ERBuilder
Softbuilder presents an AI-powered tool prolific in generating Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams. This robust feature represents a novel approach to data modeli...
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What is ERBuilder?
ERBuilder is an AI-powered data modeling tool that automatically generates Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams from natural language data model descriptions, user stories, or requirements. Built on OpenAI GPT technology and the ChatGPT API, it transforms textual inputs into visually appealing ER diagrams, significantly enhancing data modeling efficiency. The tool is part of SoftBuilder's database management suite for SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and more.
Key features include generative AI-powered ER diagram generation, the ability to update existing data models by entering new requirements, AI-powered description generation for procedures, views, and triggers, reverse and forward engineering, schema comparison and synchronization, data model validation, database documentation, SQL/DDL script generation, and test data generation. The tool supports multiple notations including IDEF1X, Crow's Foot, Codasyl, and Relational notations, and allows customizable diagrams with auto-arrange tables functionality.
ERBuilder is designed for database developers, data modelers, software engineers, IT professionals, and businesses that require professional-grade data modeling capabilities. It enables users to design, visualize, and deploy databases easily without manual diagram drawing, making data modeling accessible, efficient, and tailor-fit to specific needs.
The tool supports multiple database systems including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Firebird, Microsoft Azure SQL Database, Amazon Redshift, and Amazon RDS. Advanced features like collaborative modeling with Git, advanced metadata query Assistant powered by ChatGPT API, and building an enterprise data dictionary automatically are available in higher editions.
ERBuilder pricing
Pricing model: Free
ERBuilder offers a free 15-day trial with no credit card required. Starter plan starts at $49 per month ($49/year for unlimited users). Standard plan is $99, Professional is $149, and Business/Enterprise is $199 (per month). Paid plans start at $199 per user annually. The Generative AI feature requires a separately purchased AI key through MyCommerce (accepts credit cards, PayPal, checks). AI keys are valid for one month or until quota exceeded, with auto-renewal available. Volume discounts: 5-9 licenses get 10% off, 10-19 licenses get 15% off, 20+ licenses get 20% off. Perpetual licenses are available.
ERBuilder pros
- Automatically generates ER diagrams from natural language inputs using OpenAI GPT
- Saves time by eliminating manual diagram drawing
- Improves quality of final data modeling product
- Supports multiple database systems including Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL
- Generates SQL/DDL scripts for multiple database engines
- Reverse engineering from existing databases
- Forward engineering to create databases from models
- Schema comparison and synchronization capabilities
- Data model validation to verify errors
- AI-powered description generation for procedures, views, and triggers
- Updates existing data models automatically from new requirements
- Supports IDEF1X, Crow's Foot, Codasyl, and Relational notations
- Auto-arrange tables in diagram functionality
- Test data generation with unlimited rows per table in Enterprise
- Collaborative modeling with Git integration
- Advanced Metadata Query Assistant powered by ChatGPT API
- Builds enterprise data dictionary automatically
- Free 15-day trial with no credit card required
- Intuitive user interface for reviewing and modifying diagrams
- Generate web user interface for CRUD applications
ERBuilder cons
- Generative AI feature requires purchased key to access
- AI key validity limited to one month or until quota exceeded
- Accuracy of generated diagrams depends on input quality
- Enterprise Edition required for full generative AI access
- Limited quota of requests per AI key
- No refund for unused portion of billing cycle when cancelling
- Monthly subscription cost for AI key adds to overall expense
- Advanced features only available in commercial/Enterprise editions
Frequently asked questions about ERBuilder
What is the Generative AI feature in ERBuilder?
The Generative AI feature is an AI-powered capability that allows generation of Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) from natural language input such as user stories, requirements, or brief descriptions. Powered by the ChatGPT API, it can also generate descriptions for procedures, views, and triggers useful for documentation purposes.
How do I activate the generative AI feature on ERBuilder?
To access the generative AI feature, you need to activate it using a purchased generative AI key through the user interface. You can buy Generative AI keys on the SoftBuilder website by clicking on the 'Buy' buttons in the pricing section. After purchasing, you will receive your key via email.
What is a Generative AI request?
A 'Request' is the data sent to OpenAI's API to generate ER diagrams and describe procedures, triggers, and views. This request contains various types of information including source code of procedures, views, triggers, as well as user stories and requirements.
How long is a Generative AI key valid?
A Generative AI key is typically valid for one month, or until the quota associated with the key is exceeded. If the quota is exceeded before the end of the month, the key becomes invalid until you renew your subscription or purchase another requests' quota.
How many Generative AI keys do I need for my team?
You only need one Generative AI key to be shared among your team members. This key can be used with multiple instances of ERBuilder. For specific licensing information, contact SoftBuilder support.
Can I cancel my Generative AI key subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your Generative AI key subscription at any time by cancelling the auto-renewal on the Mycommerce platform. Your subscription will not renew at the end of the current billing cycle and access to the AI key will expire. Note that cancelling does not provide a refund for unused portions of the current billing cycle.
What databases does ERBuilder support?
ERBuilder supports Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, Firebird, Microsoft Azure SQL Database, Amazon Redshift, and Amazon RDS. It can generate DDL scripts and import databases from all these database engines.
Can ERBuilder update existing data models with generative AI?
Yes, you can update an existing data model by entering a data model description, user stories, or requirements. The generative AI will analyze the input and suggest modifications to the existing ERD to align it with new requirements. You can review and approve the suggested modifications using ERBuilder's intuitive user interface.
How does Softbuilder protect user data when using generative AI?
SoftBuilder tools send user inputs (user stories, triggers, stored procedures, views source code) to OpenAI servers via HTTPS. They do not retain any of this data, and user intellectual property is respected. Users can refer to OpenAI's Data Usage Policies for more information on data handling.
What payment methods are accepted for Generative AI key purchases?
SoftBuilder's website utilizes MyCommerce as the payment gateway, which accepts credit cards, PayPal, and checks. Upon purchasing Generative AI keys, you receive your key via email. For bank wire transfer payments, contact SoftBuilder via email with your full name, country, and company name for ordering instructions.