SAP Master Data Management
Encyclopedia
SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management (SAP NW MDM) is a component of SAP
's NetWeaver
product group and is used as a platform to consolidate, cleanse and synchronise a single version of the truth for master data within a heterogeneous application landscape. It has the ability to distribute internally and externally to SAP and non-SAP applications. SAP MDM is a key enabler of SAP Service-Oriented Architecture
. Standard system architecture would consist of a single central MDM server connected to client systems through SAP Exchange Infrastructure using XML
documents, although connectivity without SAP XI can also be achieved. There are five standard implementation scenarios:
Some features (for example, workflow) require custom development out of the box to provide screens for end users to use.
space called A2i. This code has become the basis for the currently shipping SAP MDM 5.5, and as such, most analysts consider SAP MDM to be more of a PIM than a general MDM product at this time.
SAP NetWeaver MDM 7.1 was released in ramp-up shipment in November 2008 and unrestricted shipment in May 2009. This new version has an enhanced MDM technology foundation to build pre-packaged business scenarios and integration.
analysts, based on their successful implementations of very complex MDM projects.
SAP AG
SAP AG is a German software corporation that makes enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. Headquartered in Walldorf, Baden-Württemberg, with regional offices around the world, SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software...
's NetWeaver
NetWeaver
SAP NetWeaver is SAP's integrated technology computing platform and is the technical foundation for many SAP applications since the SAP Business Suite. SAP NetWeaver is marketed as a service-oriented application and integration platform...
product group and is used as a platform to consolidate, cleanse and synchronise a single version of the truth for master data within a heterogeneous application landscape. It has the ability to distribute internally and externally to SAP and non-SAP applications. SAP MDM is a key enabler of SAP Service-Oriented Architecture
Service-oriented architecture
In software engineering, a Service-Oriented Architecture is a set of principles and methodologies for designing and developing software in the form of interoperable services. These services are well-defined business functionalities that are built as software components that can be reused for...
. Standard system architecture would consist of a single central MDM server connected to client systems through SAP Exchange Infrastructure using XML
XML
Extensible Markup Language is a set of rules for encoding documents in machine-readable form. It is defined in the XML 1.0 Specification produced by the W3C, and several other related specifications, all gratis open standards....
documents, although connectivity without SAP XI can also be achieved. There are five standard implementation scenarios:
- Content Consolidation - centralised cleansing, de-duplication and consolidation, enabling key mapping and consolidated group reporting in SAP BI. No re-distribution of cleansed data.
- Master Data Harmonisation - as for Content Consolidation, plus re-distribution of cleansed, consolidated master data.
- Central Master data managementMaster Data ManagementIn computing, master data management comprises a set of processes and tools that consistently defines and manages the non-transactional data entities of an organization...
- as for Master Data Harmonisation, but all master data is maintained in the central MDM system. No maintenance of master data occurs in the connected client systems. - Rich Product Content Management - Catalogue management and publishing. Uses elements of Content Consolidation to centrally store rich content (images, PDF files, video, sound etc.) together with standard content in order to produce product catalogues (web or print). Has standard adapters to export content to Desktop PublishingDesktop publishingDesktop publishing is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer.The term has been used for publishing at all levels, from small-circulation documents such as local newsletters to books, magazines and newspapers...
packages. - Global Data Synchronization - provides consistent trade item information exchange with retailers through data hubs (e.g. 1SYNC)
Some features (for example, workflow) require custom development out of the box to provide screens for end users to use.
History
SAP is currently on its second iteration of MDM software. Facing limited adoption of its initial release, SAP changed direction and in 2004 purchased a small vendor in the PIMProduct Information Management
Product information management or PIM refers to processes and technologies focused on centrally managing information about products, with a focus on the data required to market and sell the products through one or more distribution channels...
space called A2i. This code has become the basis for the currently shipping SAP MDM 5.5, and as such, most analysts consider SAP MDM to be more of a PIM than a general MDM product at this time.
SAP NetWeaver MDM 7.1 was released in ramp-up shipment in November 2008 and unrestricted shipment in May 2009. This new version has an enhanced MDM technology foundation to build pre-packaged business scenarios and integration.
Recognition
Two of the top three finalists of the Gartner MDM Excellence Awards 2009 were SAP NetWeaver MDM customers: Kraft Foods and BP ranked 1st and 2nd by a team of GartnerGartner
Gartner, Inc. is an information technology research and advisory firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. It was known as GartnerGroup until 2001....
analysts, based on their successful implementations of very complex MDM projects.
External links
- Enterprise Master Data Management featuring SAP NetWeaver MDM on SAP Developer Network (SDN)SAP Developer NetworkSAP Developer Network is an online community for SAP developers. It is a resource and collaboration channel for SAP developers, architects, consultants and integrators. SDN Hosts forums, expert blogs, a technical library, downloads, a code gallery, Elearning catalog , a Wiki and more...
- SAP MDM Page
- SAP Buys A2i's Technology for Master Data Management