Interface Dependency and Impact Analysis

Correct Answer: To define data exchange specifications and technical requirements between system components

The primary purpose of creating an Interface Control Document (ICD) is to define and document the specific data exchange requirements and technical specifications between different system components in an integration project. An ICD serves as a formal agreement that details how systems will communicate, including data formats, protocols, timing requirements, and other technical specifications essential for successful integration. This documentation ensures all teams understand exactly how their components should interact. The other options are incorrect because: - Creating a stakeholder list is part of stakeholder management, not interface control - Documenting complete system architecture and internal processing logic goes beyond the scope of interface control - an ICD focuses on the interfaces between components, not their internal workings - Tracking project timelines and schedules is a project management function, not the purpose of an ICD, which focuses on technical specifications

Correct Answer: Creating a detailed data dictionary with standardized formats and transformation rules

Creating a detailed data dictionary with standardized formats and transformation rules is the best approach for addressing data mapping conflicts between integrated systems. This solution is optimal because: - It establishes clear standards for data formats upfront - It provides specific transformation rules for data conversion - It serves as a single source of truth for all integration points - It helps prevent mapping conflicts before they occur - It creates consistency across all system interfaces The other options are less effective: - Periodic system synchronization checks would only identify issues after they occur, rather than preventing them - A governance committee would add bureaucratic overhead and slow down integration processes - Test scenarios based on past failures are reactive rather than proactive, and may not address new types of mapping conflicts A data dictionary provides a proactive, systematic approach to prevent mapping conflicts and ensures consistent data interpretation across all integrated systems.

Correct Answer: Perform sequential data flow mapping across all interface points

Performing sequential data flow mapping across all interface points is the most effective method because: 1. It systematically traces data movement and transformations through the system 2. It reveals hidden dependencies by following actual data paths 3. It helps identify undocumented relationships and interface connections 4. It provides a dynamic view of how data interacts across system boundaries Why other options are less effective: Creating technical documentation is useful but may miss hidden dependencies since it relies on existing documentation which might be incomplete. Stakeholder interviews and metrics provide historical context but may not capture technical dependencies at the data level. Mapping system architecture and database diagrams shows static relationships but might miss dynamic data flows and runtime dependencies that occur during system operation.