DRMcNatty’s data integration process gives you the whole picture
As program managers of large, complex capital schemes will know, visibility across all types of data is critical when it comes to keeping work on-track and on-budget.
One of the most common reasons for problems in project and program delivery is the right information not being available at the right time, and one of the most common reasons for that information not to be available is a lack of integration between different systems.
DRMcNatty’s smooth, streamlined data integration process takes information from a number of different systems and applications and brings it together in a single, unified format.
There are four key steps in the data integration journey, moving from identifying the challenge through to implementing a solution. These are the four steps to data integration success.
Step 1: Understanding the data challenges
The first step to successful data integration is understanding the challenges that exist around the data.
It might be that a company uses a variety of different software applications to collect and hold project controls information, for example, Primavera P6 for milestone tracking, but separately SAP for financials and cost data. The end goal would be to bring the information from those systems together, to enable the end-user to access everything in one place.
Alternatively, it could be the case that the challenge is around reporting deliverables to a range of different stakeholders with varying access needs. The end goal would be to create a bespoke reporting solution which meets the needs of all those stakeholders.
As part of the process of understanding the data challenges, DRMcNatty’s team of technical experts extracts and analyzes the information needed to be able to start designing the solution.
Step 2: Designing a solution that delivers across the board
Once the challenges are understood, the next step in the journey is to start drawing up a solution.
Often, a number of different applications will need to start communicating with each other to enable the streamlined movement of data. For example, data held in P6 may need to flow into Unifier, where it may then be required to integrate with a custom system or dashboard.
If the identified challenge is around finances and billing, then the data may also be required to generate payment calculations or billing tickets which can then be passed to external customers.
The most important aspect of this step is making sure that the suggested solution covers all of the bases, and for DRMcNatty this step often means working alongside the customer to make sure that all of the deliverables are covered. It’s also quite common for the data to be transformed during this stage to achieve the required outcomes.
Step 3: Implementing the solution in conjunction with local partners
The third step of data integration is to implement the suggested solution in conjunction with local systems. Once again, this can be a collaborative process, with our staff being well used to working with Integration, Scheduling and IT colleagues to ensure that solution objectives are achieved.
This step can be an iterative process, with the possibility of a stepped approach to implementation. Maybe it’s essential to get an internal system talking to Primavera P6 before the data combined from those two systems gets integrated into Unifier, or perhaps a reporting dashboard needs to sit on top of a newly-created data warehouse.
Either way, the result of this planned, precise implementation means that the challenges identified in step 1 will be addressed and resolved.
Step 4: Delivering data integration results
The final step in the process is the successful delivery of data integration results.
One of the most critical aspects of delivery is ensuring the usability and functionality of any solution, and therefore DRMcNatty approaches this step in the same collaborative way as the first three.
Working alongside in-house specialists in the customer organization, our expert team carries out integration testing to ensure that the solution is fully operational and satisfies all deliverables. If user guides and training materials are required then they can be provided, and the solution is taken all the way through to successful User Acceptance.
Once approval and sign-off are achieved, then the data integration journey is complete.
DRMcNatty is your expert data integration partner
At DRMcNatty, we have extensive expertise in designing data integration solutions that suit any project and any budget. Having gained experience across multiple industries and capital schemes of a range of sizes, from small businesses to large infrastructure utilities, we are well equipped to solve any data integration challenge.
We love to talk through data challenges large and small, so get in touch with our knowledgeable team today to find out how we can lead you through the steps to data integration success.
