Search
 

Talk Is Cheap (But Integration Isnt)

The way Ken Mapp sees it, there are two basic problems with integrating data. One is a technological problem, says Mapp, manager, special projects, with ...

By Robert Regis Hyle | Updated on September 30, 2002

The way Ken Mapp sees it, there are two basic problems with integrating data. One is a technological problem, says Mapp, manager, special projects, with Grange Insurance Group of Seattle. How do you get data that is coded in different technological platforms to talk to each other? The other is more of a logic-coding problem. How do you get data that is coded using different schemes to talk to each other? he asks.

Mapp and others like him face those problems every day. Data is used throughout the enterprise, but its not always available in the format business users want. Data comes from within and from outside the enterprise, and that means different codes, platforms, and terminology. One of Mapps jobs involves combining data from several different platforms into one enterprise data warehouse. Just look at something simple like some systems use an alpha state code and some use a numeric state code, Mapp says. So how do you know that state 04 and state CA are the same state? Thats a relatively trivial example, but the problem gets to the level where it could take a half-hour or more to describe another example.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.