Tracking data in your information system: Stay in control

In a world where data is the lifeblood, managing and tracking information within information systems (IS) has become a top priority. Losing track of your data means risking inefficiencies, costly errors and compliance violations, especially with regulations such as the RGPD. Fortunately, tools like Carto-SI offer effective solutions for keeping control of your data.

Why data tracking is crucial

Tracking data in an IS not only ensures continuity of service, but also meets regulatory and security requirements. It’s essential to know where your data is, how it’s being used, and by whom. Effective data management helps avoid redundancies, detect inconsistencies and optimize business processes.

Carto-SI: a strategic ally

Carto-SI offers a methodical approach to monitoring data in your information system. We focus on two fundamental concepts: application objects and data.

1. Application objects : These are data flows exchanged between two applications. For example, an XML file containing employee data exchanged between an HR application and an accounting application is considered an application object. This provides a macro view of data exchanges within the IS.
2. Data : This is more granular information, such as an address, name or telephone number. By linking this data to application objects, Carto-SI enables you to precisely track the circulation of each piece of information within the IS.

Tracking data with Carto-SI

The first step to effective data tracking is to map your IS applications and understand their roles. Next, you need to describe the dependencies between these applications. Once these foundations have been laid, you can identify application objects and the data they contain.

Step 1 : List applications and their roles. Listing all applications and describing their roles can reveal crucial information. For example, discovering that functionality is being duplicated or that an application is being misused.

Step 2 : Identify dependencies. Describing the dependencies between applications is essential to understanding the potential impact of any change. This includes determining which applications are critical to the functioning of your IS.

Step 3 : Add application objects and data. This enables you to trace exactly how information flows between different applications. For example, you can determine how a user ID passes from an identity management application to an access management application.

An asset for compliance and security

With the RGPD coming into force, it’s crucial to be able to answer questions such as “How does personal data flow through my IS?” or “Where is sensitive data at any given time?”. Carto-SI makes it possible to track data flows and maintain processing registers that comply with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Keeping track of data in your IS is a complex but essential task. With tools like Carto-SI, you can stay in control, guarantee service continuity, and comply with current regulations. Don’t let your data get lost in the maze of your IS. Adopt a structured, methodical approach to track and manage your information effectively.