The Role of Tables in Data Modelling

The Role of Tables in Data Modelling for D365 and Power Platform

2 May 2023 · By · Tagged as: Technology, Quick tips

Get ready to dive into the world of data modelling with our latest blog on tables and entities in D365 and Power Platform. In this blog, you'll discover the fundamental concepts behind tables (formerly known as entities) and how they structure and organise data. We'll explore the versatility of tables, their relationships, and additional functionalities they offer beyond data storage. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this blog will equip you with the knowledge to build a robust and flexible data model that aligns with your business needs. So, join us on this data modelling journey and unlock the true potential of your CRM system.

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The Role of Tables and Entities in Data Modelling

Tables and entities are both key components in data modelling, which defines how data is structured, organized, and stored in a system. In D365 and Power Platform, tables (formerly known as entities) are used to store data in a tabular format, with each row representing a single record and each column representing a different attribute of that record. Tables are often organized into a hierarchy, with one table serving as the parent and others serving as children.

For example, in an e-commerce system, the Customer table might serve as the parent table, with the Order and Product tables serving as children. This hierarchy allows for complex relationships between data to be defined and stored.

Tables: A Higher-Level Abstraction of Data

Tables (formerly known as entities) are a higher-level abstraction of data and are used to represent a collection of related data, including any associated behaviour or business logic. Tables can be used to represent a wide range of data, from simple tables like Contacts or Accounts to more complex tables like Products, Orders, or Invoices.

Building Relationships: Connecting Tables Across Multiple Sources

One important aspect of tables (formerly known as entities) is that they are not limited to representing data from a single table. A table can be built from data that is stored across multiple tables or even multiple databases, providing a way to represent complex relationships between data.

Beyond Data Storage: Additional Functionality in Tables

Tables (formerly known as entities) can also include additional functionality beyond simple data storage. For example, a table might include business logic that automatically calculates a customer's total spend based on their order history, or a table might have custom workflows or actions associated with it.

Effectively Using Tables for a Robust Data Model

When building a data model, it's important to carefully consider the structure of your data and how it will be used in your system. Using tables (formerly known as entities) effectively enables you to create a robust and flexible data model that supports your business needs.

From Entities to Tables: Terminology Changes in D365 and Power Platform

In summary, while the terminology may have changed from "entity" to "table" in D365 and Power Platform, the concepts and functionality associated with tables/entities remain consistent. Both tables and entities represent a type of data in a system and can store data in a tabular format with each row representing a record and each column representing an attribute. Tables (formerly known as entities) are a higher-level abstraction of data that can include additional functionality beyond simple data storage, such as business logic and workflows.

 

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