What is one of the first steps in planning for MDM?

What is one of the first steps in planning for MDM?

• A. Ensuring data is stored in a cloud environment
• B. Identifying candidate sources for master data
• C. Creating user documentation for data access
• D. Designing a user-friendly data interface

Answer: (B)

Identifying candidate sources for master data is a foundational step in planning for Master Data Management (MDM). This process involves determining which systems, databases, or applications hold critical data that should be governed under the MDM strategy. By pinpointing these candidate sources, organizations can assess the quality, relevance, and completeness of the data they hold, leading to informed decisions about how best to manage, consolidate, and maintain master data. Understanding existing data sources is crucial as it informs subsequent planning steps, such as data integration, cleansing, and harmonization strategies. It helps establish a clear picture of the data landscape, enabling stakeholders to engage appropriately with various data domains. This initial identification process also aids in identifying duplicate records, inconsistencies, and gaps within the data that need to be resolved to achieve a unified view of master data. The other options, while relevant to data management, do not directly address this critical starting point in the MDM planning process. Storing data in a cloud environment or designing a user-friendly interface may come later as part of execution strategies, and creating user documentation, while important, typically follows after the core data management practices are defined and implemented.

Identifying candidate sources for master data is a foundational step in planning for Master Data Management (MDM). This process involves determining which systems, databases, or applications hold critical data that should be governed under the MDM strategy. By pinpointing these candidate sources, organizations can assess the quality, relevance, and completeness of the data they hold, leading to informed decisions about how best to manage, consolidate, and maintain master data.

Understanding existing data sources is crucial as it informs subsequent planning steps, such as data integration, cleansing, and harmonization strategies. It helps establish a clear picture of the data landscape, enabling stakeholders to engage appropriately with various data domains. This initial identification process also aids in identifying duplicate records, inconsistencies, and gaps within the data that need to be resolved to achieve a unified view of master data.

The other options, while relevant to data management, do not directly address this critical starting point in the MDM planning process. Storing data in a cloud environment or designing a user-friendly interface may come later as part of execution strategies, and creating user documentation, while important, typically follows after the core data management practices are defined and implemented.