DataExpert i2 consultancy in practice. A word from our consultants.

Pim Bastiaansen: ‘As a consultant, I like to look into the work process of i2 users. This allows us to determine whether there are any features of the software that are not yet used or not used optimally. An example is the automatic import of files into i2 iBase. A functionality for this is built into the package, but it is not used by many people. In practice, this can save a lot of time for users by, for example, running an import automatically every night so that you have an up-to-date database in the morning.

I can also help integrate BI tooling so that the right data can be displayed up-to-date in client dashboards. This often requires special queries on the database that we can build. In addition, my colleagues and I can contribute on a technical level. Consider setting up SSO (Single Sign On) so the user is automatically logged in to i2 iBase, for example, or setting up search360 so documents can be searched more easily. The latter option does not work when using an Access database, but we can also support migration from Access to SQL so that the search360 functionality can be used'.

Helmi van den Brink: ‘Much of my daily work involves setting up and configuring i2 databases and i2 TextChart software based on the users' requirements. To best capture the users' needs, it works best if I help hands-on with deploying the tools during the investigations. I also regularly provide workshops informing existing users about new functionalities in i2 iBase and i2 Analyst's Notebook. In addition, I supervise POCs with clients and give demos to help choose the right tooling for (un)structured data analysis’.

Steven Dorresteijn: ‘No single software package solves all the challenges analysts face. As a consultant, I am therefore familiar with various software solutions. Together with the client, I identify the pain points and we look for a combination of packages that can solve them. There are many tools available in the market that have or are willing to build links with i2 software. For example, OSINT data can also be easily added to an investigation in i2.

I also organise FAQ sessions, both online and on location. During these sessions, analysts can ask questions about the issues they experience. This gives us a better idea of the challenges faced by i2 users and allows us to make quick optimisations together with them’.

Han Eekhout: ‘I worked for the police for 42 years and have been working for DataExpert two days a week since my retirement. As an expert by experience, I like to help our clients with the creation of templates or import specifications, troubleshooting, and further exploring the possibilities in i2 iBase together with the clients. I also offer the ‘intelligence analysis’ training. This training is separate from the use of tools. During this training, I teach analysts to conduct a thorough investigation/analysis’.