Lack of unified database
integrated across all company locations, that would facilitate the introduction of changes in the entire organization
Product
Master Data Management System
Effective master data management
Many multi-subsidiary companies face daily problems with data structure and communication between subsidiaries and individual users. By default, companies in Dynamics 365 Business Central (and previously in Microsoft Dynamics NAV) manage their data on their own - which leads to operational problems, difficulties monitoring performance and a lack of unified pricing and distribution policies.
Effective master data management
Many multi-subsidiary companies face daily problems with data structure and communication between subsidiaries, as well as individual users.
By default, companies in Dynamics 365 Business Central (and also previously in Microsoft Dynamics NAV) manage their data on their own. This implies the data inconsistency if there is no application or extension is used for data synchronization. The data inconsistency has business drawbacks in many operational areas. The lack of standardized data management triggers problems with monitoring subsidiary performance as well as applying uniform pricing and distribution policies. Processes get more and more inefficient.
Master Data Management System
Master Data Management System is an app for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (Dynamics NAV) designed for multinational organizations that use this system. Sooner or later, such organizations are confronted with challenges regarding data consistency in their companies. From the group’s perspective, it is recommended to standardize critical data categories (e.g. items) in all companies instead of permitting inconsistencies at a local level. This approach can be extended with new sets of features to meet growing demands of users and markets during the digital transformation.
Typical problems
Typical problems solved with Master Data Management System
Different inventory numbering systems
hindering the comparison of stock levels between locations
Inability to enter central pricelists, design BOMs, etc.
as well as facing difficulties in their distribution between subsidiaries
Difficulties in entering group contracts for vendors
The need to monitor data in each company separately
Additional communication difficulties within EDI
Lack of unified data
E-book
Explore the latest version of Master Data Management System
Download the MDMS resource pack with functionality, implementation notes, sample processes, objects, versions and benefits.
Capabilities
Master Data Management System Capabilities
As an extension of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (Dynamics NAV), Master Data Management System allows users to configure sets of data within the Master Company (i.e. central company in a group) and replicate this data to the local companies (Receivers) that use Business Central in order to ensure data consistency within the corporate group.
Users are allowed to set up any number of Receivers, i.e. target companies, to which data is replicated. The structure of data replicated can be set up as data sets.
Users can use any number of created data sets and set them up to be replicated to a particular Receiver, by using the replication card. Replication can be either Full or Incremental. While processing Incremental replication, only data changed during the last replication will be exported.
The app is particularly useful when a company needs to create and maintain certain Dynamics 365 Business Central cards (e.g. items, BOMs, vendors) in one company - called "Master" company - and afterwards synchronize the data to all of the subsidiaries ("Receiver" companies).
The app uses web services as a data transport layer.
Deployment scenarios
Replication - Master Company and Receiver Companies
In Master Data Management System, data exchange is always performed from the Master Company to Receiver Companies. A Master Company is a company where all data considered global is stored. Receiver Companies are the companies to which data is sent. Depending on the type of Dynamics 365 Business Central (Dynamics NAV) installation in the organization, data exchange is managed within one database/tenant, within multiple databases/tenants, within databases located at multiple SQL servers, or in scenarios using corporate ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle. It is possible to synchronize data across companies on different Business Central or NAV versions. Master Data Management System also supports scenarios with some Business Central companies installed on-premises and others in SaaS.
Usage
Beyond capital groups, MDMS solves everyday data problems: a unified database, consistent item numbering, central pricelists and BOMs, group vendor contracts and centralized purchasing.
Integration
MDMS is often implemented together with Advanced Intercompany, which exchanges documents between companies once master data is standardised across the group.
Read more →Comparison
Master Data Management System by IT.integro vs Master Data Sync by Microsoft
See how Master Data Management System compares with Microsoft's standard master data synchronization approach for Business Central.
Data Sets
Data Sets
Data sets define the structure and scope of replicated data. They decide which tables and fields are included and are then linked with selected Receivers in the replication process.
Data set
Define which fields should be included in replication and connect the set with a chosen Receiver.
Item line details
Specify field-level rules so global fields remain synchronized while selected local fields can still be maintained by subsidiaries.
Replication
Running Replication
Before replication starts, the system checks whether the related data sets and replication setup are released. MDMS supports several ways of running and controlling the process.
Manual or automatic
Run replication manually from replication pages or schedule it through the Business Central Job Queue.
Full or incremental
Export all records in scope or send only data modified since the previous replication.
Direct replication
Use the Business Central CHANGECOMPANY function for companies working inside the same database.
Receiver company processing
Process incoming messages manually or automate inbound processing with a job queue.
Record level or one-time
Replicate selected records for specific Receivers or synchronize a single list without a full replication run.
