Short answer:
👉 No. EDM is NOT the same as transactional OLTP — but they are closely related.
Let’s clear this up cleanly and precisely (this is a very common interview confusion).
1. Simple One-Line Difference
EDM = Blueprint / logical model of enterprise data
OLTP = Physical system that runs transactions
Think: EDM is the design, OLTP is the implementation
2. How They Relate (But Are Not the Same)
| Aspect | EDM (Enterprise Data Model) | OLTP (Transactional System) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Logical / conceptual data model | Operational database |
| Purpose | Define what data exists and how it relates | Run business transactions |
| Usage | Architecture, governance, integration | Day-to-day operations |
| Normalization | Highly normalized (3NF) | Highly normalized (3NF) |
| Users | Data architects | Applications, end users |
| Data Volume | Structure-focused | Transaction-focused |
3. Why People Confuse EDM with OLTP
Because:
Both are normalized
Both use ER diagrams
Both model entities like Customer, Order, Product
OLTP databases are usually built from EDM
➡️ But they are not the same thing.
4. Correct Relationship (Very Important)
EDM (Logical Blueprint)
↓
OLTP Schema (Physical Implementation)
↓
ODS (Optional)
↓
Dimensional Model (DW / Data Mart)
EDM defines what should exist
OLTP implements it with tables, indexes, constraints
Dimensional Model reshapes it for analytics
5. Example (Northwind)
EDM View (Logical)
Customer
Order
Order Line
Product
Supplier
Relationships only — no performance details.
OLTP View (Physical)
Customers table
Orders table
Order_Details table
Foreign keys, indexes, constraints
Supports INSERT / UPDATE / DELETE
Dimensional View (Analytics)
Fact_Sales
Dim_Customer
Dim_Product
Dim_Date
6. Key Interview Statement (Use This)
EDM is not an OLTP system; it is the logical foundation from which OLTP systems are built.
or
OLTP databases are physical realizations of an enterprise or application data model, often derived from an EDM.
7. Final Verdict
❌ EDM ≠ OLTP
✅ EDM → guides OLTP design
✅ OLTP → optimized for transactions
✅ Dimensional Model → optimized for analytics
If you want, I can also give:
EDM vs OLTP vs ODS vs DW in one table
Real interview Q&A
Architecture diagram explanation
Just say the word 👍
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