Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
would valuable, if available. Some questions that can help identify the types
of data that are needed include the following:
What are the primary types of data that you use regularly?
How do you get this data today?
Are you able to access the data yourself? If not, why not? If so, how?
What level of detail do you use? Is this sufficient?
How much history is needed to support your analyses?
How often does the data need to be refreshed?
What other data would you like to be able to use?
Is this data captured anywhere? If so, who would know more about this?
Does this data have any special security or confidentiality requirements
that must be considered?
SAMPLE BUSINESS DATA REQUIREMENTS
General Ledger
Core financial data is needed from the general ledger, including any manual
journal entries to serve as the foundation for financial analysis.
Accounts Receivable
Details about the financial accounts receivables are needed to identify and
track trends in how customers make payments. This is also needed to identify
characteristics of accounts that can predict late payments.
Accounts Payable
Data about what actual payments are made for each claim is needed. This
includes both claim payments and expense payments.
Revenue Forecast
Information about the forecasted revenue for the coming year is needed. The
forecast must be integrated with actual results to determine performance.
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