Information Data Exchange
The number one challenge agencies express is the desire to share information between the multiple systems they use in-house to capture and track information. To successfully exchange data requires a detailed understanding of data exchange technologies. Our President, Aaron Gorrell, was a key member of the team that developed the Justice Information Exchange Model from SEARCH. In the past 13 years, he has developed hundreds of GJXDM and NIEM-based data exchange specifications for prestegious organizations such as the NLETS, National Institute of Justice and APCO International. He is a member of the Child, Youth and Family Services governance board, is JIEM certifies and is a NIEM trainer.
Business Process Modeling
Every data exchange initiative MUST begin by documenting the business behavior. These models must document the exchange partners, the actions that trigger a data exchange, the actions that are triggered by receipt of a data exchange, and any condition of the exchange. Waterhole recommends using business process modeling languages like Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN).
Data Modeling
Data modeling is the process of defining the specific information that is shared between the organizations when the exchange is triggered. Waterhole uses UML-based class diagrams to capture these elements. Like business process modeling, these models must be developed in conjunction with subject matter experts.
IEPD Development
Once the business requirements have been captured, development of the Information Exchange Package Documentation can begin. For the past 8 years, Waterhole consultants have used an integrated set of tools to develop the NIEM-based XML Schema. These tools streamline development while ensuring that the produced schema conforms to basic NIEM conformance standards.