The Data Integration Challenge
In some cases, a client has already standardized its data format on a common industry standard that is already in multiplatform format, such as ARTS/IXRetail. Transforming data files in these formats requires a smaller effort.
Examples
Consider the transaction logs sent by four current
- Client 1 supplies weekly product and daily transaction files in fixed length files from Ecometry, a Cobol-based system that groups headers, line items, and shoppers separately.
- Client 2 supplies daily transaction files from an Innotrac system, with complex order date/ship date logic Altura-format weekly product files.
- Client 3 supplies transactions directly from its payment processor, with non-standard customer identifiers and Rewards fulfilled directly onto a debit card through the payment processor.
- Client 4 routes/parses data via a dedicated server (appliance) behind the firewall (not recommended as part of initial integration).