(Redrafted for Alignment with Integration Strategy)
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Data Flow: Integration strategy focuses on seamless data movement across systems to improve accessibility and consistency.
- API-First Approach: Leveraging APIs to enable real-time and reliable data pipelines.
- Flexible Synchronisation: Data loads tailored to regional and operational requirements.
- Interoperable Framework: A Common Data Model ensures cross-system consistency and scalability.
13.1 Integrations Strategy
The Integration Strategy prioritises seamless connections between Enterprise Applications and the Global Data Warehouse to ensure standardised and accurate reporting.
Key Objectives:
- Centralised Integration: Systems such as GMIS and the Performance Portal (Cornerstone) connect directly to the Data Warehouse to align operational and reporting standards.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Build a consistent and reliable data flow to facilitate cross-functional analysis.
- Business Alignment: Ensure that integration supports overarching strategic goals and enhances decision-making capabilities.
The strategy is designed to support both real-time and batch data processing requirements, with scalability to accommodate future applications.
13.2 Integrations Architecture
The Integrations Architecture employs an API-First approach to achieve seamless, secure, and efficient data management.
Key Components:
- API-First Approach: APIs are the preferred method for real-time integration with cloud and SaaS systems.
- Secure Push Mechanisms: Regional and National systems, such as GMIS, may opt to, securely push data to the Global Data Warehouse.
- Cloud-Native Infrastructure: M365 and on-premises systems utilise cloud-native solutions, such as Power Query and Fabric, for scalability and reliability.
- Standardisation via Data Models: The Common Data Model (CDM) ensures all integrated systems follow a unified framework for data exchange.
13.3 Data Synchronisations
Data synchronisation ensures timely and consistent updates across systems:
- 24-Hour Cycles: Standard updates occur daily, ensuring accuracy without overloading systems.
- Flexible Schedules: Certain regions or critical systems may adopt more frequent synchronisations (e.g., hourly updates for incremental loads).
- Strategic Scheduling: Tailored schedules (daily, weekly, monthly) minimise user impact while meeting business needs.
- Incremental and Full Loads: Incremental updates are preferred where possible to optimise performance, while full loads may be scheduled for periodic data reconciliation.
13.4 Interoperability
Interoperability is driven by the adoption of the Common Data Model (CDM), ensuring consistency across diverse systems and functions.
Key Benefits:
- Service-Oriented Architecture: CDM provides a framework to standardise data for Projects, Customers, Finance, and Employee systems.
- Automated Interoperability: The model enables automated data flows, reducing manual intervention and enhancing efficiency.
- Cross-System Consistency: Unified terminologies and formats simplify data sharing and integration across the organisation.
The integration framework is designed to support both current and future applications, ensuring agility and scalability for evolving business requirements.