Master Data Management and Master Data Liquidity

Published on June 2016 | Categories: Types, Business/Law, Technology | Downloads: 79 | Comments: 0 | Views: 726
of 30
Download PDF   Embed   Report

The whitepaper from Riversand Technologies describes the business benefits of Master Data Liquidity and how it can be achieved with Riversand's MDMCenter Version 6.0. Large, global companies need to better manage the flow of data throughout their organization and supply chain.

Comments

Content

Improving Master Data Liquidity
with Riversand MDMCenterTM Version 6.0

A Riversand Technologies Whitepaper

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

COPYRIGHTS
Copyright© 2001-2009 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Any technical documentation that is made available by Riversand Technologies, Inc is the copyright work of Riversand Technologies, Inc and is owned by Riversand Technologies, Inc.

TRADEMARKS Riversand, the Riversand logo, and Riversand MDMCenter™ are U.S. trademarks or registered trademarks of Riversand Technologies, Inc. Other brands and product names mentioned in this guide are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and hereby acknowledged.

COMPANY INFORMATION For more information on Riversand Technologies, Inc., visit www.Riversand.com

Page 2 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

Table of Contents
1. DEFINING MASTER DATA LIQUIDITY ..................................................................................... 4 2. THE BENEFITS OF MASTER DATA LIQUIDITY....................................................................... 6 3. MDMCENTER™ V6.0 & MASTER DATA LIQUIDITY ................................................................ 8 4. QUANTIFYING THE VALUE OF MASTER DATA LIQUIDITY ................................................. 26 5. CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS ....................................................................................... 27 6. APPENDIX: RIVERSAND REFERENCES ............................................................................... 28

Page 3 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

1. Defining Master Data Liquidity
In today’s information-driven business environment, effective data management is a corporate imperative. Understanding comprehensive data about various corporate entities such as

customers, products, vendors, employees, etc. is critical to business success. Unfortunately, many companies struggle to manage and monetize all of their data assets. Companies

continually fail to realize data-driven strategic insights and operational efficiencies. These companies are forfeiting

Unfortunately, many companies struggle to manage and monetize all of their data assets.

significant business benefits. And they will be at a competitive disadvantage against more sophisticated competitors. Often the problem lies with the systems, processes and personnel involved in managing and maintaining corporate data. Separate systems, organizations and processes create separate “pools” of data – for instance a spreadsheet sitting unshared on a user’s desktop. Furthermore, data can be held in huge reservoirs, locked away in vast databases which are inaccessible to business users or systems that need it. As a result, critical business data does not flow

throughout the organization. Organizations need to eliminate these pools of data. To be sure, the continuity of complete data throughout the supply chain is critically important. The ability to manage the flow of rich, accurate and high-quality

Much like the flow of water, data liquidity is a measurement of the ease in which data flows throughout an organization.

data is called “Data Liquidity”. Much like the flow of water, data liquidity is a measurement of the ease in which data flows throughout an organization. Taken in its broadest

interpretation, it can describe the characteristics of the flow of data as well – for instance, is it of high-quality, accurate,

normalized, complete, timely, and relevant? Finally, from a more financial perspective, data liquidity can describe how well data assets are being turned into top and bottom line business benefits. These concepts are not new - the data liquidity concept has been used in Data Management since 2003. However, data liquidity has taken on new importance in the burgeoning field of Master Data Management (MDM). The management of master data involves the practice of acquiring, improving, maintaining and sharing a “single version of the truth” for various corporate data entities such as Products, Customers, Vendors, Employees, Materials, etc. Having a holistic record of multiple corporate entities populated with high-quality data ensures subscribing systems and stakeholders have

