Riversand MDMCenter Version 6.0

Transcription

1 Riversand Technologies, Inc. Powering Accurate Product Information Improving Master Data Liquidity with Riversand MDMCenter Version 6.0 A Riversand Technologies Whitepaper

2 Table of Contents 1. Defining Master Data Liquidity The Benefits of Master Data Liquidity MDMCenter V6.0 & Master Data Liquidity Data Visibility Consolidated, Web based User Dashboard Entity Explorer Entity Editor Data Views Enterprise Systems Integration Data Aggregation Data Syndication Advanced Workflow Management Data Modeling Attribute Management Taxonomy Management Catalog Management Organization Management Relationships/BOM Management Data Quality Management (DQM) Security and Data Access Data Globalization Reporting and Data Measurement capabilities Dynamic Publishing Module (Optional) Digital Asset Management (Optional) Product Data Refinement (Optional) Quantifying the Value of Master Data Liquidity Conclusions and Next Steps Appendix: Riversand References Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 27

3 1. Defining Master Data Liquidity In today s information driven business environment, effective data management is a corporate imperative. Capturing and leveraging comprehensive data on various key corporate entities such as customers, products, vendors, employees, assets etc. is critical to business success. Unfortunately, many companies struggle to manage and monetize all of their data assets. Companies continually fail to realize data driven strategic insights and operational efficiencies. These companies are forfeiting significant business benefits. And they will be at a disadvantage against more sophisticated competitors. Often the problem lies with the systems, processes and personnel involved in managing and maintaining corporate data. Separate systems, organizations and processes create separate pools of data for instance a spreadsheet sitting unshared on a user s desktop. Furthermore, data can be held in huge reservoirs, locked away in vast databases which are inaccessible to business users or systems that need it. As a result, critical business data does not flow throughout the organization. Organizations need to eliminate these pools of data. Much like the flow of water, data liquidity is a measurement of the ease in which data flows throughout an organization. Unfortunately, many companies struggle to manage and monetize all of their data assets. To be sure, the continuity of complete data throughout the supply chain is critically important. The ability to manage the flow of rich, accurate and high quality data is called Data Liquidity. Much like the flow of water, data liquidity is a measurement of the ease in which data flows throughout an organization. Taken in its broadest interpretation, it can describe the characteristics of the flow of data as well for instance, is it of high quality, accurate, normalized, complete, timely, and relevant? Finally, from a more financial perspective, data liquidity can describe how well data assets are being turned into top and bottom line business benefits. These concepts are not new the data liquidity concept has been used in Data Management since However, data liquidity has taken on new importance in the burgeoning field of Master Data Management (MDM). The management of master data involves the practice of acquiring, improving, maintaining and sharing a single version of the truth for various corporate data entities such as Products, Customers, Vendors, Employees, Materials, etc. Having a holistic record of multiple corporate entities populated with high quality data ensures subscribing systems and stakeholders have consistent and correct information. The application of Master Data throughout an organization has been proven to significantly improve business results across a variety of industries. It can be a single use case solution or a major global initiative positively affecting almost every area of a business. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 27

4 Unfortunately, many companies do not fully understand MDM s potential ability to improve their business. Nor do most achieve master data liquidity the free flow of master data throughout a company. Master Data Liquidity is primarily achieved by deploying a Master Data Management Solution that can automate the management and distribution of master data. In order to realize the promises of MDM and Master Data Liquidity, an MDM system must be robust, fully integrated and flexible in order to address all organizational data, systems, people and processes. Master Data Liquidity is primarily achieved by deploying a Master Data Management Solution that can automate the management and distribution of master data. This Riversand Technologies whitepaper will further discuss the concept of Master Data Liquidity, its benefits and how it may be achieved through Master Data Management Solutions such as Riversand s industry leading MDM Solution, MDMCenter Version 6.0. The Three Aspects of Master Data Liquidity 1) Master Data Flow 2) Quality of Master Data 3) Financial Return on Master Data Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 4 of 27

