When implementing a Reference and Master Data Management (RMDM) program, it is crucial to utilize techniques that ensure consistency, accuracy, and reliability of data across various systems. Business key cross-references is one such technique. This technique involves creating a mapping between different identifiers (keys) used across systems to represent the same business entity. This mapping ensures that data can be accurately and consistently referenced, integrated, and analyzed across different systems.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition), Chapter 11: Reference and Master Data Management.

"Master Data Management and Data Governance" by Alex Berson and Larry Dubov, which emphasizes the importance of business key cross-referencing in MDM.

A registry in the context of Master Data Management (MDM) is a centralized index that maintains pointers to master data located in various systems of record. This type of architecture is commonly referred to as a "registry" model and allows organizations to create a unified view of their master data without consolidating the actual data into a single repository. The registry acts as a directory, providing metadata and linkage information to the actual data sources.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK2 Guide: Chapter 10 – Master and Reference Data Management

"Master Data Management: Creating a Single Source of Truth" by David Loshin

Master data represents the critical business information that is used across the organization. It provides context and structure for business transactions and analytical processes.

Data about Business Entities:

Master data typically includes key entities such as customers, products, suppliers, employees, and locations.

These entities are fundamental to business operations and provide the necessary context for transactions and analysis.

Providing Context for Business Transactions:

Master data provides the foundational information required to conduct business transactions.

For example, customer master data is used in sales transactions, while product master data is used in inventory management.

Supporting Business Analysis:

Master data is critical for business intelligence and analytics, providing a consistent and accurate view of the core business entities.

It enables effective reporting, analysis, and decision-making by ensuring that the data used in these processes is reliable and standardized.

Other Options:

A: Master data and reference data are distinct; reference data is used to categorize master data.

B: Master data is not necessarily mastered by business users but involves collaboration between IT and business stakeholders.

C: Provides visibility but also context for transactions and analysis.

E: Master data is about business entities, not technical entities.

A global identifier is used to link multiple references to the same entity across different systems or datasets. Here’s why:

Purpose of Global Identifier:

Unique Identification: Provides a unique identifier that can be used to recognize the same entity across disparate systems and datasets.

Consistency: Ensures that different references or records pointing to the same entity are consistently identified and managed.

Linking Equivalent References:

Equivalent References: Global identifiers link references that are equivalent, meaning they represent the same real-world entity even if the data is stored differently in various systems.

Entity Resolution: Helps in resolving different records to a single entity, ensuring data consistency and accuracy.

Example:

Customer Records: A customer might be listed in different systems (CRM, billing, support) with slightly different details. A global identifier links these records to recognize them as the same customer.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 7: Master Data Management

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

Ensuring high-quality reference data is critical for maintaining data accuracy, consistency, and reliability across an organization. The best way to achieve this is through robust data governance and stewardship practices.

Government Sources:

While government sources can be reliable, they are not the only sources of high-quality reference data. Relying solely on them may limit the comprehensiveness of reference data.

Drop-Down Menus:

Drop-down menus can help prevent invalid data entry but do not address the overall quality and governance of reference data.

Data Governance and Stewardship:

Implementing data governance and stewardship ensures that reference data is managed according to defined policies, standards, and procedures.

Data governance involves establishing a framework for decision-making, accountability, and control over data management processes.

Data stewardship assigns responsibility for data quality, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and fit for purpose.

Standard Reference Data (ISO):

Using standard reference data from organizations like ISO can enhance data quality, but it should be part of a broader governance strategy.

External Data Providers:

External data providers can offer high-quality reference data, but relying solely on them without proper governance can lead to inconsistencies and data quality issues.

Protecting and securing master data in a production environment can be achieved through various methods. Encryption ciphers, static masking, trust model technologies, and dynamic masking are all techniques used to safeguard data. However, usage agreements, while important for data governance and legal compliance, are not a technical method for securing data in the same way that the other options are. Usage agreements define the terms under which data can be accessed and used, but they do not directly protect the data itself.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK2 Guide: Chapter 11 – Data Security Management

"Data Masking: A Key Component of a Secure Data Management Strategy" by Anjali Kaushik

Data Governance plays a pivotal role in the development of an enterprise-wide Master Data Management (MDM) strategy. Here's how:

Role of Data Governance:

Policy Development: Data Governance establishes policies and standards for data management to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.

Data Stewardship: Assigns roles and responsibilities to manage and oversee data assets across the organization.

MDM Strategy Support:

Conceptual Data Model:

Producing and managing an enterprise conceptual data model helps align the organization's data architecture with its business processes.

