Collaborative Master Data Management via Service-Oriented Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current master data management systems lack integration with business process management systems, leading to limited flexibility and consistency in managing and maintaining master data across heterogeneous IT landscapes, resulting in inconsistent or redundant data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for collaborative master data management that utilizes a service-oriented architecture, exposing master data management functionality as web services and providing web-based data governance interfaces to enable authorized users to generate, modify, and manage data processes with minimal technical expertise, integrating with SAP NetWeaver MDM and BPM to provide multi-domain solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If master data management systems use traditional SQL-based database management, then data storage and retrieval are supported, but integration with business process management systems is limited and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service layer with web service interfaces as an intermediary between the SQL-based database management system and business process management systems. This service layer exposes master data management functionality through standardized web services, enabling integration with heterogeneous business processes without requiring direct SQL access or complex point-to-point integrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct layers: the database management layer (SQL-based), the service layer (web services exposing MDM functionality), and the business process layer. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, improving adaptability while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns.
2Reliability
If advanced master data management functionality is provided through thick shell architecture, then data management capability is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility to non-technical users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Web service interfaces act as an intermediary that presents a simplified, standardized interface to users while maintaining the complex functionality of the underlying master data management system. Users interact with web-based interfaces that handle the complexity of data management operations behind the scenes, making advanced functionality accessible to non-technical users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interfaces (SQL queries, database connection strings, technical configuration files) with web-based interfaces that use standardized HTTP protocols and graphical user interfaces. This substitution makes the system accessible to users without technical expertise in database management while preserving the robust functionality of the underlying system.
3Reliability
If master data management systems are integrated across heterogeneous IT landscapes, then data consistency is improved, but the spread of inconsistent or redundant data increases without proper governance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal web service interfaces that can be accessed by multiple different business process management systems and applications. These web services provide a common, standardized interface for data access and governance operations, enabling consistent data management across heterogeneous IT landscapes through a single, multi-functional interface rather than multiple system-specific integrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates governance processes that provide feedback mechanisms for monitoring and maintaining data consistency across the enterprise. Web services expose functionality for data validation, approval workflows, and governance policies that actively monitor and correct inconsistencies, creating a closed-loop system that maintains data quality across distributed systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing collaborative master data process management. A master data store comprises data for at least one data domain. A master data management module is configured to provide access to the data to one or more applications. A master data management service module provides at least one service providing access to the data based on a service-oriented architecture. A business process management module is configured to generate, execute and manage at least one business process related to the data domain. The at least one business process uses at least one of the at least one service provided by the master data management service module. A master data process module is configured to generate at least one data process comprising a business process involving an operation on the data.