What is Data?A discussion of responsibility in Information Technology

Data is commonly defined as "facts or information which serve as the basis for decision making, discussion and reasoning, or calculation."

Source: Macrina, F. 1995. Scientific integrity.

American Society for Microbiology, Washington, D.C.

What is Data?

Types of Data

Financial Data Sales

Number of Customers

Resides in the JD Edwards System

Is updated continuously

Forms the basis for reports

Reports Cost of Goods Sold

Receivables Aging

Income Statement

Are based on the current financial data

Are created when run

Are Unique

each version may have different criteria

two different versions of the same report can have different answers

Ownership & Responsibilities

Who owns the Data ? The Users The IT Department

Data Responsibilities: Defining the data Manipulating the

Data Controlling the Data Storing the Data

User Responsibilities

Defining the data Deciding what business

meaning a particular piece of data conveys and what business rules or constraints govern this piece of data and the way it is used in the enterprise.

Manipulating the Data The authority to decide

who, in what way, and for what reasons a particular piece of data may be created, changed or deleted

Controlling the Data The authority to permit

a piece of data to be read or used without being changed.

IT Responsibilities

Storing the Data The fourth

responsibility is that of custodian..

The custodian stores the data and

ensures that the data is available when needed,

is secured against intentional or accidental damage, and

is protected by appropriate backup and recovery mechanisms

The Users are Ultimately responsible

for the accuracy and interpretation of the data in the JD Edwards system,

either in specific instances (e.g. the amount of invoice #1234) or

in aggregate form, such as sales reports, agings, etc.

The IT Department Is responsible for

safekeeping the data Backup & Recovery

Can assist the Users with technical issues

How does JD Edwards calculate this field?

Creating new reports

Summary