It provides a unified view of data entities, their relationships, and how data flows through various systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Alignment with Business Goals: Ensures that MDM efforts support business objectives by providing a clear framework for data usage and governance.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 3: Data Governance

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

Measuring metadata documentation quality involves several metrics that collectively provide a comprehensive view of the quality and effectiveness of metadata management practices.

Random Survey based on Enterprise Definition of Quality:

Conducting surveys among data users to gather feedback on the perceived quality of metadata documentation. This helps in understanding user satisfaction and identifying areas for improvement.

Currency of Metadata in the Repository:

Ensuring that metadata is up-to-date and accurately reflects the current state of the data. This is crucial for maintaining the relevance and usefulness of metadata.

Collision Logic on Two Sources Measuring How Much They Match:

Comparing metadata from different sources to identify discrepancies and ensure consistency. This metric helps in assessing the alignment and accuracy of metadata across systems.

Percentage of Attributes that have Definitions:

Measuring the completeness of metadata by checking the percentage of attributes that have well-defined descriptions. This ensures that all data elements are clearly documented and understood.

The format and allowable ranges of Master Data values are primarily dictated by business rules.

Business Rules:

Business rules define the constraints, formats, and permissible values for master data based on the organization’s operational and regulatory requirements.

These rules ensure that data conforms to the standards and requirements necessary for effective business operations.

Semantic Rules:

These rules pertain to the meaning and context of the data but do not directly dictate formats and ranges.

Processing Rules:

These rules focus on how data is processed but not on the allowable values or formats.

Engagement Rules:

These rules govern interactions and workflows rather than data formats and ranges.

Database Limitations:

While database limitations can impose constraints, they are typically secondary to the business rules that drive data requirements.

Master data and metadata are both used to aggregate data, but master data requires that the organization identifies or develops a trusted version of truth for each of its entities.

Trusted Version of Truth:

For effective master data management, an organization must establish a single, trusted version of truth for each master data entity (e.g., customer, product).

This involves harmonizing data from various sources, resolving duplicates, and ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Master Data:

Master data includes critical business information that provides context for business transactions and analysis. It must be consistent, accurate, and up-to-date to support operational and analytical processes.

Other Options:

Transaction Activity Data:Important for operational processes but not the focus for creating master data.

One Set of Data as Source and Target:Not sufficient for managing master data.

Specific Application Solutions:While useful, they do not ensure the creation of a trusted version of truth for master data.

Transaction Audit Data:Important for auditing but not central to master data creation.

Authoritative listings of master data entities are essential for ensuring data accuracy and consistency across an organization.

Canonical Directories:

This term refers to standardized data models but is not typically used to describe authoritative listings of master data entities.

Entity Directories:

While this term could be used, it is not the most accurate or commonly used term for authoritative listings.

Reference Directories:

Reference directories are authoritative lists of master data entities such as companies, people, and products. They provide standardized, trusted, and verified data that organizations can rely on.

These directories ensure that everyone in the organization uses consistent and accurate data, supporting data quality and governance efforts.

Industry Directories:

These directories provide information specific to an industry but are not necessarily authoritative lists of master data entities.

Source Directories:

This term does not specifically refer to authoritative master data listings.

Registry style MDM involves maintaining a central registry that stores references to master data while allowing the actual data to remain in the source systems. This approach requires technologies that support data integration and real-time access without physically moving the data.

JSON Mapping:

JSON mapping is useful for data exchange but does not specifically support the registry style MDM approach.

ETL Toolset:

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools are typically used for batch data processing and integration, which may not align with the real-time data access requirements of a registry style MDM.

Columnar Database:

Columnar databases are optimized for analytical queries but are not specifically designed for supporting registry style MDM.

Complex Queries:

While complex queries can be part of the data access strategy, they are not a comprehensive solution for registry style MDM.

Data Virtualization:

Data virtualization provides a unified view of data from multiple sources without physically moving the data. It supports real-time data access and integration, making it well-suited for registry style MDM.

It enables organizations to access and manage master data across different systems while maintaining a central registry for reference.

Deterministic matching, also known as exact matching, relies on predefined rules and algorithms to parse and standardize data, ensuring that records are compared based on exact or standardized values. This approach uses defined patterns and rules to determine whether two records represent the same entity by matching key attributes exactly. Deterministic matching is precise and unambiguous, making it a common approach for high-certainty matching tasks, although it can be less flexible than probabilistic methods that allow for variations in data.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK2 Guide: Chapter 10 – Master and Reference Data Management

"Entity Resolution and Information Quality" by John R. Talburt

Master Data Curation is a process aimed at improving the overall quality of data throughout the business. Here’s how:

Data Quality Improvement:

De-duplication: The process involves identifying and eliminating duplicate records to ensure a single, accurate version of each data entity.