5 2. The Benefits of Master Data Liquidity Imagine if each of your employees could have the right information, at the right time, in the right format, language, unit of measure, etc. This ideal is achievable today by increasing Master Data Liquidity. Companies who have implemented advanced MDM Solutions as part of an overall Data Governance and MDM initiative have been able to achieve a higher level of Master Data Liquidity (see Section 6 Appendix: Riversand References). An integrated MDM Solution works in harmony to ensure master records of high quality data automatically or manually flow to downstream systems or other stakeholders in an organization s global supply chain (including vendors and customers). This orchestration drastically increases operational efficiencies and opportunities for a broad set of business benefits. Below is a list of just some of the benefits that companies deploying MDM Solutions have realized: Benefits of MDM and Master Data Liquidity Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 5 of 27

6 It should be clear to all that users need a system which transverses pools of data and provides a robust set of functionality and tools to manage and syndicate master data where and when it is needed. An example of such a powerful MDM Solution is MDMCenter from Riversand Technologies. To achieve master data liquidity in large, complex global organizations, MDMCenter offers advanced, integrated capabilities in the areas of: Data Visibility Data Management and Editing Catalog/Taxonomy Management with Data Inheritance Entity Relationship Management Customized Data Views and Security/Access Rights Data Globalization Data Enrichment and Refinement Data Aggregation/Syndication Data Quality Data Governance Workflow/Business Process Management Data Publishing Digital Asset Management The following sections will discuss Riversand s MDMCenter s capabilities, associated benefits and how master data liquidity is enabled. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 6 of 27

7 3. MDMCenter V6.0 & Master Data Liquidity Riversand s flagship MDM product, Riversand MDMCenter, is built on a functionally rich, extensible MDM platform and allows the modeling and management of multiple corporate entities including Products, Vendors, Customers, Employees, etc. Among other benefits, the Solution is designed to help companies improve Master Data Liquidity. The sections below outline the Solutions features and benefits and how they improve Master Data Liquidity Data Visibility Consolidated, Web-based User Dashboard MDMCenter includes an intuitive web based User Dashboard which facilitates user access to all data, tasks, application modules and functionality. Efficient access to corporate master data ensures the right data is being used by an organization throughout its supply chain. MDMCenter s Dashboard provides a single interface and easy one click access to Tasks, Reports, Application Modules, Data, Search queries, Quicklinks, Documents, Productivity Tools and more. The task list provides users with a view of each task awaiting his/her attention with a global view of the workflow that routed the task to their Dashboard. This ensures that data and business processes flow smoothly throughout the organization. Here is an example of MDMCenter s User Dashboard: Easy one click access to Tasks, Reports, Application Modules, Data, Search Queries, Quicklinks, Documents, Productivity Tools and more from the User Dashboard Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 7 of 27

8 Entity Explorer Within MDMCenter, an entity can be any corporate data asset products, customers, vendors, employees, etc. MDMCenter s Entity Explorer gives users the ability to navigate to, search on, and filter out any entity defined within the system, as well as perform necessary actions on discovered entities. This improves overall data quality and data visibility. The Entity Explorer consists of three main sections main search criteria, stage criteria and category criteria to fulfill its Search functionality. MDMCenter will combine all three criteria into a complex query to find the appropriate search results. MDMCenter s Entity Explorer page looks like following: Stage and Category criteria Main Search criteria Result Grid Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 8 of 27

9 This single search interface represents a powerful tool to search through an organization s entire repository of master data to find the right record. This improves internal efficiency, data access and data quality (due to reduced duplicate record generation). The Entity Explorer is another way MDMCenter manages to ensure the proper flow of quality data throughout an organization Entity Editor An entity has associated data like the category it belongs to, the container/catalog to which it is mapped, the various attributes that comprise the entity etc. Within MDMCenter, the user has many mechanisms to fetch these critical details. Furthermore, the Entity Editor gives the user the capability to populate details that are missing in an Entity. In other words, users can perform tasks to ensure a particular entity is complete and understand any remaining gaps. The Entity Editor allows users to create and modify entities, attributes, and relationships; view catalog or container information connected with an Entity. It also allows user to edit multiple entities. User can see the status of an entity (for instance, staged or production ) and it allows them to navigate to the screens to complete record editing. The Entity Editor thereby provides a single interface to ensure Entity completion. Entity Editor features include: Create a short cut to your frequently accessed attributes Create attribute based views attributes of an entity in a single window View the containers impacted by the modification of an entity Assign entities from parent catalog or container to the sub container or slave containers View the SKU details for a particular entity View attribute based on their groups The Entity Editor has a host of options to edit the entity values. You can view the details of the complex attributes, view the taxonomy and category details and view the version details about the entity being edited. An example of the Entity Editor is provided below: Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 9 of 27