Page 4 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0
consistent and correct information. The application of Master Data throughout an organization has been proven to significantly improve business results across a variety of industries. It can be a single use case solution or a major global initiative positively affecting almost every area of a business. Unfortunately, many companies do not fully understand MDM’s potential ability to improve their business. Nor do most achieve master data liquidity – the free flow of master data throughout a company. Master Data Liquidity is primarily

achieved by deploying a Master Data Management Solution that can automate the management and distribution of master data. In order to realize the promises of MDM and Master Data Liquidity, an MDM system must be robust, fully-

Master Data Liquidity is primarily achieved by deploying a Master Data Management Solution that can automate the management and distribution of master data.

integrated and flexible in order to address all organizational data, systems, people and processes. This Riversand Technologies whitepaper will further discuss the concept of Master Data Liquidity, its benefits and how it may be achieved through Master Data Management Solutions such as Riversand’s industry-leading MDM Solution, MDMCenter Version 6.0.

The Three Aspects of Master Data Liquidity 1) Master Data Flow 2) Quality of Master Data 3) Financial Return on Master Data

Page 5 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

2. The Benefits of Master Data Liquidity
Imagine if each of your employees could have the right information, at the right time, in the right format, language, unit of measure, etc. This ideal is achievable today by increasing Master Data Liquidity. Companies who have implemented advanced MDM Solutions as part of an overall Data Governance and MDM initiative have been able to achieve a higher level of Master Data Liquidity (see Section 6 - Appendix: Riversand References). An integrated MDM Solution works in harmony to ensure master records of high-quality data automatically or manually flow to downstream systems or other stakeholders in an organization’s global supply chain (including vendors and customers). This orchestration drastically increases operational efficiencies and opportunities for a broad set of business benefits. Below is a list of just some of the benefits that companies deploying MDM Solutions have realized:

Benefits of MDM and Master Data Liquidity

Page 6 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 It should be clear to all that users need a system which transverses pools of data and provides a robust set of functionality and tools to manage and syndicate master data where and when it is needed. An example of such a powerful MDM Solution is MDMCenter™ from Riversand Technologies. To achieve master data liquidity in large, complex global organizations, MDMCenter™ offers advanced, integrated capabilities in the areas of:              Data Visibility Data Management and Editing Catalog/Taxonomy Management with Data Inheritance Entity Relationship Management Customized Data Views and Security/Access Rights Data Globalization Data Enrichment and Refinement Data Aggregation/Syndication Data Quality Data Governance Workflow/Business Process Management Data Publishing Digital Asset Management

The following sections will discuss Riversand’s MDMCenter’s capabilities, associated benefits and how master data liquidity is enabled.

Page 7 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

3. MDMCenter™ V6.0 & Master Data Liquidity
Riversand’s flagship MDM product, Riversand MDMCenter™, is built on a functionally-rich, extensible MDM platform and allows the modeling and management of multiple corporate entities including Products, Vendors, Customers, Employees, etc. Among other benefits, the Solution is designed to help companies improve Master Data Liquidity. The sections below outline the Solutions features and benefits and how they improve Master Data Liquidity.

3.1. Data Visibility
3.1.1.
Consolidated, Web-based User Dashboard

MDMCenter includes an intuitive web-based User Dashboard which facilitates user access to all data, tasks, application modules and functionality. Efficient access to corporate master data ensures the right data is being used by an organization throughout its supply chain. MDMCenter’s Dashboard provides a single interface and easy one-click access to Tasks, Reports, Application Modules, Data, Search queries, “Quicklinks”, Documents, Productivity Tools and more. The task list provides users with a view of each task awaiting his/her attention with a global view of the workflow that routed the task to their Dashboard. This ensures that data – and business processes – flow smoothly throughout the organization. Here is an example of MDMCenter’s User Dashboard:

Easy one-click access to Tasks, Reports, Application Modules, Data, Search Queries, “Quicklinks”, Documents, Productivity Tools and more from the User Dashboard

Page 8 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

3.1.2.

