A shared label is not a shared definition
Two systems can both have a field called “job” and mean different things. One may track a customer order; another may split that order into service visits or production batches. Start by documenting the relationship.
Keep an explicit crosswalk
Record which source identifiers belong to each reporting job. In an illustrative mapping, “Job 024” in operations might correspond to “J-0024” in accounting. Treat that mapping as reviewable business information, not a guess hidden in code.
Write down the cost rules
Decide which categories are included, how approved changes are treated, and how currencies and reporting periods line up. Specify how to handle missing values. A blank is not automatically zero.
Review exceptions before automating them
An unmatched identifier needs a decision. Propose a mapping for review instead of silently creating a new job or merging records that only look similar. The exception list is part of the output.
Maintain the mapping as the business changes
New job types, renamed cost categories, and system upgrades can change the meaning of a report. Agree who owns each mapping and who maintains its implementation as part of the delivery and support scope.
Where do your numbers disagree?
Bring the question to a conversation about your systems.
Start with your situation