10 My Views Pane Entity Editor Containers Pane State Views Pane Standard Views Pane Entity Variants Pane Data Views MDMCenter provides the capability to define, manage and use multiple views into and organization s data. For instance, data can be defined and presented by category, sales region or industry vertical (to name just a few). Different Views for Product, Vendor, Partner, Customer and other data types can be presented to users in a variety of ways. Some of the key view types available are: Hierarchy View, Dynamic Hierarchy View (DHV), Table View, Dynamic Table View (DTV) Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 10 of 27

11 3.2. Enterprise Systems Integration To ensure Data Liquidity, MDM Solutions need to be easily integrated into a client s enterprise architecture. Riversand MDMCenter provides a unique Plug and Play Formatter concept allows for easy creation and use of data formatters to syndicate and provide data in formats required by external systems. For example, Riversand s SAP formatter is used currently at one of our customers to provide data in an XML format that is required by SAP. MDMCenter is currently using this methodology to integrate with SAP for a customer with over 1 million items in the database. Other Formatters have been developed for ERP systems, BI tools, CRM packages and Print Publishing applications. Once a system is integrated using MDMCenter Formatters, MDMCenter provides user interfaces to aggregate and syndicate data to subscribing systems. These easy to use interfaces facilitates the flow of data to enterprise systems. Both the Data Aggregation and Data Syndication modules include the concept of Integration Profiles which define the data, delta, filters, triggers, and file format of each point of integration. Subscribing systems can have multiple profiles defined depending on the use case and data requirements. Along with our delta based synchronization and configurable delivery and request methods (file system, messaging queues, web services), the advanced syndication modules and profiles allow for easy integration with external systems and a higher level of Master Data Liquidity Data Aggregation MDMCenter s Aggregation module enables clients to load entity information from external/internal systems such as ERP, PDM and CRM. These imports could be either for one time data conversions or to manage ongoing near real time data exchange interfaces to ensure Master Data Liquidity. Key features include: Aggregation capabilities for any data entity type Aggregation capabilities for metadata such as Classifications and Taxonomy Attribute Mappings Delta functionality at an attribute level allows for incremental updates Support for multiple standards & protocols (XML, Excel, text files, DB sources) Scheduled or manual import capabilities Support for file based, Native API or Web Services based integration Data Quality validation rules and data staging capabilities Integration with MDMCenter s Data Quality Management module (see below) for further quality processes Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 11 of 27

12 Data Syndication Like the Aggregation module, MDMCenter s Syndication module allows automatic syndication profiles to be set up to filter and publish entity information to downstream systems like web content management, e commerce applications, portals, CRM systems and customer e procurement systems. This module is one of the key capabilities of MDMCenter enabling Data Liquidity. Like the Data Aggregation module, these exports can be either for one time data conversions or to manage ongoing near real time data exchange interfaces to ensure on going Master Data Liquidity. Key features include: Ability to extract content from MDMCenter in any required format (XML, Excel, Text files, Word and PDF) Out of the box for industry standards formats Ability to filter data based on organizations, catalogs, categories, items and attributes Unlimited syndication templates Delta update capability with the ability to track every change published to every channel Ability to track every change published to every channel at the attribute level Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 12 of 27

13 3.3. Advanced Workflow Management Riversand has recognized and met the need of organizations to collaborate across a global supply chain to implement business, data governance and master data management processes. Riversand s Advanced Workflow module transforms people intensive, high cost operations into highly flexible automated processes that can be benchmarked and easily optimized. Riversand s Advanced Workflow module has delivered breakthrough improvements in workforce productivity, data quality, management control and Master Data Liquidity. Some of the key benefits of Riversand s Advanced Workflow module are: Improved processes for greater efficiency Advanced Workflow allows you to rapidly create an automated BPM environment and realize efficiencies from optimized processes. Keener competitive edge Advanced Workflow provides a reliable, scalable and flexible process management platform that allows you to build and sustain your competitive edge. Higher productivity Fully integrated workflow for Riversand MDM Solutions. Advanced Workflow automates routine tasks, eliminates redundancies and helps your employees perform their tasks better. Lower costs Advanced Workflow not only reduces process cycle times but also lowers the cost of completion of each activity in a process. Effective collaboration and communication Advanced Workflow facilitates collaboration and communication within the enterprise and with business partners. Better resource utilization Human Workflow Services features in Advanced Workflow enable you to optimize task allocation and resource utilization. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 13 of 27

