What is the difference between data modeling and process modeling?

Question

Accepted Answer

**Data modeling** — data structure. **Process modeling** — business processes.

**Data Modeling:**
- Focuses on data.
- Entity-relationship diagrams.
- Database design.
- Data relationships.
- Static view.

```
Data Model Example:
Entities: Customer, Order, Product
Relationships:
- Customer places Order
- Order contains Products
- Product belongs to Category
```

**Process Modeling:**
- Focuses on processes.
- Data flow diagrams.
- Workflow analysis.
- Process flows.
- Dynamic view.

```
Process Model Example:
Order Process:
1. Customer places order
2. System checks inventory
3. System processes payment
4. System ships order
5. System sends confirmation
```

**Key differences:**
- **Data** — what data.
- **Process** — how work flows.
- **Data** — structure.
- **Process** — activities.

Systems Analyst: What is the difference between data modeling and process modeling?