Local efforts don’t support a value chain. A shared vocabulary does.
The integration of multiple systems and the ability to exploit all the information you have, no matter where it is stored are must-haves for organizations today. Meta-data of all kinds are being captured, stored and managed. Meta-data is information about data and businesses need more than that to know how this data maps to their business and how the business uses that data to make decisions. Unless the terms, facts and vocabulary are consistent across business silos, business integration will remain out of reach even if technical integration succeeds.
To eliminate semantic stovepipes you need a common vocabulary across lines of business. This vocabulary cannot be a technical vocabulary; it must be described by the business in a way the business understands. An understanding of the terms used by the business, what they mean and how they are used to drive results are essential. This know-how must be captured before those who currently retain the knowledge retire, and it must be available as a true corporate asset that continues to add value into the future.