TxM 018 Section 2.1 What is the JAR&A Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy (SEPT) approach? Created by James on 6/26/2013 6:54:23 PM
What is the James Robertson and Associates Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy (SEPT) approach?
1. Humans need information to make high value decisions
Human beings work with information – the more exactly that information models the real world in a logical, easy to understand and utilize manner the more powerful the computer system becomes.
There is much talk of converting data into information – the concept is sound but attempts to use technology are fundamentally flawed – it is ONLY through highly structured, fundamentally logical taxonomies that intelligence can be incorporated into data.
The JAR&A Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy approach has been developed over more than 23 years with the sole objective of supporting high value decision making which has the spin-off benefit of greatly improved operational decision making, greatly improved governance, greatly improved data quality, reduced audit time and cost and reduced headcount – all resulting from a fundamental focus on highly structured, highly logical data focused on the strategic drivers of the business – the essence of the business and how it thrives.
2. Computers work with data
Computers fundamentally work with numbers, in fact, they work with bits (0's and 1's) only which are assembled into 256 eight bit ASCII characters which define the representation of text and everything else that we see displayed on a computer screen.
Computers are fundamentally very fast adding machines.
Once one realizes that a computer is only a binary adding machine then one can be practical about what can be done with computers. It is only by incorporating highly structured logic into code string patterns that equate to hierarchical, text based taxonomies that make sense to humans that one can really introduce intelligence into data.
The JAR&A Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy approach is geared to producing highly logical hierarchies coupled to highly structured code schemes.
Thus, we have the highly strategically logical textual taxonomy exactly modeled in the highly structured alphanumeric code string using JAR&A coding conventions so that the computer system APPEARS to be intelligent. The more strategic intelligence in the hierarchy and the more accurately this is mirrored in the code scheme the more intelligent the software will appear to be and the easier the software will be to use -- standard ERP and BI software becomes MUCH EASIER TO USE with high quality taxonomies.
3. Support high value decision making
The essence of business operations relates first and foremost to decisions. Good processes do NOT compensate for bad decisions, good processes just make the execution of bad decisions easier and faster.
The entire JAR&A Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy approach was conceptualized from the perspective of supporting high value decision making over twenty one years ago and has continued to focus on executive level decision support ever since.
Experience has shown that this approach also gives rise to better operational and tactical decision making, improved governance, improved data quality, reduced audit time and cost, more precise workflow (process) configuration and headcount reduction amongst other benefits.
Comments like "we have so much management information it is fantastic" characterise the use of Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomies well implemented.
4. Hierarchical taxonomies facilitate decision support
Decision support is facilitated by hierarchical taxonomies designed to JAR&A standards of precision with particular emphasis on strategic priorities taking account of the cognitive span of human beings which is seven plus or minus two and is central to understanding the psychology of decision making.
5. Fundamental first principles classifications are central
Classification of all information according to a fundamental first principles analysis leading to the addition of all possible practical attributes to Master Data is also a fundamental component of the SEPT approach.
6. Fine granularity that models the real world
Fineness of granularity of the posting level data at the lowest level of the hierarchy is another element of the SEPT approach – the logical metaphor is the arrangement and display of screws in a hardware store in unique packets for every attribute versus dumping all different screws in a large bin and scratching through manually to find the required screws.
This metaphor accurately parallels the desirable granularity of transaction level data versus the large logical bins that are typically encountered in operational business information system databases.
This fine granularity of the posting level entries is another vital element of the JAR&A SEPT approach.
7. Practical modelling of the real world
Practical modelling of the real world is another characteristic of the JAR&A Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy approach.
Complex logical models such as the Cubic Business Model which accurately depicts the Location – Function – Account logic of financial data as it occurs in every enterprise is a vital component of the total SEPT solution.
Likewise the analysis and depiction of complex list taxonomies alongside Master Data tables such as the SAP Materials Master, Lawson M3 Item Master, Infor LN Item Master, Syspro Product Class, etc are essential elements of a comprehensive solution that will deliver the real benefits that have been projected for computerized commercial systems for decades but seldom delivered.
8. Supported by software tools
The complexity and precision required to accurately model the real world is such that the use of software tools to support the Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy approach has become increasingly critical.
The GL Builder module has been used on a number of projects and is currently nearing completion in the second generation. Other modules are on the drawing boards following on development of custom prototypes for specific clients in the past.
The use of software tools to facilitate the design, construction, deployment and maintenance of precision taxonomies is vital to achieving the full potential of the SEPT approach.
9. Sophisticated reporting, query and analysis
The development of sophisticated practical queries, reports and models and the application of advanced analytical techniques and tools for analysing the resulting data constitute a major element of where the real value is unlocked.
The SEPT approach extends through to supporting the client with the development of a range of high value queries, reports, dashboards and models.
The highly structured nature of the taxonomies also lends itself to the semi-automatic generation of diverse simple and complex reports across all elements of the taxonomy model.
The above provides a headline level summary of the JAR&A Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomy (SEPT) approach, and is only one document in a suite which collectively comprehensively defines the elements of the approach, the principles and the tools to be used.
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