Context

Engineering managers at Acumatica often need to choose the right storage model for transactional ERP workflows, reporting, and fast-changing application features. This question tests whether you can compare relational and non-relational systems in a practical way.

Core question

Explain the key differences between SQL and NoSQL databases. In your answer, address:

1. How their data models differ
2. How they handle schema, consistency, and scaling
3. Which workloads are a better fit for each
4. When you would choose one over the other in an Acumatica-style product environment

Scope guidance

Keep the answer at an interview level: compare the two clearly, mention tradeoffs rather than absolutes, and use concrete examples such as ERP transactions, reporting, document storage, event logs, or high-volume telemetry. The interviewer is looking for sound engineering judgment, not a vendor-specific deep dive.