Data Cleaning: Removes inaccuracies and inconsistencies, enhancing the reliability of the data.

Benefits of De-duplication:

Accuracy: Ensures that each entity (e.g., customer, product) is represented only once, improving data accuracy and reducing redundancy.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlines operations by eliminating duplicate records that can cause confusion and errors in business processes.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 7: Master Data Management

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

The data-centric development lifecycle is best suited for Reference & Master Data efforts because it prioritizes data integrity, quality, and governance throughout the entire development process. This approach ensures that reference and master data are consistently managed, maintained, and leveraged across various systems and applications.

References:

DMBOK (Data Management Body of Knowledge), 2nd Edition, Chapter 11: Reference & Master Data Management.

DAMA International Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DAMA-DMBOK Guide), 2nd Edition.

Reference data can be structured in various ways depending on its granularity and complexity.

Simple List:

Reference data can be a simple list when it involves basic, discrete values such as country codes or product categories.

Cross-Reference:

When reference data needs to map values between different systems or standards, it can be structured as cross-references. For example, mapping old product codes to new ones.

Taxonomy:

For more complex hierarchical relationships, reference data can be structured as a taxonomy. This involves categorizing data into parent-child relationships, like an organizational hierarchy or biological classification.

Step by Step Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all References:The 'consumer' of master data content received from an MDM platform is often referred to as a subscriber. Here’s why:

Role of Subscriber:

Data Consumption: A

subscriber is an entity (individual, department, or system) that consumes or uses the master data provided by the MDM platform. -Access and Utilization: Subscribers access the master data to support various business functions, ensuring they have consistent and accurate data.

MDM Context:

Data Distribution: In an MDM context, the MDM platform distributes master data to its subscribers, who rely on this data for operational and analytical purposes.

Stakeholders: Subscribers are key stakeholders in the MDM ecosystem, as they benefit directly from the standardized and high-quality data provided.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 7: Master Data Management

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

Master Data Management (MDM) Harmonization ensures that the data changes of one application are synchronized with all other applications that depend on that data.

MDM Harmonization Definition:This process involves aligning and reconciling data from different sources to ensure consistency and accuracy across the enterprise.

Synchronization:Ensuring that changes in one application are reflected across all dependent applications prevents data inconsistencies and maintains data integrity.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition.

CDMP Study Guide

Information Governance involves managing and controlling the data assets of an organization, addressing the 'what', 'how', and 'why'.

'What' pertains to Data Governance, which defines policies and procedures for data management.

'How' relates to Information Security, ensuring that data is protected and secure.

'Why' is about Compliance, ensuring that data management practices meet legal and regulatory requirements.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition), Chapter 1: Data Governance.

"Information Governance: Concepts, Strategies, and Best Practices" by Robert F. Smallwood.

Definitions and Context:

Data Profiling: This is the process of examining data from existing data sources and collecting statistics or informative summaries about that data.

Master Data Management (MDM): Establishing MDM involves processes and technologies for managing the non-transactional data entities of an organization.

Explanation:

Data profiling helps to understand the data's characteristics and quality by analyzing data values and comparing them to defined valid values.

This process is crucial in establishing a Master Data Management (MDM) system as it ensures the data adheres to the defined standards and is clean, accurate, and ready for integration into the MDM system.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition, Chapter 11: Master and Reference Data Management.

Kimball, R. & Caserta, J. (2004). The Data Warehouse ETL Toolkit: Practical Techniques for Extracting, Cleaning, Conforming, and Delivering Data.

MDM programs often face challenges and can fail due to a combination of factors. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Emphasis on Technology:

Technology-Centric Approach: Overemphasis on technology solutions without addressing people and process components can lead to failure. Successful MDM programs require balanced attention to technology, people, and processes.

Positioning within IT:

IT Focus: Poor positioning of the MDM program within the IT organization can lead to it being seen as a purely technical initiative, missing the necessary business alignment and support.

Business Commitment and Engagement:

Lack of Engagement: Insufficient commitment and engagement from the business side can result in inadequate support, resources, and buy-in, leading to failure.

