assists clients with modeling and prioritizing their information exchanges between organizations and business functions.  By using proven techniques for information exchange point modeling, our clients have been able to establish a firm business case for information system integration.  To achieve the results our clients demand, we have used both internal exchange point modeling tools, as well as the Justice Information Exchange Model (JIEM) developed by SEARCH.  Our consultants have been trained by SEARCH personnel to use the JIEM tool, and they have extensive project experience using the tool.  This area of service includes components such as:

• High-Level Information Exchange Modeling – We focus on defining the information exchanges between all involved criminal justice agencies.  This type of modeling is at a higher level and is often used as a base for defining the business case for information systems integration.

• Detailed Information Exchange Modeling – We focus on defining the detailed dimensions of selected information exchanges.  In doing so, we identify the involved agencies, the decision points that trigger an exchange, the business rules dictating the exchange, and the data elements that compose the exchange.

• Prioritizing Information Exchanges – Using criteria defined by the involved agencies, as well as the results of a cost-to-benefit analysis, we are able to clearly identify which exchanges would deliver the most benefit to the client if automated.

• Data Architecture and Standards – In support of information exchange definitions, we assist our clients with the development of data architectures using data modeling and standard data element definitions.

• XML Schema Definition – The result from our information exchange modeling approach is the automatic generation of XML schemas for documents included in the modeling efforts.

The benefits from our information exchange point analysis assistance are reflected in the following engagements: