Think Globally, Act Locally: Global MDM Benefits and Challenges

The ability to leverage the immense data available across an organization has become paramount to continued growth and success. Companies need accessible and reliable information to make more informed and effective business decisions across channels while continuing to provide quality service to their customers. Many companies recognize the need to develop a Master Data Program, as part of an overall Data Strategy initiative, to consistently manage the quality, data interoperability, accessibility, and availability of core data (e.g., customer, product). This challenge is magnified for global organizations that need to master a data domain(s) across divisions and countries.

Identifying and agreeing on global attributes, reference data, industry standards, regulatory data needs, and other considerations all need to be addressed to successfully establish a global data domain. Determining what data domains should or should not be global and addressing the differing cultural and political realities is all critical to make your global master data program successful and valuable.

Frank Cerwin is the President of Data Mastery Inc., a venture focused on Master Data Management (MDM) strategy, design, and education. Frank has successfully designed, launched, and grown MDM programs from the ground-up at two of the largest Fortune 500 companies in their respective industries.

His unique model to implement and run a sustainable MDM program is based on over 35 years of architecture and leadership experience with MDM, multi-channel applications, customer analytics, IT security, data management, and eCommerce. Frank has attained ITIL certification and is a Six Sigma Green Belt.