Entity Explorer

Within MDMCenter, an entity can be any corporate data asset – products, customers, vendors, employees, etc. MDMCenter’s Entity Explorer gives users the ability to navigate to, search on, and filter out any entity defined within the system, as well as perform necessary actions on discovered entities. This improves overall data quality and data visibility. The Entity Explorer consists of three main sections - main search criteria, stage criteria and category criteria - to fulfill its Search functionality. MDMCenter will combine all three criteria into a complex query to find the appropriate search results. MDMCenter’s Entity Explorer page looks like following:

Stage and Category criteria

Main Search criteria

Result Grid

Page 9 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 This single search interface represents a powerful tool to search through an organization’s entire repository of master data to find the right record. This improves internal efficiency, data access and data quality (due to reduced duplicate record generation). The Entity Explorer is another way MDMCenter manages to ensure the proper flow of quality data throughout an organization.

3.1.3.

Entity Editor

An entity has associated data like the category it belongs to, the container/catalog to which it is mapped, the various attributes that comprise the entity etc. Within MDMCenter, the user has many mechanisms to fetch these critical details. Furthermore, the Entity Editor gives the user the capability to populate details that are missing in an Entity. In other words, users can perform tasks to ensure a particular entity is complete and understand any remaining gaps. The Entity Editor allows users to create and modify entities, attributes, and relationships; view catalog or container information connected with an Entity. It also allows user to edit multiple entities. User can see the status of an entity (for instance, “staged” or “production”) and it allows them to navigate to the screens to complete record editing. The Entity Editor thereby provides a single interface to ensure Entity completion. Entity Editor features include:       Create a short-cut to your frequently accessed attributes Create attribute-based views attributes of an entity in a single window View the containers impacted by the modification of an entity Assign entities from parent catalog or container to the sub container or slave containers View the SKU details for a particular entity View attribute based on their groups

The Entity Editor has a host of options to edit the entity values. You can view the details of the complex attributes, view the taxonomy and category details and view the version details about the entity being edited. An example of the Entity Editor is provided below:

Page 10 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 Containers Pane

My Views Pane

Entity Editor

State Views Pane

Standard Views Pane Entity Variants Pane

3.1.4.

Data Views

MDMCenter provides the capability to define, manage and use multiple views into and organization’s data. For instance, data can be defined and presented by category, sales region or industry vertical (to name just a few). Different Views for Product, Vendor, Partner, Customer and other data types can be presented to users in a variety of ways. Some of the key view types available are: Hierarchy View, Dynamic Hierarchy View (DHV), Table View, Dynamic Table View (DTV)

Page 11 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

3.2. Enterprise Systems Integration
To ensure Data Liquidity, MDM Solutions need to be easily integrated into a client’s enterprise architecture. Riversand MDMCenter provides a unique Plug and Play Formatter concept allows for easy creation and use of data formatters to syndicate and provide data in formats required by external systems. For example, Riversand’s SAP formatter is used currently at one of our customers to provide data in an XML format that is required by SAP. MDMCenter is currently using this methodology to integrate with SAP for a customer with over 1 million items in the database. Other Formatters have been developed for ERP systems, BI tools, CRM packages and Print Publishing applications. Once a system is integrated using MDMCenter Formatters, MDMCenter provides user interfaces to aggregate and syndicate data to subscribing systems. These easy-to-use interfaces facilitates the flow of data to enterprise systems. Both the Data Aggregation and Data Syndication modules include the concept of “Integration Profiles” which define the data, delta, filters, triggers, and file format of each point of integration. Subscribing systems can have multiple profiles defined depending on the use case and data requirements. Along with our delta based synchronization and configurable delivery and request methods (file system, messaging queues, web services), the advanced syndication modules and profiles allow for easy integration with external systems and a higher level of Master Data Liquidity.

3.2.1.

