Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
database administrator can quickly provide this in a data file or spreadsheet.
From a systems perspective, it can also help to determine what percentage of
the rows do not have data, also referred to as
null
. If the application system
does not enter data into this column, then there is no point in creating a
business description.
Once the basics are populated, it is time to fill in the rest of the details.
Representatives in the business community must provide the business names
and definitions. Several different techniques can be used. It is important
to pick an approach that fits with your corporate culture. This must be as
painless as possible for those key business users, also called subject matter
experts. It is much easier to get help from more people if you have an open,
collaborative environment that easily enables people to edit and add to the
dictionary.
APPROACHES TO CAPTURING INFORMATION FOR THE DATA DICTIONARY
Direct Documentation
Some business people find it easier to simply fill in labels and descriptions
themselves. They can do this in small increments between meetings, or often
will stay late and quietly enter the descriptions. If a business person is inclined
to document things, he or she may have already documented the key data that
is frequently used.
Interview
Some people never write anything down. They just know all of the content. The
only way to gain access to this information is to sit down and ask them.
Someone must be assigned to conduct sessions in which each element is
looked at and the responses are entered into the data dictionary.
Compilation
There may be bits and pieces of documentation that have been informally
developed over the years. This may be in the form of handwritten notes,
spreadsheets, or new employee presentations. All of these can be collected and
entered into the data dictionary. Once this compilation of the different content
is completed, the business group must validate the results.
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