Question

Explain why, given the benefits of a coordinated, integrated data architecture, some organizations still maintain multiple databases. Provide an example to illustrate your explanation. Discuss how master data management assists in the management of multiple databases. Illustrate your explanation with an example.

Answer 1

Reason for maintaining multiple databases:-

Organizations are complex systems that consists of interrelated and interlocking subsystems.Changes in one part of system have both anticipated and unanticipated consequences in other parts of the system.Organizations continues to face issues with data as they grow.A centralized data may occur problems due to data loss,error prone PCs.

DATA WAREHOUSE is the concept for maintaining coordinated and integrated data architecture.Directly analyzing the data that is needed for day-to-day operations is not a good idea.Organizations also want to analyze the data in a historical sense.How does the data we have today compare with same set of data this time,last month,or last year?From these needs arose the concept of data warehouse.

Multiple databases or distributed databases -

A distributed database is a database that consists of two or more files located in different sites either on the same network or on entirely different networks.Portions of database are stored in mutiple physical locations and processing is distributed among multiple database nodes.

5 main facilities of distributed DBMS over simple DBMS-

• Consists of multiple database files located at different sites.
• Allows multiple users to access and manipulate data.
• If one site fails,data is retrievable.
• Multiple files from dispersed databases are synchronized.
• Files delivered quickly from location nearest to the user.

Benefits -

• location independent
• distributed query processing
• hardware independent
• operating system independent
• network independent
• DBMS independent

REASONS to use-

• Systems can be expanded by adding new computers and local data to the new site and connecting them to the distributed system without interruption.
• When a component fails in a a distributed database systems,however,the system will continue to function at reduced performance until the error is fixed.
• Admins can achieve lower communication costs for distributed database systems if the data is located close to where it is used the most.

MASTER DATA MANAGEMENT(MDM)-

This is a method used to define and manage the critical data of an organization to provide,with data integration,a single point of reference.

Masler Table ing Apeications Erist Caristring Apeications Mastar Table Data Warehouse Mater pala OR Management Analyienl Syctions New treicacons Appications Master Table

1. DATA EXCHANGE-

Master data manager Work flow Central database ----> Local database A

and Local NAV key users

Local database B

and

Local database C  

The way MDMS function is illustrated above in the diagram.Like in any organizations,some top-down guidelines are forwarded to individual branch offices.However,for MDMS the whole process passes through the central database.

2. MASTER DATA STORED IN ONE PLACE-

The central database is developed to create and manage cards of :-

• items
• pricelists
• customers
• vendors
• and many others.

Data located in a central database is replicated to subsidiaries.

3. DATA DISTRIBUTION METHODS-

a) Directly- to companies working on NAV (automatically as XML files).

b) Via interface- in the case of other ERP systems.There is an option to develop a special mechanism facilitating automatic and complete data synchronization with a central datatase.

c) Via email- to companies which do not work on ERP system or to single individuals(such as local dealers,representatives).

BENEFITS-

• Faster implementation of changes within the company.
• Simplified and more efficient data management from headquarters.
• Complete master data synchronization in all subsidiaries.
• Coherent technical and marketing data.
• Streamlined data exchange.

SCENARIO FOR USE OF USING MDM-

CREATING A NEW ITEM CARD:-

A) BUSINESS LEVEL-

Chief sales officer Master data manager Chief sales officer Master data manager System

----> ----> ----> ---->

head office head office head office head office

B) DYNAMICS LEVEL-

New item appears New item created   New item card approved Recipient list setup Item card created

----> ----> ----> --->

in the product portfolio in central database in recipients' DBs.

C) MDMS LEVEL-

Central DB Central DB Central DB ------Data---------> Local DBs

Synchronization