Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
are directed toward accomplishing the purpose of the core business. Many distinc-
tive processes carried out by the departments support the core business. These pri-
mary processes fulfill the purpose of the core business.
At this point, data collection can still look like an overwhelming process.
Even a simple business can easily have dozens, if not hundreds, of primary
processes needed to accomplish its core business goals. Trying to address all of
these processes at once is not only daunting, it's nearly impossible and, in the
long run, a waste of time. It's better to start by focusing on one process, like air-
line ticketing and seat assignment.
What tasks must be completed to complete the process? To carry out the
various processes, the company needs resources and assets such as buildings,
equipment, materials, people, and money. But that is not all. The company also
needs information to accomplish its processes. Information is a major asset, like
other tangible and intangible assets of the company, used for performing the mul-
titude of processes. Look for the information needed to complete the task, and
you have a start on collecting the company's core information resources.
1.2.3 Specific Data Sources
Information comes in a wide variety of forms. In most cases, there is no short-
age of available information from which to choose. However, these data sources
are not always immediately obvious. You have to work with an organization to
locate the information and dig it out from its many possible hiding places.
Finding Current Information
A good place to start is business documents. These include both hard copy and
electronic documents. Some are common to most organizations, such as
employee records, while others are more specific to the type of organization.
Examples of business documents include items such as:
▲
Employee records: includes hiring and firing records, time sheets and other
payroll information, vacation records, and related records.
▲
Customer records: includes customer lists, contact information, purchase
history.
▲
“Hard” assets: long-term organizational assets such as land, buildings, and
equipment.
▲
Inventory records: includes inventory of items for sale as well as items for
internal consumption.
▲
Accounting records: information about the organization's resources with a
focus on financial resources.
Some of these documents, such as accounting records, are likely already orga-
nized to some extent and in an electronic format. Though they often cannot be
