For many years, organizations have typically segregated capabilities into mission areas, portfolios, and programs. Often this has created barriers to data sharing, with information that could have been used to enrich decision-making instead locked in separate silos. The ability to see details from a logistics system or human capital management system, for example, can provide critical information to help you assess readiness when making operational decisions.
I remember sitting in the Pentagon with senior leaders trying to dissect why certain programs couldn’t communicate with other programs. One leader said it was because we didn’t have adequate data standards. My contention, however—based on the fact that the DoD Information Technology Standards Registry (DISR) already had more than 4,100 approved information and data standards—was that it wasn’t the lack of standards, but the lack of consistent and thoughtful use of those standards that limited data sharing.
To address the thoughtful use of data across the enterprise, the Army instituted a comprehensive Data Services Requirements directive for all mission areas, portfolios, and programs, with the guiding principle that data was a strategic asset to be curated and shared.
Unfortunately, many business applications today still fall into the same antiquated paradigm: Applications that do “X” function well are helpful for “X” but frequently limit our ability to gain a holistic, enterprisewide view of data and therefore prevent us from harnessing its true power. There are three key tenets that mission and business leaders must embrace to ensure their business systems give them the access, transparency, and capability to use data to effectively enhance their overall mission outcomes.
1. Unified data model
As we required in the “Mandatory Implementation of Army Data Services Requirements,” modern business applications must have a unified data model (UDM). Innovation and data alignment are greatly accelerated when data definitions aren’t always in flux, changing with the addition of each new segment of capability. A UDM allows all data to be defined once and in only one way to accelerate use. For example, Oracle software-as-a-service applications deliver the consistent and rapid implementation of feature updates without creating data fences. And as functionality is refined or supplemented, there is an innate consistency in all aspects of the data.
Read how Oracle cloud applications help agencies share data appropriately and securely
2. Composability
Gone are the days when a monolithic approach to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems was required. The modern ERP world is one where innovation, adaptation, and the adoption of leading capabilities can accelerate organizational success. With a UDM and a composable, modern business architecture, a forward-thinking mindset, and a configurable toolset, organizations minimize risk as they pursue rapid innovation and iteration to support their evolving business goals. This is essential as organizations turn to AI, machine learning, robotic process automation, 5G, and blockchain to reimagine their mission outcomes. For those who need these capabilities, Oracle provides an end-to-end digital business platform and modern composable components for finance, enterprise performance management, customer relationship management, human capital and talent management, and supply chain and logistics management—with integrated business data and processes that transcend functional boundaries.
3. Cybersecurity resilience
As the “Authority to Operate (ATO)” debate about scope, speed, and applicability has developed, I’ve enjoyed seeing the conversation shift from ATO to continuous ATO to (my favorite) confident ATO. As a previous Authorizing Official, I always questioned what having an ATO really meant in terms of effort to actual protection. For business owners, there’s a need to go beyond just having an ATO to understanding the culture and processes applications developers use to build, operate, and maintain capabilities. There needs to be reliability in the development, delivery, deployment, and sustainment of secure software. At Oracle, we employ a comprehensive and coherent secure lifecycle. From leadership, training, design, and code review to supply chain considerations, testing, and operations, a modern business system must be responsive to the ever-changing and complex environment to ensure business mission assurance in the context of the evolving threat.
Conclusion
As Greg Little, deputy comptroller for enterprise data and business performance, has stated, the back-office team needs to move from “scorekeeper to strategic value business partner” in improving mission outcomes. By moving to configurable and extensible business applications that allow seamless, secure data portability, mission outcomes can be enhanced by rapid innovation based on a better view of enterprisewide data. At Oracle, we’ve built a portfolio of business applications designed to help you meet evolving challenges and achieve mission objectives. Oracle can complement your on-premises footprint, cloud journey, or cloud footprint and deliver seamless, optimized strategic value across your enterprise.
To learn how Oracle Cloud helps every federal mission with cost-effective, FedRAMP-compliant cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive suite of integrated SaaS applications, visit Oracle for Federal Government.