Data Aggregation

MDMCenter’s Aggregation module enables clients to load entity information from external/internal systems such as ERP, PDM and CRM. These imports could be either for one-time data conversions or to manage ongoing near real-time data exchange interfaces to ensure Master Data Liquidity. Key features include:  Aggregation capabilities for any data entity type  Aggregation capabilities for metadata such as Classifications and Taxonomy Attribute Mappings  Delta functionality at an attribute level allows for incremental updates Page 12 of 38 Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0  Support for multiple standards & protocols (XML, Excel, text files, DB sources)  Scheduled or manual import capabilities  Support for file-based, Native API or Web Services based integration  Data Quality validation rules and data staging capabilities  Integration with MDMCenter’s Data Quality Management module (see below) for further quality processes

3.2.2.

Data Syndication

Like the Aggregation module, MDMCenter’s Syndication module allows automatic syndication “profiles” to be set up to filter and publish entity information to downstream systems like web content management, e-commerce applications, portals, CRM systems and customer eprocurement systems. This module is one of the key capabilities of MDMCenter enabling Data Liquidity. Like the Data Aggregation module, these exports can be either for one-time data conversions or to manage ongoing near real-time data exchange interfaces to ensure on-going Master Data Liquidity. Key features include:  Ability to extract content from MDMCenter in any required format (XML, Excel, Text files, Word and PDF)  Out-of-the-box for industry standards formats  Ability to filter data based on organizations, catalogs, categories, items and attributes  Unlimited syndication templates  Delta update capability with the ability to track every change published to every channel  Ability to track every change published to every channel at the attribute level

Page 13 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

3.3. Advanced Workflow Management
Riversand has recognized and met the need of organizations to collaborate across a global supply chain to implement business, data governance and master data management processes. Riversand’s Advanced Workflow module transforms people intensive, high cost operations into highly flexible automated processes that can be benchmarked and easily optimized. Riversand’s Advanced Workflow module has delivered breakthrough improvements in workforce productivity, data quality, management control and Master Data Liquidity. Some of the key benefits of Riversand’s Advanced Workflow module are:

 Improved processes for greater efficiency  Advanced Workflow allows you to rapidly create an automated BPM environment and realize efficiencies from optimized processes.  Keener competitive edge  Advanced Workflow provides a reliable, scalable and flexible process management platform that allows you to build and sustain your competitive edge.  Higher productivity  Fully integrated workflow for Riversand MDM Solutions. Advanced Workflow automates routine tasks, eliminates redundancies and helps your employees perform their tasks better.  Lower costs  Advanced Workflow not only reduces process cycle times but also lowers the cost of completion of each activity in a process.  Effective collaboration and communication Page 14 of 38 Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0  Advanced Workflow facilitates collaboration and communication within the enterprise and with business partners.  Better resource utilization  Human Workflow Services features in Advanced Workflow enable you to optimize task allocation and resource utilization.  Uninterrupted operations  Advanced Workflow provides your resources anytime, anywhere access to business processes, documents and other artifacts to ensure uninterrupted operations.  Increased ROI from technology investments  Advanced Workflow allows you to derive greater returns from your existing investments in technology.  Greater accountability and traceability  Advanced Workflow immediately brings transparency, traceability and accountability to business processes.

3.4. Data Modelling
Riversand’s Data Modelling capabilities are unmatched in the industry. The flexibility and extensibility of Riversand’s underlying data model represent one of our Solution’s main competitive advantages. Data modelling is supported by sophisticated capabilities that help

Page 15 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 manage complex data models. Complex attributes, flexible attribute definition, multiple types of data inheritance, relationships and multi-data domain support make up some of MDMCenter’s advanced data modelling functionality. To maximize benefits and support multiple use cases of Master Data Liquidity, it is imperative that an MDM Solution model any corporate information. MDMCenter’s sophisticated data modelling capability ensures that all corporate data can be modelled and managed within the system.

3.4.1.

