If you have data in another system, it is sometimes desired to convert that data to work with Crimestar. The conversion process is different depending upon the type of system that you are converting data from and the volume of data to be converted. The cost for the conversion service depends upon the complexity and scope of work involved. Usually data samples can accepted in a variety of formats and a preliminary analysis of the data will allow for the creation of a price quotation for conversion services within a few weeks.
Considerations for Data Conversion Services include:
| Physical Media: | When you send your data, the first thing that must be done is get those files off of whatever data media they are stored on. Because there are so many different types of storage media such as Diskettes, Tape Reels, Tape Cartridges, CD-ROM, DVD, USB Flash Drives etc. it can be difficult if the data is provided on a media that we don’t readily have the ability to read. We recommend that you provide your data by either mailing a USB Flash Drive, CD-ROM or DVD or making arrangements to electronically transfer the data files via an electronic File Transfer Protocol (FTP) method.
|
| Data File Format: | Once the data files have been read from the physical media to one of our computers, it is necessary to identify the data file format. This will determine what type of software program we must use to open and successfully read the data files. There are many different types of file formats ranging from plain ASCII text, to binary variable length files. If you know the data format or have specific information about it please provide that information as well. This is a critical step in the process because if we can not read your data we can not convert it. |
| Record Layout: | After successfully reading the data from the file, it is necessary to figure out what we are looking at. Even if data is stored in a common file format the order and way that the information is stored is not always obvious or intuitive. Example: Suppose the file contains some data as follows: SMITH JAMES KENDALL. Which is the first name, middle name and last name? Are all three names associated with the same person? Perhaps Officer Smith arrested James Kendall. Perhaps the data was entered by user name Kendall and the subject is James Smith? Perhaps Kendall is an alias name for Smith? Without having some actual knowledge of the original data record as it is represented in the software program that created the file the answers to types of questions are not always obvious. |
Time must be spent analyzing the data and understanding exactly what the data represents. Often it is necessary to spend time cleansing the data as it has come from systems which allows the information to be entered without any edits or consistency. This process is usually very time consuming. Lastly, the process and issues discussed in the three steps above are often compounded by the fact that there are several different data files that must be converted and that more often than not the data in those files are all interrelated making it necessary to understand not just any single file, but also the relationships that exist between the data files.
How most data conversions are handled.
Step 1: Start using CrimeStar and stop entering data into your old system.
Step 2: Once your old system is stagnant, send the data files that must be converted to Crimestar Corporation with as much documentation and support information as you can.
Step 3: Many fields in CrimeStar relate to code tables where data from your old system will need to be codified. Print and mail or fax your code table listing that you have created in CrimeStar.
Step 4: You will then be provided with a conversion cost estimate based on the number of hours required to perform the conversion services.
Step 5: Converted data is returned to you, usually in a Crimestar database format so that the Synchronize program can be run to merge or integrate the data into your live system.
Check the Crimestar web site or Contact Crimestar Corporation to find out what it will take to convert data from your old system into your new CrimeStar database.
| See Also : | Crimestar License Agreement |
| Crimestar Technical Support Agreement |