Advanced features
Advanced Features
Deleting records
Control how records are deleted in the Master Company and how deletion is distributed to companies that previously received the record.
History of sent records
Store the history of records sent through replication, making it easier to review what has been synchronized.
Group Receivers
Process one replication for multiple Receivers at the same time.
Replication Import Management
Use extension events after importing a record, for example to update selected fields on the receiving company side.
Replication Management
Use events before and after export to skip selected records, override field values or fill additional data.
Implementation
Implementation
The deployment of the module usually takes only a few days and does not require time-consuming initial training for the implementer. However, data preparation tasks before the deployment may be more time-consuming. Before Master Data Management System is implemented, the company where Master Data Management System is implemented has to undergo the process involving the following steps:
- 01
Global / Local data
Define the scope of data managed locally (e.g. only items and price lists).
- 02
Data cleansing
Standardize data and perform data cleansing for all global data in every company to be involved in synchronization. This usually means that data numbering has to be set up with consideration.
- 03
New process
Define the change/modification process for global data (e.g. appoint a person/persons at the headquarters to make decision on the changes to be entered).
- 04
Master Data Management System Implementation
Only after these preparations can Master Data Management System be implemented as a tool that will ensure that data consistency is maintained at the global data level.
Sample process
Sample process: extending the assortment in a local company
Items are often one of the first areas synchronized with MDMS. When a local company extends its assortment, users first check whether the item already exists in the Master Company. If it does, the local company is added as a Receiver and data is synchronized automatically or through an incremental run.
New item synchronization
If the item is missing in the Master Company, it is created centrally with the global fields that should be distributed to the selected Receivers.
Local fields remain local
After synchronization, the local company can complete fields that are intentionally managed locally, such as vendor, posting dimension or planning parameters.
Error message
When a user tries to change a globally managed field locally, the system informs them that the value must be maintained at the master level.
Versions and licensing
Objects, versions and licensing
Master Data Management System is certified for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV. Its price is based on the number of Full users in the main BC or NAV license, with subscription and perpetual models available.
Certified app
Installation does not require additional development objects. In Business Central, the app is delivered as an extension.
Subscription
From EUR 6 per user per month, based on Full users in the main license.
Perpetual
EUR 140 per user plus the Enhancement Plan maintenance.
100+ users
For licenses with more than 100 users, a 100+ option can be quoted as a monthly or one-time model.
Benefits of Master Data Management System:
- Faster implementation of changes within the organization
- Easier communication between companies in the group
- A good basis for integration with external systems
- Easier data comparison for headquarters
- Faster deployment of new companies using predefined data
- Centralized purchasing
- Easier Shared Service Center management
- Easier control over customer relationship management
Customers
Customers
Presently, 140 international capital groups use Master Data Management System. Each of them uses the app to synchronize data between a dozen or several dozen companies.
Approximately 2000 companies use MDMS to synchronize their data.
"We decided to implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV integrated with LS Retail because the existing ERP system limited the growth of our business - it worked only locally and lacked scaling capabilities. We were looking for a global solution - the one that was unified and could be used by all company locations. The solution that would provide secure and instant access to a coherent database and reliable analytical tools. To achieve the desired effect, MDMS - a module supporting the management of central data was implemented. The new tool allows more effective monitoring of business activities carried out in individual subsidiaries and seamless data synchronization."
Przemysław Madejski
Chief Operating Officer, Cross Poland Sp. z o.o.
"Thanks to MDMS, we managed to standardize data between the databases maintained in two different data centers (in Europe and North America), ensuring the high quality of the data at the same time. This way, the exchange of inter-company documents became much more effective. With standardized and harmonized data, we are also able to streamline report creation in our BI tools."
Morten Sørensen
Vice President Group IT, DLF
"I must say the design that went into this addon is extremely clean and one of the best I've seen! It is also very simple and transparent. IT.integro's team has done wonderful work here!"
Don Saito
CEO, ERP Efficiency Experts, LLC
"MDMS was implemented in June 2017. The solution, powered by IT.integro, was developed to facilitate central control of all master data related to financial transactions, customers, vendors, items and system settings. The system has helped Kleen-Tex to effectively administer our master data and keep it consistent between the databases. Due to the high volume of intercompany transactions, we have, this has helped a lot in streamlining the documents between systems. We are currently testing the new version of MDMS that will give us additional functionality, such as direct SQL to SQL replication. We are happy to comment on those features after we have time to test them and use them in a productive setting."
Edward Baker
IT Director, Kleen-Tex Industries
Demo
Watch the demo of Master Data Management System
See how Master Data Management System supports data consistency across companies in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Documentation
More about Master Data Management System
Read the full documentation to learn how Master Data Management System works in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
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