Master Data Management: How To#

Master data management handles the creation and management of all the factory model as well as the management, versioning, and change control of critical master data objects. The system provides a flexible versioning scheme with two levels: Revisions (for major changes) and Versions (for minor changes). These two levels support changes that must take effect immediately and changes that must take place only for new objects (e.g.: new Lots). Both major and minor changes are subject to user-defined approval workflows. The user can also visually compare any two objects and versions so that he/she can easily understand the differences.

Instead of linking the different objects in a hard-coded way, the system makes usage of a flexible context resolution mechanism for maximum re-usability and minimum maintenance effort. For example, a recipe may be defined for a specific product and also more generically to a product group. When resolving the recipe to be used, the system will look first for the specific product match and if one is not found, it will look for the more generic product group match.

The system comes with a Master Data Package utility that allows users to create and load master data and runtime data in bulk using a predefined Microsoft® Excel® template. The system also supports the export of existing data to the Microsoft® Excel® template so that data can be transported between different systems. Furthermore, the application provides a mass update function that allows the user to modify many objects in a single operation.

Available guides#

Table: Master Data Management: How To guides