Data Integration and Management

Stages that Comprise the Critical Path

1. Foundation

Develop technical and organizational foundations through:

	In-depth analysis of 'as is' status and 'to be' scenarios
	System and process consolidation
	Well defined criteria for success
	Detailed gap analysis—what is possible today versus tomorrow
	Definition of roles and responsibilities; such as for master data management (MDM) and business process management (BPM)
	Development of in-house expertise for future process and technology maintenance
	Establish firm lines of data ownership—both pre and post federation

2. Improvement

Identify failure points and develop correction plans by:

	Developing business processes and technical solutions
	Instituting failure point resolution strategies
	Maintain and improving failure point resolution strategies and DM policies/procedures

3. Flexibility

Adapt and improve existing processes and policies by:

	Refocusing and revisiting newly-implemented and 'to-be' implemented processes and policies (a 'lessons learned' process)
	Preparing for follow-on stages/phases and new technologies
	Leveraging the modularity of recently-installed processes for development of process-chains in new, perhaps unthought-of ways

4. Innovation

'Stay ahead of the curve' by:

	Aligning external and internal innovation
	Bringing 'lessons learned' to next stages and planning for follow-on technologies
	Institutionalizing 'life-cycle betterment' through continuous improvement programs