Data Integration and Interoperability: Towards a Model-Driven and Pattern-Oriented Approach

Abstract

Data integration is one of the core responsibilities of EDM (enterprise data management) and interoperability. It is essential for almost every digitalization project, e.g., during the migration from a legacy ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to a new system. One challenge is the incompatibility of data models, i.e., different software systems use specific or proprietary terminology, data structures, data formats, and semantics. Data need to be interchanged between software systems, and often complex data conversions or transformations are necessary. This paper presents an approach that allows software engineers or data experts to use models and patterns in order to specify data integration: it is based on data models such as ER (entity-relationship) diagrams or UML (unified modeling language) class models that are well-accepted and widely used in practice. Predefined data integration patterns are combined (applied) on the model level leading to formal, precise, and concise definitions of data transformations and conversions. Data integration definitions can then be executed (via code generation) so that a manual implementation is not necessary. The advantages are that existing data models can be reused, standardized data integration patterns lead to fast results, and data integration specifications are executable and can be easily maintained and extended. An example transformation of elements of a relational data model to object-oriented data structures shows the approach in practice. Its focus is on data mappings and relationships.

Design of Enhanced Document HTML and the Reliable Electronic Document Distribution Service

“…Enhanced Document HTML needs to work with third-party solutions as a service-oriented service because it helps to generate a reliable electronic document [12], as shown below in Figure 14. Most enterprise solutions are unified via the data integration layer, and each solution can generate a reliable electronic document with Enhanced Document HTML via the present integration layer [13]. However, Enhanced Document HTML has strong definitions to provide a reliable electronic document.…”

Integration Flows Modeling in the Context of Architectural Views

“…Besides, Marouane et al [28] introduce the profile with concepts related to real-time databases and integrate Object Constraint Language (OCL) to enforce the variation points consistency. As was mentioned in the section I, Petrasch and Petrasch [11] presented Data Integration Patterns for the interoperability of IT systems. However, the proposed patterns concentrate on the data, and UML was applied to model data integration.…”

“…Two profiles have recently been proposed in the area of interoperability. Firstly, Petrasch et al [11] introduced stereotypes for data integration patterns. The patterns and corresponding UML stereotypes concentrate on data integration tasks modeling.…”

Privacy-Aware Cloud Architecture for Collaborative Use of Patients’ Health Information

“…UML can be used to represent the structure, behavior, and interactions of different systems and components, providing a common language and framework for communication among stakeholders. Similarly, the work in [45] proposed a new approach to specifying data integration toward interoperability based on data models such as entity-relationship (ER) and UML. The authors draw attention to a critical problem that results from the incompatibility of data models, such as the use of proprietary terminology, data structures, data formats, and semantics by different software systems.…”