Data Modeling as Competitive Advantage: What Good Information Models Are Really Worth

"Michael, I have a simple question." Silvia Seven, CFO of FastChangeCo, pushes the project status deck aside. "How many projects have redefined what a 'customer' is from scratch in the last two years?" Michael Mueller swallows. He knows the answer. And it's uncomfortable.

Part 3 ended with a question hanging in the room: whether you can actually prove what's in your reports — and who would ever ask. For three parts it was all business application. Now someone from outside is asking. And the argument that wins management over starts right here.

Past, Present, Future: Data Beyond the Now

Part 2 ended with a line from Diego: “Time travel runs forward too. Retroactive bookings, planned prices, scenarios for the future.” That's exactly where we pick up now.