Data Management

Once the data is centralized and integrated, there is often a need for data management functions to be incorporated. Add/delete/modify screens are incorporated to provide the capability for authorized users to change data. Several different scenarios require data management capabilities. One case is where the data loaded from external systems needs to be reviewed and updated. This could include situations where data needs to be corrected, cleansed or merged. In some cases the most appropriate location for making these updates is in the new application. Providing the capability to update data improves the validity of the resulting reports.

Another situation occurs where new data needs to be added to complete the data set required to generate meaningful reports. Business relationships that are required may exist in the business but not be captured in any existing systems. The data management tier provides the ability to enter and maintain these relationships so that summary reports can be generated. An example would be specifying which group of services a given manager is responsible for, allowing their reports to be tailored at the service level.

Another possibility is that certain data is required for the reports, but the business processes associated with that data are performed manually and the data is not captured in any existing system. The application can be extended to provide automated support for those processes and capture the required data.

One other requirement for data management occurs when business rules are parameterized and the values feeding the rules need to be maintained. An example of this is maintaining the service codes that are billable for a productivity management system.