14 Uninterrupted operations Advanced Workflow provides your resources anytime, anywhere access to business processes, documents and other artifacts to ensure uninterrupted operations. Increased ROI from technology investments Advanced Workflow allows you to derive greater returns from your existing investments in technology. Greater accountability and traceability Advanced Workflow immediately brings transparency, traceability and accountability to business processes Data Modeling Riversand s Data Modeling capabilities are unmatched in the industry. The flexibility and extensibility of Riversand s underlying data model represent one of our Solution s main competitive advantages. Data modeling is supported by sophisticated capabilities that help manage complex data models. Complex attributes, flexible attribute definition, multiple types of data inheritance, relationships and multi data domain support make up some of MDMCenter s advanced data modeling functionality. To maximize benefits and support multiple use cases of Master Data Liquidity, it is imperative that an MDM Solution model any corporate information. MDMCenter s sophisticated data modeling capability ensures that all corporate data can be modeled and managed within the system Attribute Management MDMCenter has a global Attribute Master that serves as the data dictionary to map and reuse common attributes across taxonomies, organization and catalogs. Key features include: Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 14 of 27

15 Ability to create data and system level attributes. Data attributes are associated with an entity and stores entity level information. System attributes are attributes that are associated with Objects or Entities such as Taxonomies, Catalogs, and Organizations etc. For example, GLN can be modeled as a system level attribute against the Organization object. Data attributes are of 2 types: Common Attributes and Category specific attributes. Common Attributes are attributes that are common across all products, i.e., these are category independent attributes. For example, Product Description, Price etc. Define properties for attributes to enable Auto Display, Auto Validation & context sensitive Help Ability to define data types and detailed constraints Ability to create attribute groups, complex attributes and collections. The following screenshots illustrate the Riversand Attribute Master interface with Customer Data examples: Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 15 of 27

16 Taxonomy Management Taxonomies Management enables enterprises to create data models that can serve as product templates for content authoring and exchanging. Multiple taxonomy management helps companies quickly develop data models across their organization. Key features include: Classify products into hierarchies and categories Create 'many to many relationships between suppliers, internal business units and customers Create multiple taxonomies to meet each individual business unit requirements Out of the box support for industry standard taxonomies Custom taxonomies can be created using a simple user interface. The user interface enables creation of categories, subcategories and category attribute mappings. Attributes can be customized at the category level. Similar categories can be easily created using a copy/paste capability. In addition, an attribute can be mapped to multiple categories. The screenshot above right illustrates the taxonomy management module Catalog Management MDMCenter s Catalog Management module enables users to introduce new items and update item attributes into multiple catalogs. Key features include: Group products by region, product line or customer using multi classification Associate attributes to items as well as categories Support product relationships such as Cross sell, Up sell, Bill of Material, and others Search using keyword, parametric search, Boolean and product comparisons Multi language support for product content for global markets Re use product attribute values across catalogs and languages using data inheritance Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 16 of 27

17 Organization Management Organization Management module enables an enterprise to model its multiple internal divisions and external trading partners. Key features include: Create Organizations to logically separate data and activities Model internal business units such as Research & Development Product Management, Marketing, Sales Channels etc. Model trading partners such as Suppliers, OEM Manufacturers, Distributors and Customers Enables internal collaboration on Product Information Management through sharing and re use of product information across business units Relationships/BOM Management MDMCenter allows organizations to define almost any relationship between data entities. This capability is very powerful in defining and managing such concepts as families, substitute products, cross sells/upsells, spares, kits, Bills of Material (BOMs), etc. One aspect of Riversand s relationship modeling capability is that the relationship itself can have attributes defined. For instance, prices for a product can differ if that product is being packaged as a set or the quantity of a product can be defined for a kit. Riversand s ability to model BOMs is very sophisticated. Nested BOMs can be shown graphically within the MDMCenter interface and subassemblies can be exploded graphically. Furthermore, users can view images of an assembly and then click on subassemblies to drill down into the parts. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 17 of 27