Attribute Management

MDMCenter has a global Attribute Master that serves as the data dictionary to map and reuse common attributes across taxonomies, organization and catalogs. Key features include:  Ability to create data and system level attributes. Data attributes are associated with an entity and stores entity level information. System attributes are attributes that are associated with Objects or Entities such as Taxonomies, Catalogs, and Organizations etc. For example, GLN can be modeled as a system level attribute against the Organization object.  Data attributes are of 2 types: Common Attributes and Category specific attributes. Common Attributes are attributes that are common across all products, i.e., these are category independent attributes. For example, Product Description, Price etc.  Define properties for attributes to enable Auto-Display, Auto-Validation & context-sensitive Help  Ability to define data types and detailed constraints  Ability to create attribute groups, complex attributes and collections. The following screenshots illustrate the Riversand Attribute Master interface with Customer Data examples:

Page 16 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

3.4.2.

Taxonomy Management

Taxonomies Management enables enterprises to create data models that can serve as product templates for content authoring and exchanging. Multiple taxonomy management helps companies quickly develop data models across their organization. Key features include:  Classify products into hierarchies and categories.  Create 'many-to-many’ relationships between suppliers, internal business units and customers  Create multiple taxonomies to meet each individual business unit requirements  Out-of-the-box support for industry standard taxonomies Custom taxonomies can be created using a simple user interface. The user interface enables creation of categories, sub-categories and category attribute mappings. Attributes can be customized at the category level. Similar categories can be easily created using a copy/paste capability. In addition, an attribute can be mapped to multiple categories. The screenshot above right illustrates the taxonomy management module.

3.4.3.

Catalog Management

MDMCenter’s Catalog Management module enables users to introduce new items and update item attributes into multiple catalogs. Key features include:  Group products by region, product line or customer using multi-classification

Page 17 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0  Associate attributes to items as well as categories  Support product relationships such as Cross-sell, Up-sell, Bill-of-Material, and others  Search using keyword, parametric search, Boolean and product comparisons  Multi-language support for product content for global markets  Re-use product attribute values across catalogs and languages using data inheritance

3.4.4.

Organization Management

Organization Management module enables an enterprise to model its multiple internal divisions and external trading partners. Key features include:  Create Organizations to logically separate data and activities  Model internal business units such as Research & Development Product Management, Marketing, Sales Channels etc.  Model trading partners such as Suppliers, OEM Manufacturers, Distributors and Customers  Enables internal collaboration on Product Information Management through sharing and reuse of product information across business units.

3.4.5.

Relationships/BOM Management

MDMCenter allows organizations to define almost any relationship between data entities. This capability is very powerful in defining and managing such concepts as families, substitute products, crosssells/up-sells, spares, kits, Bills of Material (BOMs), etc. One aspect of Riversand’s relationship modelling capability is that the relationship itself can have attributes defined. For instance, prices for a product can differ if that product is being packaged as a set or the quantity of a product can be defined for a kit.

Page 18 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 Riversand’s ability to model BOMs is very sophisticated. Nested BOMs can be shown graphically within the MDMCenter interface and subassemblies can be exploded graphically. Furthermore, users can view images of an assembly and then click on subassemblies to drill down into the parts.

3.5. Data Quality Management (DQM)
A key differentiator for MDMCenter is its integrated Data Quality Management (DQM) module which offers data cleansing, normalization, enrichment, classification, data review and quality checking capabilities. The DQM module ensures that data flowing in and out of MDMCenter is accurate, normalized, complete and of high-quality. DQM capability is pervasive throughout the MDMCenter Solution, helping user migrate and maintain clean data. The DQM module allows for one or many administrator roles to assign and manage work across a team of users, including Riversand’s Data Quality Solutions Content Experts (or other 3rd party stakeholders). MDMCenter’s Data Quality Management module automates and streamlines workflow processes to substantially decrease the effort and time involved to review, approve and stage content in a format simple for publishing to Master Catalogs or enterprise systems. Riversand clients are able to quickly and easily implement their Data Governance strategies using this module as part of their overall MDM strategy. The MDMCenter Data Quality Management module enables automated data cleansing, content review and quality checking. Riversand’s tool allows for one or many administrator roles to assign and manage work across a team of users. The power of MDMCenter’s Data Quality Management module automates and streamlines workflow processes to substantially decrease the effort and time involved in implementing Governance policies throughout an organization. The product integrates seamlessly into the MDMCenter interface to enables effective review, approval and

