programs

Data Integration

Today, most state agencies deliver services through a number of different business programs which are supported by multiple, disparate information technology systems. As a result, information is spread across many “siloed” systems which are often supported using old architecture with data that is complex, out-of-date, or stored in inconsistent formats. While this approach may work well for independent programs, the data is not easily integrated and accessible in a customer focused, service-driven environment.

To improve customer service and help the citizens of North Carolina, it is critical that information be shared across state programs. State agencies require a business intelligence solution that will enable all stakeholders to access a secured flow of information with a high degree of accuracy, consistency and transparency.

As directed by Session Law 2007-323, HB 1473, a Strategic Plan for Statewide Data Integration was prepared by the Office of the State Controller in cooperation with the State Chief Information Officer, and delivered on April 30, 2008. This plan defined data integration as the capability of merging and reconciling dispersed data for analytical purposes through the use of standardized tools to support quick, agile, event-driven analysis for business and recommended the establishment of an environment where agencies and programs partner to develop business solutions which are enabled by technology.

Session Law 2008-107, House Bill 2436, directed the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Statewide Data Integration. The objective of the Data Integration Program is to develop a framework and the business infrastructure needed to expand and promote the use of data (as an information asset) in support of strategic business operations. This framework is based collaboration and relies on stakeholders coming together to identify business needs and data access points. The data integration program will focus on the following activities:

  • The establishment of "communities of interest" to support the needs of focused business areas
  • The development of a business intelligence competency center to support enterprise solutions to business problems
  • The support of state data integration and business intelligence projects

The Data Integration Program status is available in the Data Integration Initiative April 2009 Semi Annual Report.

The Data Integration Program is currently supporting three data integration and business intelligence projects: 

  • The Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services (CJLEADS) pilot project goal is to provide criminal justice professionals with access to timely, complete, and accurate criminal information for enhanced decision making. The Criminal Justice Data Integration Pilot Program April 2009 Quarterly Report provides more information about this pilot program.
  • The North Carolina Workforce Outlook and Retirement Knowledge System (NC WORKS), managed by the Office of State Personnel (OSP), is a comprehensive effort to develop a strategic workforce planning data warehouse application to gather and consolidate human resources intelligence and provide advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and forecasting capabilities to state agencies. More information on the NC WORKS project is available on the OSP website.
  • NC OpenBook, managed by the Office of State Budget and Management, supports Governor Beverly Perdue’s Executive Order No. 4 to provide a single, searchable website on State spending for grants and contracts.  NC OpenBook will be a phased implementation project due to the variety of systems and processes associated with grant and contract information.  NC OpenBook can be accessed at www.ncopenbook.gov.

The Data Integration Program team will continue to support data integration project teams and implement the data integration initiatives. While these activities takes place, agencies and programs are encouraged to review the strategic plan and identify opportunities where business intelligence can support their operations and service to citizens.