18 3.5. Data Quality Management (DQM) A key differentiator for MDMCenter is its integrated Data Quality Management (DQM) module which offers data cleansing, normalization, enrichment, classification, data review and quality checking capabilities. The DQM module ensures that data flowing in and out of MDMCenter is accurate, normalized, complete and of high quality. DQM capability is pervasive throughout the MDMCenter Solution, helping user migrate and maintain clean data. The DQM module allows for one or many administrator roles to assign and manage work across a team of users, including Riversand s Data Quality Solutions Content Experts (or other 3rd party stakeholders). MDMCenter s Data Quality Management module automates and streamlines workflow processes to substantially decrease the effort and time involved to review, approve and stage content in a format simple for publishing to Master Catalogs or enterprise systems. Riversand clients are able to quickly and easily implement their Data Governance strategies using this module as part of their overall MDM strategy. The MDMCenter Data Quality Management module enables automated data cleansing, content review and quality checking. Riversand s tool allows for one or many administrator roles to assign and manage work across a team of users. The power of MDMCenter s Data Quality Management module automates and streamlines workflow processes to substantially decrease the effort and time involved in implementing Governance policies throughout an organization. The product integrates seamlessly into the MDMCenter interface to enables effective review, approval and staging of content in a format simple for syndication to Riversand s data master repository or other enterprise systems. In addition to our technology, Riversand provides a comprehensive range of Data Quality Services that encompasses the content creation process. Riversand has experienced resources to augment customer teams to support this process. Our teams consist of domain experts in a number areas such as Content Analysts, Classification Experts, Compliance Specialists, Quality Analysts, and Chemicals Domain Experts. These resources are either onshore or offshore to ensure a cost effective, efficient team for our clients. In addition to Riversand s Content services, Riversand has extensive experience integrating its Solutions with additional 3rd party content providers for data enrichment. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 18 of 27

19 Riversand s DQM module s capabilities include the following: Multiple Taxonomy/Schema Definition and Management Classification Attribute Extraction and population to schema Data Enrichment Normalization Description Auto generation Duplicate Identification & Advanced Matching Data Staging Organization modeling and Workflow Management 3.6. Security and Data Access To ensure that the flow of data within an organization is appropriate and controlled, MDMCenter uses a complex security model that controls access down to the attribute level. Users are associated to roles and security can be specified at the role or user level for granular control. Access is granted based on the Organization(s) that the user/role belongs to and they can access only the data that belongs to their organizations. The security model in incorporated into the workflow process allowing for controlled access to specific data in different stages of the workflow. The security model can be integrated with 3 rd party systems including Microsoft Active Domain Data Globalization MDMCenter also allows for the global flow of corporate data. For both data and GUI, MDMCenter supports most major languages and even differentiates among dialects (for instance, Brazilian Portuguese versus native Portuguese or Canadian French versus native French) and is able to work with Unicode character set. Administrators set GUI and data locales for individual users via a one click process on the user profile. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 19 of 27

20 3.8. Reporting and Data Measurement capabilities To measure the flow of data within an organization, Riversand s MDMCenter includes comprehensive reporting capability on data management and data quality metrics. Companies can use pre built reports such as Change Reports, Monthly Update Frequency, New Item Introductions, Items by Type, Attributes, Users, User Activity, Item Status, Error Reporting, Data Richness, Productivity, Workflows In Progress, Workflow Status, etc. In addition to prebuilt reports, ad hoc reports can be developed and configured to meet the specific needs of each customer. In addition to the systems own reports, data can be exported to BI systems for inclusion in company wide reports Dynamic Publishing Module (Optional) Riversand offers an integrated Dynamic Publishing module. The solution is OEMed from InBetween, a world leader in dynamic publishing solutions. Integrated dynamic publishing will enable clients to more quickly and efficiently develop catalogs, market/customer specific catalogs, price sheets, sales flyers, inserts, web pages and other sales collateral. MDMCenter s dynamic publishing module will enable more up to date information to be delivered later in the publishing process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. MDMCenter s dynamic publishing module includes the following capabilities: Fully automated, rule based setting of documents or manual placement with manual page makeup Possibility to mix data sources into one page layout Unique and powerful graphical user interface Data definition WYSIWYG template editing Visual master page editing Page planning and page redaction Remote control of DTP programs Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 20 of 27

