Pipeline Publishing, Volume 5, Issue 8
This Month's Issue:
What Now? The Future of Mobile Devices
download article in pdf format
last page next page

Integration, Master Data Management, and the Need for Migration

back to cover

article page | 1 | 2 | 3 |

different, but some of the factors that should be considered before embarking on an MDM initiative include:

  1. Ensuring that the business takes priority
    Like any application migration project, it’s essential that business priorities take precedence and the business users drive the project. Only business users can decide which datasets should be consolidated or migrated first, which datasets do not need to be migrated, how to resolve data conflicts or variants, and so on. In addition, getting buy-in from business users means that new data management processes are more likely to be adhered to going forward.
  2. Taking small steps
    This type of project is complex and you need to approach it as a series of inter-related projects, each with its own goals and deadlines, but each of which fits within the overall goals of an MDM strategy.
  3. Developing the master data model
    What do you want your master data records to include? This step should include understanding the producers and consumers of master data, and mapping between current data sources and the master data model. At this step you will need to recognise inconsistencies and resolve how you are going to handle them. For example, which naming convention will you use consistently for your customers? (e.g. Mr John Smith, Mr J Smith, Mr J. Smith, John Smith, Smith J.)
  4. Choosing an appropriate tool
    There are various tasks that you will need to perform in order to create a master data list. You will need to clean, normalize, and standardize your data, as well as de-duplicate it. It is helpful if you have a tool that gives you a high degree of dynamic control and visibility along with bi-directional synchronisation. These features will certainly make the process of creating master data lists easier.

Integration is part of the answer, but it does not obviate the requirement to consolidate and migrate data.


.
  1. Implementing data management strategies that will keep your master data intact
    Over time you risk duplicating master data lists (due to M&A), divergence between copies of your master data, and errors creeping in. Overhauling your data management strategy to ensure your goals are met long-term is essential.

 

article page | 1 | 2 | 3 |
last page back to top of page next page
 

© 2009, All information contained herein is the sole property of Pipeline Publishing, LLC. Pipeline Publishing LLC reserves all rights and privileges regarding
the use of this information. Any unauthorized use, such as copying, modifying, or reprinting, will be prosecuted under the fullest extent under the governing law.