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Management and sharing of key company data

An idea of integrating databases is nothing new. However, Master Data Management has recently become an IT industry term with a concrete meaning -- database integration using specific methodologies and modern technologies. In complex IT systems, it is increasingly more difficult to maintain key information distributed across local applications and databases. It is even more difficult to share such disperse information. Let's look, for example, at a database of company customers. Besides the "main" or "root" customer database, we will also find related records and information in other local modules or applications supporting sales, risk management or reporting. Usually, these different pieces of data carry similar information stored perhaps in specific structures or having slightly modified content. Taking this example further, we often find a vendor database to be a separate entity, much like an employee register. Yet, vendors could become customers, just like employees. Such an example illustrates the need for a fresh approach, such as Master Data Management (MDM).

MDM presents a solution which ensures integration and maintenance of key data into a single, so-called Master Database. Advantages of such solution are clear:

• Centralization of key data management
• Sharing accurate and current data throughout entire company
• Unification of terminology and common data format
• Removal of duplicate data and reduction of false or inaccurate data records
• Easier qualification of data management responsibilities

It is obvious that Master Database is an operational function and, as such, needs to be designed with very quick response time as a key parameter. Equally important,MDM must maintain a fully automated information exchange to and from the original source databases or systems while maintaining their full functionality.

Solution

Javlin Company offers a complex solution encompassing both project phase and run time support. Individual solution components can be ordered as specific services, as needed.

• Analysis: An initiation phase, specifying key data entities of integrated database, level of integration of local applications and range of functions ensuring information exchange between integration system and original data sources.
• Architecture: Incorporation of MDM solution into current company systems while maximizing potential of existing technologies
• Data Modeling: entity modeling or so-called Master Records and their relationships in the database at a sufficiently generic level, so that they maintain flexibility for future expansion and feature demand.
• Data Integration going hand in hand with unification and data cleansing. Definition of rules for quality monitoring and metrics. Development of procedures of information exchange between integration database and local data sources. The main criteria are overall system performance along with data integrity and accuracy.
• Application integration: Design and development of middleware layer along with end-user environment (front-end application) for integrated data management. Integrated user interface brings several key advantages:
  • Unified user interface
  • Centralized support for record maintenance
  • Centralized administration
• Support: Implemented solution needs to guarantee correct functionality in everyday company life. Prearranged support agreements ensure resolution of potential problems in real time, minimizing impact on company business.

Database platforms Oracle, MS SQL, Informix, DB2, Teradata, MySQL, PostgreSQL

ETL Informatica, DataStage, AbInitio, OWB, CloverETL

Data Cleansing Trillium, ProfileStage,FirstLogic,Clover,Savvy