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Definition · data modeling

Data model

Data model is an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and physical levels. For data model, a useful definition states an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and, who owns it, and which decision it supports.

Also known as logical data model, physical data model

Written by Pluvo TeamReviewed by Pluvo Team
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Why it matters

Understanding data model matters because leaders need a shared, source-backed meaning before they can compare results, explain performance, or decide what to do next. Pluvo layers a finance-native model over your raw tables, mapping physical columns to the metrics, entities, and relationships finance actually reasons about.

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In practice

  • Operating example

    Data model is useful when teams need a shared interpretation of an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and physical levels. The definition should make source data, timing, ownership, and the decision it supports explicit.

  • Pluvo example

    Pluvo layers a finance-native model over your raw tables, mapping physical columns to the metrics, entities, and relationships finance actually reasons about.

In practice, teams should define data model with a clear source, owner, time period, and decision before they use it in reporting, planning, or operating reviews.

Understanding data model matters because leaders need a shared, source-backed meaning before they can compare results, explain performance, or decide what to do next. Pluvo layers a finance-native model over your raw tables, mapping physical columns to the metrics, entities, and relationships finance actually reasons about.

A strong workflow for data model separates the definition from the action: first agree what the term means, then decide how it is measured, when it changes, and who is accountable for the next step.

Pluvo layers a finance-native model over your raw tables, mapping physical columns to the metrics, entities, and relationships finance actually reasons about.

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FAQ

What is a data model?

Data model is an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and physical levels. For data model, a useful definition states an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and, who owns it, and which decision it supports.

What are conceptual, logical, and physical data models?

Data model is an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and physical levels. For data model, a useful definition states an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and, who owns it, and which decision it supports. For data model, the practical boundary is an abstract representation of how data elements relate and are organized within a system, spanning conceptual, logical, and physical levels.

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Sources

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