Page 19 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 staging of content in a format simple for syndication to Riversand’s data master repository or other enterprise systems. In addition to our technology, Riversand provides a comprehensive range of Data Quality Services that encompasses the content creation process. Riversand has experienced resources to augment customer teams to support this process. Our teams consist of domain experts in a number areas such as Content Analysts, Classification Experts, Compliance Specialists, Quality Analysts, and Chemicals Domain Experts. These resources are either onshore or offshore to ensure a cost effective, efficient team for our clients. In addition to Riversand’s Content services, Riversand has extensive experience integrating its Solutions with additional 3rd party content providers for data enrichment. Riversand’s DQM module’s capabilities include the following:  Multiple Taxonomy/Schema Definition and Management  Classification  Attribute Extraction and population to schema  Data Enrichment  Normalization  Description Auto-generation  Duplicate Identification & Advanced Matching  Data Staging  Organization modeling and Workflow Management

3.6. Security and Data Access
To ensure that the flow of data within an organization is appropriate and controlled, MDMCenter uses a complex security model that controls access down to the attribute level. Users are associated to roles and security can be specified at the role or user level for granular control. Page 20 of 38 Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0 Access is granted based on the Organization(s) that the user/role belongs to and they can access only the data that belongs to their organizations. The security model in incorporated into the workflow process allowing for controlled access to specific data in different stages of the workflow. The security model can be integrated with 3rd party systems including Microosft Active Domain.

3.7. Data Globalization
MDMCenter also allows for the global flow of corporate data. For both data and GUI, MDMCenter supports most major languages and even differentiates among dialects (for instance, Brazilian Portuguese versus native Portuguese or Canadian French versus native French) and is able to work with Unicode character set. Administrators set GUI and data locales for individual users via a one-click process on the user profile.

3.8. Reporting and Data Measurement capabilities
To measure the flow of data within an organization, Riversand’s MDMCenter includes comprehensive reporting capability on data management and data quality metrics. Companies can use pre-built reports such as Change Reports, Monthly Update Frequency, New Item Introductions, Items by Type, Attributes, Users, User Activity, Item Status, Error Reporting, Data Richness, Productivity, Workflows In-Progress, Workflow Status, etc. In addition to pre-built reports, ad hoc reports can be developed and configured to meet the specific needs of each customer.

Page 21 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

In addition to the systems own reports, data can be exported to BI systems for inclusion in company-wide reports.

3.9. Dynamic Publishing Module (Optional)
Riversand offers an integarted Dynamic Publishing module. The solution is OEMed from InBetween, a world leader in dynamic publishing solutions. Integrated dynamic publishing will enable clients to more quickly and efficiently develop catalogs, market/customer specific catalogs, price sheets, sales flyers, inserts, web pages and other sales collateral. MDMCenter’s dynamic publishing module will enable more up-to-date information to be delivered later in the publishing process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. MDMCenter‘s dynamic publishing module includes the following capabilitities:  Fully automated, rule-based setting of documents or manual placement with manual pagemakeup  Possibility to mix datasources into one page layout  Unique and powerful graphical user-interface  Data definition  WYSIWYG template editing  Visual master page editing  Page planning and page redaction  Remote control of DTP-programs  More than DTP: growing and moving of frames, dynamic tables, rules & conditions

Page 22 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0  A server based publishing application with SOAP API, complete Integration into publication processes and 3rd party tools for preview and publication MDMCenter’s publishing solution enables output of product infomation and templates to a number of 3rd party publishing solutions (Quark Xpress, Adobe InDesign) and file formats (HTML, .pdf, Word and Powerpoint). Please see below for some sample files generated with MDMCenter’s Publishing module: Dynamic Publishing Module Output Samples

Sample Output: Adobe InDesign

Sample Output: Quark Express

Sample Output: HTML

Sample Output: .pdf

Page 23 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

3.10.

