In a move to further cement the link between its data structures and business processes, SA`s rail utility, Spoornet, has enhanced its data management function by streamlining the administration and management of its metadata repository.
The main goal of the project, which was initiated two years ago, is to allow metadata from both SAP and non-SAP sources to be more easily extracted and manipulated.
Central to the project was the reverse engineering of all Spoornet`s non-SAP databases, the introduction of a logical design structure to these databases and, finally, the inclusion of Spoornet`s SAP R/3 ERP system in its metadata repository.
The project is now reaching its conclusion, with application developers being given an opportunity to view what Spoornet refers to as "the bigger picture", central to which is the availability - on its intranet - of detailed information relating to the project and an overview of the organisation`s entire SAP database platform.
Computer Associates` Allfusion Saphir Option for ERP, a Windows-based tool that enhances the practicality of the exploration and utilisation of enterprise application metadata, was employed to provide Spoornet with the levels of functionality required to navigate and browse the complex SAP metadata.
According to CA, SAP databases, with their underlying application functionality, are often complex, and a complete understanding of the structure of the data is difficult because of the cryptic naming of tables and columns.
Spoornet is the first organisation in SA to install CA`s Allfusion Saphir Option.
Peet Anker, Manager of data management at Spoornet, says Saphir has given Spoornet query facilities for easily identifying SAP R/3 tables and fields of interest without having any knowledge of internal file names.
"Our project plan called for the complete documentation of Spoornet`s SAP database environment in order for us to accurately track information flow, classify data and reassess security measures," he says.
"Saphir`s search features enable us to find tables and fields by a range of criteria, and when a relevant object is located, drill down to obtain details of related fields, tables and domains."
Anker says an important objective was to assist Spoornet`s programmers and systems analysts to effectively deploy and manage repeatable application development and business processes.
Included in the more immediate benefits of the project is Spoornet`s ability to consolidate and integrate the islands of information that previously characterised its SAP environment.
Adds Anker: "Saphir has helped us register a significant saving in the time taken to collect metadata, used in the preparation of custom reports that are central to the functionality and performance of our business processes.
"Importantly, we have been able to create a complete logical data model for Spoornet, in which the data flow throughout the organisation is described on an `end-to-end` basis and in which data objects are linked to high level processes.
"Thanks to tools such as CA`s Saphir and Erwin, we can complete the link between data structures and business processes. The next step is to follow a business process flow and ascertain which data structures within SAP are associated with our other legacy structures which, in turn, will be linked to these business processes."
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Spoornet is SA`s state-owned rail services company. It is operational in 18 African countries and has international joint venture agreements in Brazil and Scotland. Spoornet has established partnerships with South African financial institutions Old Mutual, Sanlam, Gensec and Nedcor Investment Bank. Through its parent company, Transnet, Spoornet has access to a range of services provided by railway building and rehabilitation company Protekon, telecommunications company Transtel, information technology company arivia.kom, wagon and locomotive building and rehabilitation company Transwerk, port company South African Ports Organisation and National Ports Authority, commuter rail company Metrorail and long-distance passenger services company Shosholoza Meyl.
Spoornet`s technically advanced heavy-haul capability on the South African coal and iron-ore lines is considered to be world-class and a showpiece for Africa.
For more information, visit http://www.spoornet.co.za.
Computer Associates
Computer Associates International, Inc (NYSE:CA), one of the world`s largest software companies, delivers software and services that enable organisations to manage their IT environments. Focus areas include network and systems management, storage and security management, portal and business intelligence, and application lifecycle management. Founded in 1976, CA is headquartered in Islandia, NY, and operates in more than 100 countries. For more information on CA, please visit http://ca.com.
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