Data Collection · The sources · Component

The source map

Where each fact lives, across every system that holds it — because most organisations hold the same fact in three places with three values.

The deliverable

What it is

The reconciliation problem is a source problem. Two reports disagree because they read from different systems that were updated at different times by different processes.

Mapping it is straightforward and rarely done, because each system was implemented by a different team for a different purpose.

One level in

What it is made of

Each element is a constituent part of the component. Follow one to see the attributes it carries.

  1. The facts

    The things the organisation needs to know.

    3 attributes: Fact · Appears in reporting · Owner

    Learn
  2. The holders

    Which systems hold each fact.

    3 attributes: System · Type · Update frequency

    Learn
  3. The disagreements

    Where the values actually differ.

    3 attributes: Difference · Reason · Expected

    Learn

Pull the same fact from each system and compare. The result is usually a surprise to everyone involved.