SAP PowerDesigner is a valuable solution for developing several different types of data models according to business process needs. Data models can be logical, conceptual, and physical, and can also include dimensional and relational models. PowerDesiger has the ability to integrate a designed business process model with the actual database design to ensure that all the data process steps are included in the logical model. PowerDesigner is able to use the physical model to create the actual database, and from there, design various physical iterations from a single logical model.
PowerDesigner can perform excellent reverse-engineering of existing databases to create a model diagram. The solution integrates well with many of today's most recognized database management systems (DBMS). Some of the solution’s featured outputs include custom or standard reports of every object in the design (relationships, field, and tables), design impact analysis, and entity-relationship (ER) designs.
Product | Market Share (%) |
---|---|
SAP PowerDesigner | 8.8% |
LeanIX | 15.3% |
Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect | 12.7% |
Other | 63.2% |
Type | Title | Date | |
---|---|---|---|
Category | Enterprise Architecture Management | Aug 25, 2025 | Download |
Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Aug 25, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | SAP PowerDesigner vs LeanIX | Aug 25, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | SAP PowerDesigner vs Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect | Aug 25, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | SAP PowerDesigner vs MEGA HOPEX | Aug 25, 2025 | Download |
Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) | 4.0 | N/A | 93% | 185 interviewsAdd to research |
Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect | 3.9 | 12.7% | 87% | 99 interviewsAdd to research |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 15 |
Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
Large Enterprise | 15 |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 146 |
Midsize Enterprise | 75 |
Large Enterprise | 512 |
PowerDesigner offers intuitive capabilities such as metadata management, link and sync, and data modeling. Users can instantly view architecture layers and essentials, access the robust metadata repository, and share findings with the user’s entire team.
SAP PowerDesigner Features
SAP PowerDesigner Benefits
Reviews from Real Users
“The most valuable feature of SAP PowerDesigner is the testing of the models, it has the best function. Reverse engineering is very helpful too. I use SAP PowerDesigner for data modeling and documentation. It interacts well with the other tools. Additionally, we use it for all of the business requirements, such as CDM and PDM.” - Saadat T., Emerging Cloud Solution Architect at a tech services company
“It's a great tool for documentation. A new data scientist can easily understand the data just by looking at it. Once you are managing your physical data with a logical data model, by looking at this data model, you can understand what it means, the business meaning of the elements which are maintained by the relational database.” - Michael R., DA
SAP PowerDesigner was previously known as Sybase PowerDesigner.
Medtronic, Cirque du Soleil, Antarc, B&G Manufacturing, EarlySense, eBay, Ferrero, James Austin Company, Lenovo, Sagem, RAK Ceramics, Vodafone
Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
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Data Solution Consultant | Owner at a non-tech company with 1-10 employees | 3.5 | I use SAP PowerDesigner to create data models and automate software generation, appreciating its extensibility and documentation features, but its poor repository, lack of cloud support, and uncertain future make it a concerning long-term choice. |
Data Governance Senior Advisor at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company | 3.0 | I primarily use SAP PowerDesigner for data modeling because it offers thorough database documentation. However, it can be too restrictive with validations and has room for improvement in its user interface. I previously used Erwin before exploring PowerDesigner. |
Senior IT Architect I at a government with 10,001+ employees | 3.0 | I use SAP PowerDesigner in my company for information architecture modeling and business architecture. It's a valuable data modeling tool, though the web portal lacks some features. There's room for improvement in customer service, but it saves time and enhances efficiency. |
Head of Technologies Councel Services at a consultancy with 51-200 employees | 4.0 | I use SAP PowerDesigner for documentation of travel expenses and find its BPM and modeling standards beneficial. However, improvements in object structure connections and visualization are needed. Compared to Bizagi, PowerDesigner excels in standards but lacks in form creation and testing. |
Data Architect at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees | 4.0 | I find SAP PowerDesigner exceptional for data modeling with features like a dynamic license system and repository collaboration. However, it lacks NoSQL support and has a slow portal. Despite these, I would consider returning to this product. |
Data Management Product Owner at ExxonMobil | 4.0 | I find SAP PowerDesigner to be stable, fast, and easy to understand, with a good repository and flexibility. However, the portal needs improvement, and integration with tools like Collibra would enhance its capabilities. Previously, I used ER/Studio. |
Database Engineer at a tech company with 10,001+ employees | 4.0 | I use SAP PowerDesigner for logical and physical data modeling. Its valuable extraction feature and clear documentation are beneficial, though it lacks reverse engineering of ALTER statements. The company has considered erwin Data Modeler but continues with SAP PowerDesigner. |
IT/IS architecture at a consultancy with 201-500 employees | 4.0 | I primarily use SAP PowerDesigner for creating application maps and connecting applications to IOS platforms. It offers a complete solution but requires expertise, lacking user-friendliness for juniors. Improvements in user experience and CMDB integration would be beneficial. |