Digital Asset Management (Optional)

MDMCenter Version 6.0 includes a new optional add-on module which provides the ability to access related documents and other digital assets (such as images, drawings and multimedia files) associated with an entity directly from the MDMCenter record. This capability provides users with the ability to link to associated Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Service information quickly and easily. The DAM module stores or points to various types of unstructured content including but not limited to Word/PDF Documents, Images, Drawings, Flyers, Spreadsheets etc. Content stored in the DAM system can be tagged and indexed in various different ways. The DAM module provides context aware presentation of any additional digital content (Only Content related to the selected Entity will be presented to user). When an entity is viewed, the application generates a context based query, searches and retrieves all the relevant content for the entity. The DAM module has Real-time Integration into any DAM system available through standard APIs (Native Integration into MS SharePoint).

3.11. Product Data Refinement (Optional)
Riversand’s MDMCenter includes an optional Product Data Refinement (PDR) module which automates the process of extracting attributes from large blobs of unstructured information enabling companies to provide the best quality and most granular product data. This capability powers initiatives such as Data Refinement, Online Search, Guided Navigation and Product Comparisons. In a highly competitive landscape, having rich, accurate and consistent data can lead to better customer loyalty and stickiness leading to increased revenues. This module can also result cost savings due to reduced manual intervention and more efficient supplier data onboarding processes. Key features include:

Page 24 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0  Out-of-Box Catalog of data refinement rules  Business user friendly Rules Engine to create and maintain domain/category specific refinement rules  Supplier Portal – Specialized, Private, and Secure interface for suppliers  Quick and Easy methods of integrating to existing data sources such as Merchandising Systems, e-Commerce Catalogs, Data Warehouses etc.

Page 25 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

4. Quantifying the Value of Master Data Liquidity
In order to assist clients in quantifying the value or potential value of MDM and improved Master Data Liquidity within their organization, Riversand has developed the ValuestreamTM program. A Riversand ValuestreamTM assessment is a consultative, pre- or post-implementation analysis of the value of MDM to an organization in order to help build project support, justify investment and/or quantify impact Valuestream projects consist of a 2-3 week comprehensive engagement between Riversand Professional Services and key client stakeholders. Riversand’s experts work closely with clients to identify high-value use cases, analyze ROI and recommend best practices. Deliverables, including analysis, findings and recommendations, are customized to the needs of each client. Valuestream Program Benefits:              Fully customized – program designed to meet the needs of individual clients Identifies highest value use cases/applications Identifies and defines key performance metrics Quantifies total cost of ownership of MDM Quantifies potential benefits of MDM and Master Data Liquidity Quantifies potential ROI of MDM and Master Data Liquidity for an entire organization Justifies investment in MDM Provides industry benchmarks Identifies key stakeholders Develops organizational support and stakeholder buy-in Helps IT start to gather requirements from the business Jumpstarts MDM implementation Provides recommendations for implementation best practices

Page 26 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

5. Conclusions and Next Steps
Effective Master Data Management and improved Master Data Liquidity are initiatives which are currently being undertaken by leading organizations throughout the world. The companies are poised to improve their business performance in a number of areas throughout their global operations. The potential for success of an MDM initiative focused on improving Master Data Liquidity and/or other benefits of MDM will be drastically increased with the deployment of a robust MDM Solution such as Riversand’s MDMCenter Version 6.0. Benefits of this latest version of MDMCenter include improved data visibility; improved data liquidity; increased efficiencies due to data inheritance; improved data quality & business rule functionality; improved management of unstructured data; and improved dynamic, multi-channel data publishing. These capabilities will provide Riversand clients with improved ability to model, aggregate, cleanse, manage and syndicate complex multi-entity master data across global organizations. We invite you to find out more at: www.riversand.com Or request a discussion and demo at: www.riversand.com/company/request.aspx