Program vs. Project:

Long-Term Perspective: Treating MDM as a one-time project rather than an ongoing program can limit its effectiveness. MDM requires continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving business needs.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 7: Master Data Management

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

For effective Master Data Management, an organization must agree on a single, standard definition of master data. Here's why:

Consistency:

Single Definition: A standardized definition ensures consistency across different departments and systems.

Avoids Confusion: Prevents discrepancies and misunderstandings regarding what constitutes master data.

Data Quality and Governance:

Unified Approach: A single definition supports unified data governance policies and data quality standards.

Data Integration: Facilitates easier data integration and interoperability across various systems and processes.

Business Efficiency:

Aligned Objectives: Ensures all parts of the organization are aligned in their understanding and use of master data, leading to more efficient operations and decision-making.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 7: Master Data Management

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

Management of Reference and Master Data aims to mitigate the challenges of disparate data, which typically arise from:

Organic Growth:

Unplanned Expansion: Over time, organizations often develop new systems and applications organically, leading to isolated and redundant data stores.

Inconsistent Data: These disparate systems often result in inconsistent and unreliable data.

Isolated Systems:

Siloed Applications: Independent systems that do not communicate effectively with each other can lead to multiple versions of the same data.

Lack of Integration: Without proper integration, data consistency and quality suffer.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Combining Systems: Mergers and acquisitions introduce the challenge of integrating different data systems and standards.

Data Redundancy: Newly acquired systems often come with their own data sets, leading to redundancy and conflicts.

References:

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 7: Master Data Management

DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"

Definitions and Context:

False Positive: This occurs when a match is incorrectly identified, meaning records are deemed to match when they should not.

True Positive: This is a correct identification of a match, meaning records that should match are correctly identified as matching.

False Negative: This occurs when a match is not identified when it should have been, meaning records that should match are not matched.

True Negative: This is a correct identification of no match, meaning records that should not match are correctly identified as not matching.

Anomaly: This is a generic term that could refer to any deviation from the norm and does not specifically address the context of matching records.

Explanation:

The question asks about a scenario where two records should have matched but did not. This is the classic definition of aFalse Negative.

In data matching processes, this is a critical error because it means that the system failed to recognize a true match, which can lead to fragmented and inconsistent data.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition, Chapter 11: Master and Reference Data Management.

ISO 8000-2:2012, Data Quality - Part 2: Vocabulary.

In the context of the Corporate Information Factory, understanding transactions involves integrating various types of data to get a comprehensive view. Master Data (core business entities), Reference Data (standardized information), and External Data (information sourced from outside the organization) are essential for providing context and enriching transactional data.

References:

DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition), Chapter 3: Data Architecture and Chapter 11: Reference and Master Data Management.

"Building the Data Warehouse" by W.H. Inmon, which introduces the Corporate Information Factory concept.

ISO 22745 is an international standard for defining and exchanging master data.

ISO 22745:

This standard specifies the requirements for the exchange of master data, particularly in industrial and manufacturing contexts.

It includes guidelines for the structured exchange of information, ensuring that data can be shared and understood across different systems and organizations.

Standards for Master Data:

Standards like ISO 22745 help ensure consistency, interoperability, and data quality across different platforms and entities.

They provide a common framework for defining and exchanging master data, facilitating smoother data integration and management processes.

Other Options:

ETL:Refers to the process of Extract, Transform, Load, used in data integration but not a standard for defining master data.

Corporation-specific Methods:Many organizations may have their own methods, but standardized frameworks like ISO 22745 provide a common foundation.

No Standards:While not all organizations use master data, standards do exist for those that do.

Data integration for Master Data Management (MDM) and reference data is a critical process that ensures data consistency, accuracy, and availability across the enterprise. The goal is to enable seamless data flow and access for various business functions.

Timely Extraction and Distribution:

Data integration processes must be designed to extract and distribute data efficiently and in a timely manner to ensure that all parts of the organization have access to up-to-date information.

This involves implementing data pipelines and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes that can handle large volumes of data and deliver it where needed without delays.

Root Analysis of Data Lineage:

While important for understanding data origins and transformations, root analysis of data lineage is typically part of data governance and auditing processes, not a primary focus during real-time integration.

Ad-Hoc Changes:

While controlled environments are important, integration processes should be flexible enough to accommodate necessary changes without compromising data integrity.

Single Value for the Same Concept:

Ensuring a single source of truth is essential but requires robust data governance and harmonization efforts rather than just focusing on integration.

Ignoring Minor Changes:

Ignoring changes can lead to data quality issues and discrepancies. Effective data integration should handle changes efficiently without causing disruptions.