Model

Model is the interface in Pyramid for users to prepare, condition, and structure data for analysis - effectively allowing them to create data mash-ups, data preparation routines and ultimately semantic data "models". Most users generally do not build and create their own data models, instead consuming them as prebuilt items in Discover, Formulate and the other Pyramid tools - as such, the Model tools are usually for a select group of advanced data users or data scientists.

  • Click here to see the Model Tutorials Video Library

Key Data Modeling Concepts

The Model tool offers powerful tools to end users for preparing and querying data and there are several key concepts that will better explain how this toolset works in Pyramid.

  • External Models vs Pyramid Models: How to mix and match data models built in Pyramid vs those brought in from 3rd party engines like MS OLAP and SAP BW.
  • Model Structures: Key elements of the modeling workflow in Pyramid include understanding the difference between the model definition files vs the materialized databases and semantic models.
  • Data Flows vs Semantic Models: This explains the 2 core frameworks in the Model app - flows for manipulating and blending data, and modeling for creating the virtual semantic data model layers.
  • Click here for more details on the key concepts above.

Model Tool Interfaces

Pyramid offers four ways (aka "modalities) to access Model, with varying degrees of functionality and sophistication. They can be broken out into "quick" and "full" options.

Quick Modeling

Use the quick modeling tools if you want the application to automatically built the data model for you:

  • Smart Model: import a file as a datasource, and the augmented AI modeling engine will build the data model for you.
  • Direct Model: this option allows you to quickly add a new virtual semantic data model to an existing database without any data manipulation options.

Full Modeling

Use the full modeling tools to build the necessary steps to perform data manipulation, add data logic, and build data models:

  • Model Lite: this option provides users with a simple, step-by-step wizard for blending data sets and building data models.
  • Model Pro: with this option, proficient users can build custom data flows ("ETL"), perform advanced data manipulation (like machine learning, scripting engines, column operations, and more), design and build data models, set security and orchestrate automated refreshes and updates.

Access and Interface Configuration

Model is accessible to pro users only. User profiles can be configured in the admin console to selectively enable Model for pro users and then enable / disable different key modeling capabilities, including access to advanced scripting; the ability to add new data sources; the option to add custom SQL scripts and access to command line executions.