THE ZEN OF DATA


way to share or access them easily when we need them. Many “authoritative data” may be in conflict with other “authoritative data.” Managing data holistically means:


• Having a single owner of any particular data (file, data field and data fill).


• Having only one authoritative instance of any particular data.


• Authority for access to and use of, including managed replication and data entry, any authoritative particular data.


• Procedures for use, access, management, control, update and entry.


• Relational database structure. A rela- tional database stores data in tables; data can be accessed or reassembled from these tables in many different ways without having to reorganize them. The result is to interlink data, make it flexible for users and eliminate data duplication.


Once this is accomplished, linking differ- ent datasets can form the “big picture” of acquisition and begin securing that data.


We need a plan to implement data in a holistic data life cycle, with three major phases:


Data collection. Quality data is gathered from across the acquisition enterprise at all levels, either by manual or—in the future—automated entry. Te objective is to automate conveniently and simply at the lowest level possible, to provide insight when consolidated without further intervention.


Data integration and interpretation. Te datasets are quickly and easily acces- sible to those who need and are authorized to use them. Tey provide accurate, action- able information.


Data maintenance. Data is archived, auditable and secured, at rest and in


6 Army AL&T Magazine Summer 2019


transport, to ensure that it is usable in the long term and protected from internal and external threats, such as ransomware. Auditability will ensure traceability, facil- itate forensics and help eliminate insider threats.


It is important that the entire acquisition community participate in the holistic data management approach for it to work most effectively. At the tactical level, this means entering timely, accurate, quality data into your collection system. From the supervi- sory or strategic level, it means reviewing the data for current applicability. At the senior leadership level, this means using the data to make well-informed, near- and long-term program decisions as well


as applying it to the modernization of the future force. It means, from the assis- tant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology level, developing and implementing an achievable imple- mentation plan.


ACQUISITION DATA DOMAIN My office is developing the acquisition data domain, which will be a significant framework for holistic and effective data management. “Data Is Decisive,” on Page 8.) It will allow Army acquisition lead- ers to have comprehensive information on all aspects of the Army’s moderniza- tion programs through three tiers: data entry, data management and data-driven decisions:


ACCESS TO ALL DATA


The acquisition data domain will give Army acquisition leaders comprehensive informa- tion on the Army’s modernization programs, among others, through data entry, data management and data-driven decisions. (Image by sorbetto/Getty Images)


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