Assuring Data Quality for ERP Implementation: Part 2 - Comprehending the Evolving Picture

Presenting results subsequent to those presented at the 2003 ICIQ Conference, we describe how our team-based approach to addressing legacy data quality has necessarily evolved over a multi-year period. Developed as a team by the government in conjunction with a research institute, an initial task has evolved considerably over the ensuing years. A "data quality challenge" associated with DoD/DLA's migration from SAMMS to SAP, has now evolved through six distinct phases. Tangible savings and results have been documented. Perhaps more useful are the lessons learned over the multiple project years as we collectively reached improved understandings of the problem nature and its implications. These involve evolving and maturing our understanding and approach to data quality by adding a structure-orientation to what had been addressed as a practice-oriented data quality challenge. Earlier recognition would have permitted additional savings to be realized.