Solutions Review’s Contributed Content Series is a collection of contributed articles written by thought leaders in enterprise technology. In this feature, Semarchy CEO T.H. Herbert offers a commentary on what’s next for MDM: the future of MDM and what to expect.
Organizations in all industries are aware of the importance of digital transformation in 2023. As executives face endless heaps of customer data, it’s apparent that new strategies must be implemented to improve organizational hygiene and streamline internal operations. Legacy systems are a thing of the past, and their silos inhibit cross-departmental collaboration and productivity.
This is where master data management (MDM) comes in.
Defined as “a technology-enabled discipline,” MDM is necessary for organizations that want to manage their critical data assets effectively—and with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.7 percent between 2022 and 2027—these strategies show no signs of slowing down.
But MDM should not be considered technology alone or just a strategy. Rather, it should be an initiative—a vision that calls for continuous innovation in data management, governance, and integration. Unifying business and data technology, MDM solutions allow companies to win in the digital experience economy and develop a growth mindset—and those that do implement successful growth mindsets are 2.4 times more likely to outperform their competitors.
By implementing the right MDM solutions, organizations can overcome the hurdles posed by economic volatility and maximize the value of their data assets. These solutions offer the ability to unify and centralize critical data across various applications, enabling a seamless flow of information throughout the enterprise. This centralized approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also facilitates accurate and timely decision-making processes. With 77 percent of U.S. companies relying on data to make their everyday decisions, they must choose a future-first MDM solution.
Moreover, in an era where data is often scattered across disparate systems and applications, the need for a unique source of trusted data has never been more apparent. MDM addresses this challenge by establishing a reliable foundation for data governance. By consolidating and harmonizing data from different sources, MDM ensures that organizations have access to consistent, accurate, and up-to-date information. This, in turn, empowers businesses to implement robust data governance practices, comply with regulatory requirements, and mitigate risks associated with data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Here are three insights into the future of master data management, what business leaders should expect in its evolution, and the key features that will allow them to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing market.
The Future of MDM
Deliver Data-Rich Apps with Business-Driven Interfaces
In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, organizations must prioritize the ability to swiftly build and deploy custom, data-rich applications that are tailored to their unique requirements. Therefore, when selecting an MDM solution, the capability to cater to specific business needs should be a top criterion for all organizations.
Generic industry templates may provide a quick start, but they often fall short in meeting the intricate and specific requirements of each organization. In contrast, a customizable MDM solution empowers businesses to create data models, data-driven workflows, and user interfaces that align precisely with their unique processes and goals.
Additionally, customized MDM solutions enable organizations to define data validation rules, establish data stewardship workflows, and enforce data quality standards that are directly relevant to their operations. This targeted approach ensures that data is accurate, consistent, and reliable, ultimately enhancing decision-making processes and supporting strategic initiatives.
Set the Stage for Strategic Enterprise Initiatives
Master data management plays a vital and indispensable role in providing high-quality data to a wide range of enterprise applications, operational processes, and analytics structures, such as data warehouses and data lakes. By establishing and maintaining a strong foundation of accurate and reliable data, MDM paves the way for advanced analytics, data science, AI/ML use cases and other strategic enterprise initiatives.
These technologies and initiatives heavily rely on high-quality and well-curated data for training and modeling purposes. By leveraging MDM to establish a unified and reliable data foundation, organizations can optimize the effectiveness and accuracy of AI/ML algorithms, enabling more accurate predictions, personalized recommendations, and intelligent automation.
Why is this so important? Customers in 2023 demand customized solutions—and 54 percent of consumers say they expect all experiences to be personalized. Also, Research shows that your company’s online conversion rate can improve by roughly 8 percent when you include personalized consumer experiences. Working this personalization into your data foundation will prioritize your customers’ needs and increase retention rates.
Operate at the Intersection of Technology, Processes & People
Having a great solution is only the start of the journey toward achieving optimal results in MDM. While technology plays a crucial role, it must be complemented by the expertise and efforts of dedicated individuals as well as a well-defined and efficient process. The success of MDM implementation hinges on the collaboration of a seasoned team equipped with deep domain knowledge, delivery assurance capabilities, and a commitment to providing world-class support. Simultaneously, the adoption of an intelligent process and deployment approach is equally essential.
In fact, a seasoned team forms the backbone of a successful MDM initiative. With their extensive experience and specialized skills, they bring valuable insights and best practices to the table. They provide a guiding hand throughout the MDM implementation process, ensuring that timelines are met, deliverables are of the highest quality, and potential risks are identified and mitigated.
In parallel to the people aspect, the process and deployment approach are equally vital in ensuring the success of MDM. An intelligent process involves well-defined workflows, standardized methodologies, and best-in-class practices that guide the implementation journey. This process ensures that all necessary steps are followed, from data profiling and cleansing to data integration and governance. It streamlines the MDM implementation, enabling efficient collaboration between stakeholders, minimizing errors, and promoting consistent data quality across the enterprise.
By prioritizing both people and processes, organizations can unlock the full potential of MDM, enabling data-driven decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, and gaining a competitive advantage in the dynamic business landscape.
- What’s Next for MDM: The Future & What to Expect - August 4, 2023
T.H. Herbert
T.H. Herbert is the Chief Executive Officer of Semarchy. He is responsible for ensuring the success of Semarchy for its customers, employees, and shareholders. Before joining Semarchy, he was Senior Vice President of Sales for AST Corporation, a large Systems Integration Firm, and Head of Operations in Australia, APAC, and Europe.