21 More than DTP: growing and moving of frames, dynamic tables, rules & conditions A server based publishing application with SOAP API, complete Integration into publication processes and 3rd party tools for preview and publication MDMCenter s publishing solution enables output of product infomation and templates to a number of 3rd party publishing solutions (Quark Xpress, Adobe InDesign) and file formats (HTML, PDF, Word and Powerpoint). Please see below for some sample files generated with MDMCenter s publishing module: Dynamic Publishing Module Output Samples Sample Output: Adobe InDesign Sample Output: Quark Express Sample Output: HTML Sample Output: PDF Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 21 of 27

22 3.10. Digital Asset Management (Optional) MDMCenter Version 6.0 includes a new optional add on module which provides the ability to access related documents and other digital assets (such as images, drawings and multimedia files) associated with an entity directly from the MDMCenter record. This capability provides users with the ability to link to associated Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Service information quickly and easily. The DAM module stores or points to various types of unstructured content including but not limited to Word/PDF Documents, Images, Drawings, Flyers, Spreadsheets etc. Content stored in the DAM system can be tagged and indexed in various different ways. The DAM module provides context aware presentation of any additional digital content (Only Content related to the selected Entity will be presented to user). When an entity is viewed, the application generates a context based query, searches and retrieves all the relevant content for the entity. The DAM module has Real time Integration into any DAM system available through standard APIs (Native Integration into MS SharePoint) Product Data Refinement (Optional) Riversand s MDMCenter includes an optional Product Data Refinement (PDR) module which automates the process of extracting attributes from large blobs of unstructured information enabling companies to provide the best quality and most granular product data. This capability powers initiatives such as Data Refinement, Online Search, Guided Navigation and Product Comparisons. In a highly competitive landscape, having rich, accurate and consistent data can lead to better customer loyalty and stickiness leading to increased revenues. This module can also result cost savings due to reduced manual intervention and more efficient supplier data on boarding processes. Key features include: Out of Box Catalog of data refinement rules Business user friendly Rules Engine to create and maintain domain/category specific refinement rules Supplier Portal Specialized, Private, and Secure interface for suppliers Quick and Easy methods of integrating to existing data sources such as Merchandising Systems, e Commerce Catalogs, Data Warehouses etc. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 22 of 27

23 4. Quantifying the Value of Master Data Liquidity In order to assist clients in quantifying the value or potential value of MDM and improved Master Data Liquidity within their organization, Riversand has developed the Valuestream program. A Riversand Valuestream assessment is a consultative, pre or post implementation analysis of the value of MDM to an organization in order to help build project support, justify investment and/or quantify impact Valuestream projects consist of a 2 3 week comprehensive engagement between Riversand Professional Services and key client stakeholders. Riversand s experts work closely with clients to identify high value use cases, analyze ROI and recommend best practices. Deliverables, including analysis, findings and recommendations, are customized to the needs of each client. Valuestream Program Benefits: Fully customized program designed to meet the needs of individual clients Identifies highest value use cases/applications Identifies and defines key performance metrics Quantifies total cost of ownership of MDM Quantifies potential benefits of MDM and Master Data Liquidity Quantifies potential ROI of MDM and Master Data Liquidity for an entire organization Justifies investment in MDM Provides industry benchmarks Identifies key stakeholders Develops organizational support and stakeholder buy in Helps IT start to gather requirements from the business Jumpstarts MDM implementation Provides recommendations for implementation best practices Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 23 of 27

24 5. Conclusions and Next Steps Effective Master Data Management and improved Master Data Liquidity are initiatives which are currently being undertaken by leading organizations throughout the world. The companies are poised to improve their business performance in a number of areas throughout their global operations. The potential for success of an MDM initiative focused on improving Master Data Liquidity and/or other benefits of MDM will be drastically increased with the deployment of a robust MDM Solution such as Riversand s MDMCenter Version 6.0. Benefits of this latest version of MDMCenter include improved data visibility; improved data liquidity; increased efficiencies due to data inheritance; improved data quality & business rule functionality; improved management of unstructured data; and improved dynamic, multi channel data publishing. These capabilities will provide Riversand clients with improved ability to model, aggregate, cleanse, manage and syndicate complex multi entity master data across global organizations. We invite you to find out more at riversand.com. Or request a discussion and demo at riversand.com/company/request. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 24 of 27