Page 27 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

6. Appendix: Riversand References
Riversand has unmatched technology, a world-class team of consultants and a proven methodology to ensure our clients’ success. Riversand has extensive experience deploying global implementations of Master Data Management, Data Quality and Business Process Management Solutions throughout the world. Riversand’s customer base includes many Global1000 companies as well as smaller, innovative companies who are looking to grow their business through data-driven competitive advantage. Our organization includes multi-national teams that are available at offices throughout the world. In addition, Riversand works with an extensive network of global delivery partners and is open to partner with any company at our client’s request. Currently, Riversand is providing implementation and support services to companies across five continents and is being considered for more global projects each day. Most importantly, our global implementations are supported by knowledgeable experts and the most advanced, flexible MDM Solutions on the market. The following is a brief summary of a few of our successes:

VF Corporation, the world’s largest Apparel Manufacturer and Retailer, has selected Riversand as its strategic supplier of MDM Solutions and Services. Riversand plans to deploy MDMCenter across all 38 VF Brands on a global basis for Product, Customer and Vendor data. As part of this relationship, Riversand conducted an extensive analysis of the impact and ROI potential of deploying MDM throughout the organization.

Page 28 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

Weatherford implemented Riversand MDM solution to centralize all product information. Riversand MDMCenter links Weatherford’s suppliers, internal business units and customers to streamline the management of content aggregation, enrichment and syndication. The central repository of product & pricing information will be used to generate customer-specific catalogs, feed quoting tools, and create and update print catalogs and technical datasheets on an ongoing basis

Cytec, one of the world’s largest Chemical and Engineered Materials companies, is currently undertaking a multi-domain implementation of master data management. Riversand’s MDMCenter will be used to manage Customer, Vendor and Product data across all of Cytec’s global divisions.

ConocoPhillips is currently undergoing through a material standardization effort to create a single unified material master for SAP MM. Riversand is currently providing material cleansing services for supplier material master classification, attribute extraction, cleansing & normalization. Riversand is leveraging Data Quality Solutions cleansing capabilities provide the necessary toolset to meet ConocoPhillips needs

Riversand implemented a commercial workflow project to provide a view into Halliburton’s business processes to its customers and partners using the SeeBeyond Suite of EAI products. The effort involved integrating with systems like SAP to extract information such as Proposals, Job Scheduling, Invoice, Invoice Status, Debit / Credit Memos, Customer Master, Material Master, Price/Contracts, Sales Orders and Field Tickets

Page 29 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Master Data Liquidity with MDMCenter Version 6.0

Implemented Riversand MDM Solution to aggregate, manage & syndicate product and pricing information to their international field estimation tools to manage their building projects. This will enable the international field offices to generate project quotes with the latest, most up-to-date and accurate product and pricing information. Accurate & up-to-date product and pricing information will enable Siemens sales force across the globe to be more responsive to their customers through faster and quicker proposal generation

GHX is the world largest marketplace for healthcare products. The Riversand MDM solution supports a product dataset of 2 million items on-boarded from approximately 500 healthcare suppliers and published to 3000 hospitals. The solution has about 300-500 users actively using the solution at any given moment.

Bluestem Brands is one of the U.S.’s oldest and best know Direct Marketers. Riversand is fully managing the supplier data on-boarding, enrichment and syndication process for Bluestem. We have integrated into over 20 Enterprise systems while maintaining the single version of the truth for Product and Vendor data throughout the organization.

Page 30 of 38

Copyright© 2001-2010 Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close