Model-Driven Development (MDD) is a software development methodology. It uses standard graphical models to construct a diagram and flow of processes and process steps to be developed into a system or application.
1. Faster Development Time
The total development time when using a model-driven approach is faster compared to traditional way of coding as it uses uses a higher abstraction level. Further standard templates and processes are also available for use allow rapid realization of projects.
Once we developed the process models, they are directly executed in the runtime which means no media break (no need to further code). This means no codes are generated which require developers to program manually.
As the models equal the software and documentation, two major outputs are done in one go!
2. Overall Savings
Time is money, money is time and any savings in terms of project delivery saves you money.
No-coding means less need for expensive specialized programmers and with existing adapters, integration to any other system easier. To such a degree, all you need is a lean team. Easy access to adapters and integration also saves you from subscription cost on third-party adapters.
3. Common Language for Business and IT
Models and diagrams are something that everyone in the organization can easily understand. With MDD, you have one single tool to describe the process, architecture and interfaces. It provides a clear and transparent process model and logical flow in graphical presentation which serves as the common language to all responsible departments. Hence, you can expect quick sign-off of your solution with one shared context that everyone in the team can understand and follow.
4. High Quality Output
Clear and well understood requirements mean your Quality Assurance team can create test plans accordingly. With test cases automatically generated, you are sure to have high quality output with minimal human error.
5. Documentation equals Implementation
As a former Technical Analyst, I have witnessed enterprise software’s with its implemented version not equal to its documentation. This caused too much headache for both technical users and IT operations. And this is not a scenario you want to be into.
6. You keep your Corporate Knowledge
I have seen organizations wherein the operational processes are kept in the brain of the person in charge. So after this person retired, the organization had to take him as a consultant until the replacements became as knowledgeable.
One output of MDD is the end-to-end documentation of each project. Now, your corporate knowledge is safe within your organization, which you can upload in your intranet using different formats. In this light, new resources can be productive faster.
The graphical model serves as the business blueprint for the business and the IT Development and the IT support after go live.
Summary
MDD approach gives advantages in productivity as the model simplifies the engineering process. It is a cost-effective way to modernize your operational processes with a well documented and high quality result. It gives you utmost flexibility and lets you focus on business rather than technology.
ONETool Solutions Inc., uses Model-Driven Development in all our projects and implementations using an Innovative Modeling Tool – the E2E Builder.
