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A data harmonization analyst compares two or more systems, usually within a program area, with the goal of reducing data redundancy and inconsistencies and improving the quality and format of data. An analyst may be interested in data mapping, data normalization, or data integration.
Introduction
Use the Compare Tool to harmonize data.
Harmonizing data improves the consistency and comparability of data across information systems, usually within a particular program area. The harmonization process identifies duplicate data storage or conflicting representations of the same information and provides the information needed to integrate data systems, or improve the consistency of data meaning and format across related systems. Harmonizing data can be achieved through a data mapping process. The process involves comparison of the meaning and format of related data elements across multiple systems in a particular business or program area. This information is used to guide the process of applying common definitions and data values to those elements to improve data quality and consistency.
The following text describes the process of searching for related data elements in multiple information systems and selecting data elements for comparison. Users can also compare their metadata to EPA data standards. An analyst can use the comparison to guide system integration or data changes resulting in consistency of data meaning.
Activities |
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Review Information in EDR Information Resource Search |
The first step in harmonizing data is to become familiar with the data systems to be used. The EDR stores data elements by information resource, and data systems are a type of information resource.
From the Search page, use the Information Resource Search to select data systems that are registered in the EDR. Select a data system to get detailed information about it. Based on this information, you can identify data systems for harmonization.
You may also want to review data elements associated with these systems to identify the kinds of information contained in each system, and how the data elements are named to help formulate search strategies for related data elements.
Once you have identified systems for harmonization, proceed to Activity 2, Harmonizing Data.
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If your system is not registered in the EDR . . .
Registration
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If the system you wish to include in harmonization is not registered in the EDR, go to the Registration page to learn how to register metadata from a data system in the EDR.
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You may also want to try . . .
Data Standards
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If you want to compare your data system data elements to standard data elements, you may want to visit the Data Standards page to review data elements that have been proposed for or approved as data standards. They are grouped by subject matter.
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Harmonizing Data
Compare Tool
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After you have become familiar with the data systems to be harmonized, go to the Compare Tool. The
Compare Tool supports all of the query activities required to harmonize data and perform conformance assessments.
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You may also want to try . . .
Downloading information for local use
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Each detail page provides the ability to download the associated metadata in several formats.
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Related Activities |
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Register Harmonized Data Elements Registration
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After completing the data harmonization process, you may want to register your new set of data elements in the EDR for review. The Registration page provides information on preparing your data for registration in the EDR. |
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Conformance Assessment
Implement Standards
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You can conduct a conformance assessment to see if a system complies with the approved data standards. This feature enables you to compare data element attributes such as name, definition, format, and data type between standards and application systems. Based on your review of the attributes, you should be able to determine if your application data elements comply with a standard. This matrix can be downloaded and imported into other applications for analysis.
The Implement Standards page describes the conformance assessment process.
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Keeping Current Subscription
Newsletter
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By
subscribing to the EDR
users receive updates on features and enhancements including additional data harmonization features. To stay current on EPA data standards progress, visit the
Newsletter page.
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Future Capabilities |
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Online Harmonization |
A user will be able to create "harmonized" data elements by selecting data element attributes from a comparison matrix and registering the new data elements online.
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XML |
It will be possible to create XML tags based on new harmonized data elements and to combine the XML tags into an XML schema online.
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List Management |
The List Management feature will enable you to conduct complete harmonization analysis for a business area. After comparing data element sets across systems, the comparison matrix reports will be saved to a secure work area. By enabling users to save their work, comparison matrix reports can be combined. This feature will allow a major harmonization effort to be carried out over a period of time.
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Multiple Download Files |
The results of harmonization, including the comparison matrices, are currently available for download in a text report and comma delimited formats. Formats considered for future implementation include XML file formats.
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