrity check and update. Sync With Database detects inconsistencies with the database, updates the data model, and provides an itemized list of the changes made. The list can use be used to update metatopics and report sections quickly and without interrupting workflow.

  To synchronize a data model:

  1. Open the data model and log on to the database.

  2. Select DataModel , then Sync With Database.

    Interactive Reporting Studio compares original topics with their corresponding database tables. If the structure of the tables has changed, Interactive Reporting Studio modifies data model topics to reflect the changes. The Data Model Synchronization dialog box is displayed, describing changes to the database. Select the Show Detail Information check box for an itemized list.

    Tip:

    Because metatopics are a separate logical layer constructed from original topics, they are not automatically updated. The Sync With Database feature removes any altered items from metatopics, but preserves the remaining structure so that repairs are minor. Sync With Database works transparently with most other customized attributes of a data model.