Business intelligence (BI) projects have traditionally relied on data warehouse teams to structure information based on users` initial requirements. Over time, however, user needs may change, but the way in which information is structured may not keep up with more current business requirements.
While master data management (MDM) can ensure that users view and manipulate their information in the way they choose, it has been underplayed primarily because vendors and suppliers are not able to deliver on the technology, says Ryan Jamieson, director at Microsoft Gold Certified partner, IS Partners.
He says MDM can give users the ability to change the structure of information quickly. "This will enhance your master data to meet the business`s need, while also placing powerful BI tools in business users` hands. As a result, data quality and usability will reflect immediately," he says.
He adds that the past reality for many organisations has been one where IT manages master data records and the way in which this information is structured and viewed. "While this data belongs in the hands of business users, the complexities involved in changing data warehouse fields and coding has made it impossible for users to access and manipulate information to suit their unique requirements.
"MDM can ensure that key customer information can be easily maintained by the business."
He says that MDM is about managing key information, primarily to ensure that it is consistent and accurate across the entire organisation. "Companies often do not realise they need MDM until they have implemented a data warehouse and need to ensure information consistency beyond the data warehouse.
"Having a common record across all operational systems is a strategic differentiator that provides an operational benefit as well as a reporting benefit," he says.
MDM a bridging point
The way data is maintained in the data warehouse or BI system, for example, does not necessarily represent the same structure or terminology the business uses. The business has to be engaged in structuring and maintaining data according to their operational needs and preferences.
"MDM is very significant to the overall BI strategy, and a critical element in making sure that your BI information ties back directly to service the business`s needs as well as the way business `talks` about their information. This is a key element in actively involving the business in your BI strategy," Jamieson says.
A clear trend is that business is driving data quality, and taking ownership of their information. A key part of this, Jamieson adds, is how that data is structured. "MDM becomes a bridging point between BI and what the business requires in terms of their operational and reporting needs."
Share