Asset Management Data Integration Forum

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Data Integration Concepts and Strategies
Roemer Alfelor Office of Asset Management Federal
Highway Administration

• Asset Management Data Integration Forum
  
• Chicago, IL
• December 12 -13, 2001

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Outline

• How is data integrated/shared?
• What are the challenges involved?

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How is Data Integrated?
Steps

• Requirements Analysis
• Data/Process Modeling
• Alternatives Definition, Evaluation
• and Selection
• Database Design and Specification
• Development, Testing and Implementation

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How is Data Integrated?
Requirements Analysis

• Business Process
• Organizational Characteristics
• User Requirements
• Data and Database Management
  Characteristics
• Information Systems Infrastructure

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How is Data Integrated?
Data and Business Process Modeling

• Data Relationships
• Process Relationships
• Data Inputs and Outputs

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How is Data Integrated?
Data and Process Model Example
SECTION OF DATA/PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM FOR CULVERT
MANAGEMENT
Structure ID Culvert Type Location Drift
Scouring Cracking Leaching Spalling Corrosion
Structural Rating Alignment Rating Settlement Joi
nt Rating
Culvert Condition Assessment
Maintenance Requirements Evaluation
Culvert Inspection
(Source Data Integration Primer, FHWA Office of
Asset Management)
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How is Data Integrated?
Alternatives Definition

• Database Architecture
• Fused Database (Data Warehouse)
• - single, central repository of data
• - often involves migration of legacy
  databases
• Inter-operable Database (Federated)
• - multiple, distributed databases connected
  via
• computer network

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How is Data Integrated?
Fused Database/Warehousing
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How is Data Integrated?
Inter-Operable/Federated Database
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How is Data Integrated?
Evaluation/Selection Criteria

• Anticipated Benefits and Improvements
• Time/Level of Effort/Staffing
• Cost to Implement
• Risk and Uncertainty

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How is Data Integrated?
Detailed Database Design

• Data Model
• Flat File, Relational, Hierarchical, Network,
  Object-Oriented
• Data Standards
• Representation, Access/Manipulation, Transfer and
  Reporting

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How is Data Integrated?
Detailed Database Design (Cont)

• Reference Systems
• Location, Accounting, Inventory
• Metadata and Data Dictionary
• Meaning, Nature, Definition, Type, Structure
• Computer Communications
• Network Architecture, Communications Protocol

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How is Data Integrated?
Detailed Database Design (Cont)

• Software/Hardware
• DB Manager, Data Server, Mapping/ GIS,
  Communications, etc.
• Staffing/Data Management
• Programming, Set-up, Testing, Software/Hardware
  Administration

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How is Data Integrated?
Development, Testing and Implementation
Guidelines

• Document the process
• Build enough flexibility
• Involve the users and stakeholders

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What are the Challenges?

• Technical
• Data Quality
• Choosing the right technology/tools
• Data Storage Requirements
• Organizational
• Resources
• Cooperation
• Data Management

Bottom Line Needs Significant Effort, Money,
Time and Commitment!
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Summary

• Data integration a must for AM
• Forum will identify issues and needs
• Guidelines will help agencies understand and
  facilitate the process
• Technical and organizational challenges abound

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