Master Data Management (MDM) as a philosophy proposes to have a discrete data model, or schema, that serves as the repository for core reference data that is used across the organization. The concept of MDM has these reference data stored and managed as core processes that maintain a unique and managed list of information for downstream analyses and operational applications.

For example, a Master Data Repository of patient data would provide a single source of reference information for all patients. The patient information would be gleaned from the myriad operational systems and using a data integration process would add, update, and merge all patient data from the various source systems and populate or update the patient records as they existed in the MDM or reference tables. The use of data quality and matching technologies are extremely important in this process to accurately maintain the reference files. The patient reference table(s) will then serve as the an “information hub” – or source -- for all transactional-focused data models (and resultant data marts) that use patient data and will ensure that they are keyed to a common reference id whenever referring to patients.

Claraview’s approach to Master Data Management follows its general BI and delivery management philosophy. The approach is to develop the Master Data Repository incrementally with an overarching goal of supporting the enterprise long-term. For each increment, Claraview works with business and IT staff to identify the entities, source systems, business rules for conflict resolution, consolidation process, data stewardship process, and presentation and reporting requirements for the Master Data Repository.