25 6. Appendix: Riversand References Riversand has unmatched technology, a world class team of consultants and a proven methodology to ensure our clients success. Riversand has extensive experience deploying global implementations of Master Data Management, Data Quality and Business Process Management Solutions throughout the world. Riversand s customer base includes many Global1000 companies as well as smaller, innovative companies who are looking to grow their business through data driven competitive advantage. Our organization includes multi national teams that are available at offices throughout the world. In addition, Riversand works with an extensive network of global delivery partners and is open to partner with any company at our client s request. Currently, Riversand is providing implementation and support services to companies across five continents and is being considered for more global projects each day. Most importantly, our global implementations are supported by knowledgeable experts and the most advanced, flexible MDM Solutions on the market. The following is a brief summary of a few of our successes: VF Corporation, the world s largest Apparel Manufacturer and Retailer, has selected Riversand as its strategic supplier of MDM Solutions and Services. Riversand plans to deploy MDMCenter across all 38 VF Brands on a global basis for Product, Customer and Vendor data. As part of this relationship, Riversand conducted an extensive analysis of the impact and ROI potential of deploying MDM throughout the organization. Weatherford implemented Riversand MDM solution to centralize all product information. Riversand MDMCenter links Weatherford s suppliers, internal business units and customers to streamline the management of content aggregation, enrichment and syndication. The central repository of product & pricing information will be used to generate customer specific catalogs, feed quoting tools, and create and update print catalogs and technical datasheets on an ongoing basis. Cytec, one of the world s largest Chemical and Engineered Materials companies, is currently undertaking a multi domain implementation of master data management. Riversand s MDMCenter will be used to manage Customer, Vendor and Product data across all of Cytec s global divisions. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 25 of 27

26 ConocoPhillips is currently undergoing through a material standardization effort to create a single unified material master for SAP MM. Riversand is currently providing material cleansing services for supplier material master classification, attribute extraction, cleansing & normalization. Riversand is leveraging Data Quality Solutions cleansing capabilities provide the necessary toolset to meet ConocoPhillips needs. Riversand implemented a commercial workflow project to provide a view into Halliburton s business processes to its customers and partners using the SeeBeyond Suite of EAI products. The effort involved integrating with systems like SAP to extract information such as Proposals, Job Scheduling, Invoice, Invoice Status, Debit / Credit Memos, Customer Master, Material Master, Price/Contracts, Sales Orders and Field Tickets. Implemented Riversand MDM Solution to aggregate, manage & syndicate product and pricing information to their international field estimation tools to manage their building projects. This will enable the international field offices to generate project quotes with the latest, most up to date and accurate product and pricing information. Accurate & up to date product and pricing information will enable Siemens sales force across the globe to be more responsive to their customers through faster and quicker proposal generation. GHX is the world largest marketplace for healthcare products. The Riversand MDM solution supports a product dataset of 2 million items on boarded from approximately 500 healthcare suppliers and published to 3000 hospitals. The solution has about users actively using the solution at any given moment. Bluestem Brands is one of the U.S. s oldest and best known Direct Marketers. Riversand is fully managing the supplier data on boarding, enrichment and syndication process for Bluestem. We have integrated into over 20 Enterprise systems while maintaining the single version of the truth for Product and Vendor data throughout the organization. Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 26 of 27

27 COPYRIGHTS Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Any technical documentation that is made available by Riversand Technologies, Inc is the copyright work of Riversand Technologies, Inc and is owned by Riversand Technologies, Inc. TRADEMARKS Riversand, the Riversand logo, and Riversand MDMCenter are U.S. trademarks or registered trademarks of Riversand Technologies, Inc. Other brands and product names mentioned in this guide are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and hereby acknowledged. COMPANY INFORMATION For more information on Riversand Technologies, Inc., visit Copyright Riversand Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 27 of 27