Conclusion
MDM is a broad subject that touches on many of the concepts of enterprise information architecture. MDM strives to untangle and simplify the complex systems that have evolved to manage core business information by logically consolidating this information into managed yet flexible MDM Systems. Acting as either a system of record or a system of reference, MDM Systems can provide authoritative data to all enterprise applications.
As we have described throughout the chapter, successful MDM Systems:
- Provide a consistent understanding and trust of master data entities
- Provide mechanisms for consistent use of master data across the organization
- Are designed to accommodate and manage change
These are the key principles of MDM that we will continue to detail throughout the remainder of the book.
The business drivers behind MDM are compelling—from regulatory compliance to improving the responsiveness of an organization to change. By providing authoritative information as a set of services, MDM is also a key enabler for broader enterprise strategies, such as SOA. The following chapter will dive into the details of SOA and the role of MDM Systems in an SOA environment.