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Data Conversion and Exchange
MetSYS has a growing number of tools to support the conversion and exchange of data, and provides services for custom data integration.

Data exchanges and integration among different client tracking systems is one of the most important frontiers of the “one-stop” and “continuum of care” movement. MetSYS, Inc. has extensive experience in this area, and is pioneering new tools to address this need.

Data Exchange Tools

MetSYS uses industry standard databases [SQL Server and Visual FoxPro], which can be read from and written to easily. Working from this base, MetSYS has developed several mechanisms for exchanging data with other systems:

  • Data Extract Tool. Our Extract Tool makes it easy to select data fields and produce an extract of the selected data. This extract is produced in a “flat file” format that can be imported to other systems. This tool produces extracts in several industry standard formats.
  • Standard Data Exchange Formats. MetSYS has a published API that allows a authorized programmers to read from and write to our database.

  • Import-Export Utility. In late 2005 we will release an .XML based web service that will enable end-users to design and setup their own data exchange processes. This utility will use the above noted Extract Tool to export data as XML, and provides standardized data formats that enable staff in charge of other systems to develop exports that can be quickly imported to MetSYS. Data to be exchanged will be stored temporarily in ingoing and outgoing “data vats”, where they can be automatically accessed for importing. On the MetSYS side, time- date and other sequencing rules will be applied to integrate incoming data with pre-existing data.

MetSYS, Inc. is also participating in collaborative efforts among system providers to develop data exchange utilities. Most noteworthy, our staff is participating in a new initiative sponsored by the United Way of America with support from the national AIRS office to build-upon the I&R data exchange utility to include HMIS and other client data.


Data Integration Services

MetSYS staff are also available to conduct one-time and recurring data conversion and exchange services

Our staff have extensive experience with the development and management of data exchange routines.

One of the most recent and notable of these is a nightly exchange with San Francisco’s MIS for General Assistance. This exchange involves complex translation and history tracking procedures which were put into place to enable San Francisco to do history reports from the legacy MIS , which does not store historical data on clients. This exchange has been running continuously for over two years.

As another example, New Orleans regularly brings in WSIA relevant data from their Welfare to Work database into MetSYS.

If you have special data conversion and exchange needs, our staff will work with you to find the best solutions.

 

 

3835 North Freeway Boulevard, Suite 250, Sacramento, California 95834
[916] 929-8615, FAX [916] 925-4648 E-Mail: metsys@metsysinc.com