Good metadata is the key to almost all smart information solutions.
Metadata describe the content of information units so that they are easier for users to find. In addition, metadata from IT systems can be evaluated in order to network the information units with others. This allows, for example, application scenarios (use cases) to be realised in which information is proactively displayed to the users Proactive User Information with Information Push.
Thus, metadata help us to organise and process the ever-increasing amount of information.
Standardised metadata also ensure that information from various sources can be seamlessly combined in an information portal. This is helpful when many suppliers (e.g. in plant construction) are involved.
Develop metadata concepts
Anyone who wants to start using metadata in a company needs a concept. The multitude of different data sources, creators and users can quickly lead to metadata projects becoming very complex and ultimately failing. Therefore, it is good to start such a project with a consultant who has the appropriate experience.
The introduction of metadata usually does not start on a white sheet of paper, because metadata often already exists in the systems used in the company. These can be differently pronounced, differently well-maintained and differently significant.
When we create a metadata concept with our customers, we first clarify the question of whether the aim is to harmonise these many existing sources or whether it makes more sense to start on a small scale and, for example, develop a concept that is to be used exclusively for user information – e.g. as part of the introduction of a content delivery portal. Together with you, we then analyse the existing metadata and, as a team, and design a suitable metadata concept. In doing so, we take into account current standards such as PI classification, iiRDS or VDI 2770 and develop the appropriate approach for you.
If required, we can also support you in implementing the concept by training your employees or by actively setting the metadata in your systems.
Set metadata automatically
Especially with large amounts of existing data sets, but also during the running process, the setting of appropriate metadata can take a lot of time.
With the help of suitable tools, we are able to partially or completely automate this process. For this purpose, we define rules for automatic classification that make use of statistical methods and artificial intelligence. If required, we also take over the execution and quality assurance and hand over your data neatly classified, e.g. for use in a content delivery portal.
Building knowledge networks
I'm sure you know what it's like: You know that the information you urgently need is stored somewhere in one of your many systems, but you just can't find it.
A knowledge network could help here. Knowledge networks, also called semantic networks, bring together information from different sources without having to change the source systems. This way, you can access all relevant information via a central search entry.
We analyse your existing system and data landscape, jointly select a suitable tool for modelling your semantic network and, together with your team, model the interrelationships and dependencies of your data to form a knowledge network. In doing so, we focus on concrete user stories in order to achieve a high benefit as quickly as possible. The links between the individual data records are usually formed automatically, so that the knowledge network always remains up-to-date.
Knowledge networks can be useful both for internal use (e.g. in development or service) and for customer applications such as service portals or knowledge bases.