Using ERwin 7 Metadata Integration

Metadata Integration and Erwin 7.2Exchanging metadata between ERwin and Microsoft Excel

Tom Bilcze Westfield Group

IntroductionThanks to CA's partnership with Meta Integration Technology, ERwin 7.x offers new capabilities to import/export metadata from/to many tools. In this session, well walk through a useful process to export a data model into Excel; allow business users to edit descriptions; and import the new/revised descriptions back into the model using this metadata interchange facility of Erwin 7.x.This session is based on a hands-on lab at CA World 2007 led by Meta Integration Technology.

Metadata Integration Process OverviewExportDefine metadata export source and destination Export from CA ERwin to Microsoft ExcelEditEdit data model artifacts in Microsoft ExcelImportDefine metadata import source and destinationImport CA ERwin metadata from Microsoft ExcelComplete compare to merge in changes

Start Metadata Export WizardFile > Export > To External Format

Notes about theMetadata Import/Export Wizard3 TabsOverviewSource Our data modelTarget Microsoft ExcelThis wizard is metadata rich maybe too richAs you click on a field, metadata is displayed in a pane on the bottom of the window.If this is the first time you are using the wizard, you will need to locate a variety of files.

Metadata Export Wizard

Defining the Source for ExportIn our example, well take the default values.Be sure to read the metadata on the bottom pane.

Notes onDefining the Export TargetSpecify the location and file name for the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet you are creating.We need to specify other files for the wizardMetadata Mapping File A MS Excel spreadsheet that maps data from the Meta Integration repository to the MS Excel spreadsheetBlank File Empty MS Excel spreadsheet with same structure of mapping file that is used to build the final spreadsheet.There is no browse function to populate these fields. Use My Computer to copy the path and file name.Remaining fields can be left at default values.

Where are the Metadata Mapping Files?Metadata mapping files can be found in the C:\Program Files\CA\AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler r7\MetaIntegration folderRead your wizard metadata. It tells you the correct folder name.In our exampleC:\Program Files\CA\AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler r7\MetaIntegration\conf\MIRModelBridgeTemplate\MIRMicrosoftExcelExport DataModel-Blank.xlsDataModel-MetaMap.xls

Defining the Target for Export

Export to Microsoft ExcelClick on the Finish button to start the export.The Export to External Format Status Log is displayed.Check the logIn our example we had some informational messages.Last one showing a successful export.

Notes on Editing in Microsoft ExcelStart Microsoft Excel and open the spreadsheet you created through the export.You will see three tabs:Main Model InformationEntities Entities/Tables, Attributes/Columns and related information including UDPsData Types Datatypes from the data modelMajority of data model artifacts but not all artifacts are displayed.Remember that Microsoft Excel is not a data modeling tool.

Additional Notes onEditing in Microsoft in ExcelMake your changes in the spreadsheet.You can hide and protect cells and share with others.Use caution when changing the format of the spreadsheet.Export/import uses macros and other Excel features.

Start Metadata Import WizardFile > Import > To External Format

Notes About Metadata Import WizardSame interface as export wizardDid you remember where your MS Excel file is?You need to specify an import mapping file.Use metadata in the pane at the bottom of the windowIn our exampleC:\Program Files\CA\AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler r7\MetaIntegration\conf\MIRModelBridgeTemplate\MIRMicrosoftExcelImport DataModel-MetaMap.xls Use defaults for destination (data model)

Metadata Import Wizard

Notes about theImported Data ModelIt doesnt look like your exported data modelWhy? Because Microsoft Excel is not a data modeling tool!However, it does contain updated data model artifacts.So How do you get this information into your original data model?

Data Model Imported from Microsoft ExcelData model after laying out the data modelFormat > Preferences > Layout Entire Diagram

Merge Changes usingComplete Compare Use the Complete Compare wizard to import changed artifactsFilter on properties you changed in Type Selection tab.Verify and accept changes.You are done!

SummaryThis feature is built into Erwin 7.xTodays exercise was a simple demo of the featuresIt can be used for numerous other tools. Refer to the Import/Export Wizard.You can build your own custom mapping files.Metadata in the Import/Export Wizard is extensive.Documentation is available on CA Support Connect. CA ERwin Data Modeler Implementation Guide (Chapter 5)