Using Matrixes for Cross-Checking

The ER Diagrammer shows all Entities and Relationships...

How about a matrix?

Setting the Scene

… and the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer shows all business functions...

… but I want to see both Entities and Functions...

• A two-dimensional Repository object display tool

– Is not like ERD, PM, or DFD

– Can maintain definitions

– Shows CRUD matrixes and many others

The Matrix Diagrammer

rowrow

columncolumn

third third

axisaxis

intersectionintersection(cell)(cell)

Defining Both Matrix Axes

• Choose both object types for the horizontal and vertical axes

– Most of the primary access elements

– Some secondary access elements

• Choice of second object type depends on choice of first axis

New Matrix Dialog

Initial AppearanceInitial AppearanceChoose Row TypeChoose Row TypeChoose Column TypeChoose Column Type

Settings Dialog

Resulting Matrix

Defining What is Displayed

• Properties displayed per object type and intersection (cell)

• Filters to reduce number of axis elements

• Sort order of objects

Modifying Display

New View

Displaying Properties

Properties View Order Filter Lines

LabelShort DefinitionMaster FunctionParent FunctionAtomic?Elementary?FrequencyResponse NeededIntention to AutomateApplication System

Row - Business Functions Column - Entities Intersection-FunctionEntity Usage

1A

is null

D=‘Y’

1

Resulting Pseudo-SQL:

SELECT label, response_neededFROM business_functionsWHERE master_function IS NULLAND elementary? =‘Y’ORDER BY short_definition, atomic? desc

Defining Filter Conditions

• Limited, SQL-like criteria:

– =, >, <, >=, <=, <>

– IS NULL, IS NOT NULL

– value1 and value2

– ‘A%’, ‘_MEM%’

• No ORs, only implicit ANDs

• No Not Like

Business FunctionsAttributes

PUBLICATION RENTAL ITEMRENTAL REVIEW

LINE NO RENTAL DATE

C*** C***

*R***R**CR**

CRU*

*R**

**U* **U*

PRICE PA

Displaying a Third Axis

entitiesentitiesSettings automatically Settings automatically shows Entities tabshows Entities tab

Uses of a Matrix

• Data entry

• Completeness checking

• Design reporting

• Impact analysis

• Repository management

• Progress reporting

Saving the Matrix

• Changes to data are saved automatically in the Repository.

• Saving a matrix means saving the matrix settings.

• A matrix is automatically requeried when opened.

• Broadcast is available for axis elements.

Summary

• Matrix Diagrammer:

– Display and compact reporting tool

– Used for verification and correction of entries

– Over 160 different matrixes

– Over 40 3D matrixes