Manage Data Model

Overview

The Data Model tab in the Plan view is where you define the core structure of your application's data. Think of it as the foundation for organizing and managing your data effectively. Here, you can visually map out the relationships between different tables and ensure your application is built on a strong and logical structure.

You can add new tables, edit existing tables, and configure each table's fields to suit your application's needs. For example, you can define field types and create meaningful connections between tables. The interactive diagram gives you a clear picture of how everything fits together, making it easy to spot and refine relationships.

In the data model, you can map existing record types to your application's design. This ensures your data structures remain consistent across applications and reduces duplication, making development faster and more reliable.

AI Copilot enhances data modeling by recommending best-practice data models, identifying reusable record types, and suggesting updates based on changes in your application plan. These recommendations help you set up and refine your application's data structure with confidence—even if you're new to data modeling.

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Add a new table

To add a new table:

1. Open the Data Model tab.
2. Click Add Table.
   Result: The Add Table window displays.
   

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3. Enter a name for the table in the Name field that reflects the purpose of the data.
4. Select the Mapped Object(s) if this table will correspond to existing record types.
5. Add fields to your table:
   1. Click ADD NEW FIELD.
   2. Mark the Unique checkbox when you need to ensure no two records in your record type have the same value in that field. Use it for identifiers like order numbers, usernames, or IDs to maintain data integrity. Avoid marking it for fields where duplicate values are expected, like status or categories.
   3. Enter a name for the field in the Field column.
   4. Choose a data type from the Type dropdown (e.g., text, number, or date).
   5. For fields with relationships to other tables in your data model, use the Linked Field to establish the connection. This option is only enabled if there is at least one other field in the data model that is both unique and of the same type.
      Result: The Relationship Type is automatically populated.
6. Continue adding fields until all the necessary data points are represented.
7. Click Add to save your table.
   Result: Your new table will display in the data model diagram.

Edit a table

To edit a table:

1. Open the Data Model tab.
2. Click the edit icon on the table you want to edit.
   Result: The Edit Table window displays.
3. Edit your table: This includes specifying the table's name, mapping it to record types, and configuring its fields. You can set field properties, choose data types, establish relationships with other tables, and add or remove fields as needed to align with your application's requirements.
4. Click SAVE.

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Generate or manage data models with AI Copilot

Use the AI Copilot to build your application's data structure using natural language. Instead of manually configuring every table and field, just describe your data structure. AI Copilot acts as a data architect, translating your requirements into a technical schema directly within the Data Model tab.

You can use AI Copilot to perform the following actions:

• Create tables: Describe your requirement to generate a new table and its underlying data source. AI Copilot automatically adds relevant fields based on the table's name. Example: "Create a new table for 'Invoice' with fields for amount and vendor."
• Add or modify fields: Specify field or data type changes to update existing tables. AI Copilot identifies the target object and adds the new field or modifies the existing metadata. Example: "Add a 'Status' text field to the Invoice table."
• Define relationships: State the business logic to connect different tables. AI Copilot identifies the common fields and automatically configures the table relationship, displaying a connection line in the diagram. Example: "Link Customers to Invoices where a customer can have many invoices."

Generate or modify tables

The AI Copilot chat pane appears on the right-hand side of the screen when you select the Data Model tab. Follow the steps below to generate or modify tables:

1. Enter a business requirement or command in the chat field. Example: "Create an Invoice table" or "Link Customers to Orders."
2. Click the paper plane icon .
   Your request is translated into technical updates, such as tables or defined field constraints.
3. Examine the updated entity-relationship diagram to verify that new tables and connectors accurately reflect your intent.
4. Check the tables list to confirm that AI Copilot correctly enforced data integrity.

   Note:  AI Copilot ensures data integrity by enforcing primary keys for unique identification and verifying foreign key relationships before applying structural changes. Result: Composer automatically saves your changes.

5. Continue the conversation to refine field types, constraints, or relationships as needed.
6. Once your structure is ready, click GENERATE OBJECTS.

Limitations

While AI Copilot can accelerate your data modeling, certain structural changes must be performed manually.

AI Copilot cannot perform the following actions:

• Delete objects: AI Copilot does not delete tables or record types.
• Map and unmap record types to tables: Mapping or unmapping record types to tables is currently a manual process. Click the edit icon next to the table you want to edit. Next, modify the mapped objects section.
• Cross-tab changes: AI Copilot does not modify objects outside of the Data Model tab, such as workflows, personas, or business rules.
• Create composite primary keys: Creating composite primary keys is not supported via AI Copilot.
• Work with unsupported data types: AI Copilot does not work with unsupported or complex custom data types.

The supported data types are:

Data Type	Description
TEXT	For text fields.
INTEGER	For whole numbers and primary/foreign keys.
DECIMAL	For monetary amounts and numbers with decimal places.
DATE	For date values.
DATETIME	For date and time values.
BOOLEAN	For true/false values.
USERNAME	For user identification fields.
GROUP	For group identification fields.

Review AI Copilot's suggested updates

When changes are made to your application requirements, AI Copilot automatically suggests updates to your data model to align with the latest requirements. A banner at the top of the page alerts you to pending updates that need your review.

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To review and apply these changes:

1. Click REVIEW CHANGES to see a side-by-side comparison of the current data model and the proposed updates.
2. Examine the suggested additions (green highlight) and deletions (red highlight) to ensure they meet your needs.
3. Click APPLY CHANGES to update your data model with the suggested changes. This ensures your data model reflects the latest application requirements. If the suggested changes are unnecessary or require further discussion, click CANCEL.

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