Naturally, any company’s data architecture may be set up so that information is exported from several systems and then combined into a single report. This is a normal practice, since no single system can cover the full range of tasks a company faces. However, it creates multiple challenges, including the need to harmonize master data (MDM) across all systems before consolidating everything into one report.
Master Data often serves as the foundation of an organization’s information systems, and any confusion within it can lead to errors in analysis, data duplication, and system malfunctions.
Below, we will look at what measures can help avoid these issues.
Master Data often serves as the foundation of an organization’s information systems, and any confusion within it can lead to errors in analysis, data duplication, and system malfunctions.
Below, we will look at what measures can help avoid these issues.
Standardization and Creation of a Unified Data Directory
The first and most essential step is to establish unified directories and catalogs for key analytics. For example, you can introduce a single directory for products, customers, counterparties, raw materials, equipment, spare parts, employees, and more.
Clear standards are necessary: how to correctly specify all names, which fields are mandatory, whether identifiers are needed, where to turn if you are unsure, along with other instructions that help users enter data accurately.
Implementing a system that regulates the process of updating directories usually simplifies this task. In this way, employees who only need to enter, for instance, planned data can work from a ready-made list of analytics.
Systems like “Planum” enable storing all reference information in one place, with any changes immediately transmitted to all related reports. In addition, mapping tools allow you to convert directories from one system into the required format.
Clear standards are necessary: how to correctly specify all names, which fields are mandatory, whether identifiers are needed, where to turn if you are unsure, along with other instructions that help users enter data accurately.
Implementing a system that regulates the process of updating directories usually simplifies this task. In this way, employees who only need to enter, for instance, planned data can work from a ready-made list of analytics.
Systems like “Planum” enable storing all reference information in one place, with any changes immediately transmitted to all related reports. In addition, mapping tools allow you to convert directories from one system into the required format.
Regulations for Entering and Updating Master Data
Here, you need to address questions about who, how, and when changes can be made to the directories. Creating such a “center of competence” reduces the likelihood of unauthorized additions to reference entities and ensures that all changes can be tracked.
It is also important at this stage to establish a procedure for approving changes to directories. For example, some items may not fit into the existing classification, and it is crucial to decide whether they can be broken down further or if a new category must be added to the master data.
Using a system like Planum allows you to automatically track all changes made by users. The system also stores previous versions of documents so you can “roll back” to an earlier state at any time if necessary.
Additionally, you can configure rules in the system to identify duplicate information. For example, if identical identifiers appear in the directories, the system will issue a warning.
It is also important at this stage to establish a procedure for approving changes to directories. For example, some items may not fit into the existing classification, and it is crucial to decide whether they can be broken down further or if a new category must be added to the master data.
Using a system like Planum allows you to automatically track all changes made by users. The system also stores previous versions of documents so you can “roll back” to an earlier state at any time if necessary.
Additionally, you can configure rules in the system to identify duplicate information. For example, if identical identifiers appear in the directories, the system will issue a warning.
Checks and Monitoring
A system evolves along with the business. New areas and projects appear, certain older activities wind down — all of this must be reflected in the system.
That is why regular checks of data and master data, as well as verifying their alignment with existing methodologies, are necessary.
Implementing a system significantly simplifies the process of managing reference data, but initial analysis and ensuring the semantic consistency of that data will always remain the responsibility of an expert.
That is why regular checks of data and master data, as well as verifying their alignment with existing methodologies, are necessary.
Implementing a system significantly simplifies the process of managing reference data, but initial analysis and ensuring the semantic consistency of that data will always remain the responsibility of an expert.
