Linking Data with Other PowerDesigner Model Objects

You can model BPM data objects in more detail by linking them to data items, entities, tables or classes in other PowerDesigner models.

You can link BPM data objects to objects in a CDM, LDM, PDM, or OOM. You can also export BPM data objects to or import data from these other model types. In each case, the BPM data object and the other model object remain synchronized with the external object displayed in the Definition field in the data object property sheet and the data object listed on the Dependencies tab of the other model object.

The following table lists the types of objects to which BPM data objects can be linked or exported:

Data Type	CDM	LDM	PDM	OOM
Undefined	Data item or entity	Entity	Table	Class
Elementary	Data item	—	—	—
Structured	Entity	Entity	Table	Class

If you export sub-data objects along with their structured parent, the sub-data are exported as follows:

Sub-Data Type	CDM	LDM	PDM	OOM
Undefined or Structured	Entity linked to parent by relationship	Entity linked to parent by relationship	Table linked to parent by reference	Class linked to parent by association link
Elementary	Data item and entity attribute	Attribute of parent entity	Column of parent table	Attribute of parent class

Note: If you export sub-data objects without their parent, then the rules above for exporting data objects are applied.

Linking Data Objects to External Model Objects
You can link BPM data objects to existing data items, entities, tables or classes in other PowerDesigner models.
Exporting Data to Other PowerDesigner Models
You can export BPM data objects as data items, entities, tables or classes in other PowerDesigner models. The target model must be open in the workspace, and only data objects which are not already linked to any external model objects are available for export.
Importing Data from Other PowerDesigner Models
You can import CDM data items and entities, LDM entities, PDM tables, and OOM Classes as data objects in your BPM. The source model must be open in the workspace and only external model objects not already linked to data objects in the model are available for import.

Parent topic: Data (BPM)