UML. Fact-based textual representations are based on formal subsets of native languages. ORM proponents argue that ORM models are easier to understand by people without a technical education. For example, proponents argue that object-role models are easier to understand than declarative languages such as Object Constraint Language (OCL) and other graphical languages such as UML class models. Fact-based graphical notations are more expressive than those of ER and UML. An object-role model can be automatically mapped to relational and deductive databases (such as datalog). ORM 2 graphical notation ORM2 is the latest generation of object-role modeling . The main objectives for the ORM 2 graphical notation are: More compact display of ORM models without compromising clarity Improved internationalization (e.g. avoid English language symbols) Simplified drawing rules to facilitate creation of a graphical editor Extended use of views for selectively displaying/suppressing detail Support for new features (e.g. role path delineation, closure aspects, modalities) Design procedure System development typically involves several stages such as: feasibility study; requirements analysis; conceptual design of data and operations; logical design; external design; prototyping; internal design and implementation; testing and validation; and maintenance. The seven steps of the conceptual schema design procedure are: Transform familiar information examples into elementary facts, and apply quality checks Draw the fact types, and apply a population check Check for entity types that should be combined, and note any arithmetic derivations Add uniqueness constraints, and check arity of fact types Add mandatory role constraints, and check for logical derivations Add value, set comparison and subtyping constraints Add other constraints and perform final checks ORM's conceptual schema design procedure (CSDP) focuses on the analysis and design of data. See also Concept map Conceptual schema EER (Enhanced entity–relationship model) Information flow diagram Ontology double articulation Ontology engineering Relational algebra Three schema approach References Further reading External links The ORM foundation Terry Halpin's ORM site FactModeling.org dedicated to Fact-Based Modeling Data modeling Data modeling languages Modeling languages