Master Data Integration
Master Data Integration bundles the features applied to integrate MDM with other technology layers of SAP NetWeaver, the SAP Business Suite, and third-party applications. Specific areas include the inbound and outbound data transfer process and service-enabled access to MDM data. The key capabilities of master data integration are described below.
Use MDM remote system extractor to extract customizing data in the initial setup of your MDM system
You can use the generic extractor to retrieve customizing entries from SAP remote systems such as SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and to send them as reference data to the MDM Server.
You need the reference data in MDM to provide all the lookup tables (for example the county table) needed to consolidate and distribute SAP master data objects.
The extractor can process any customizing data, such as check tables and domain fixed values. The generic extractor is independent of the type of the SAP remote system and master data object.
More information:
service.sap.com/installMDM ® MDM 5.5 - Generic
Extractor for Reference Data
(SAP Service Marketplace login required)
Use MDM remote system extractor to automatically extract master data
After extraction of customizing data you can use the generic extractor to extract master data from major SAP applications (R/3, ERP, CRM, SRM, IS Retail). The master data, such as products and business partners, can then be imported to an MDM repository.
More information:
Section Loading Master Data in the
IT Scenario Process
Guide
Use MDM import mechanisms to load master data from various sources
The MDM Import Manager is used to interactively define the import map that is later used by the MDM Import Server. With the MDM Import Manager the elements of the source schema are mapped to the tables and fields of the MDM repository (target structure). In this way, the user can quickly load new master data records into MDM using a graphical interface. The Import Manager is also available in a server version, which enables an automated import. The Import Server can be used if data is loaded directly from any kind of remote system.
More information:
MDM Import Manager
Reference Guide
Use MDM business content to integrate data
MDM business content includes MDM repository structures, validation rules, predefined inbound and outbound mappings, XML schemas , matching strategies, SAP NetWeaver XI content, extractors for different SAP systems and portal content.
Currently SAP ships content for the following types of master data and SAP application systems:
Supported SAP Application Systems and Content
Master Data Type |
SAP Application |
Material |
SAP ERP, SAP R/3 |
Customer |
SAP ERP, SAP R/3 |
Vendor |
SAP ERP, SAP R/3 |
Employee |
SAP ERP, SAP R/3 |
Business Partner |
SAP ERP, SAP R/3, SAP SRM, SAP CRM |
Product |
SAP ERP, SAP R/3, SAP SRM, SAP CRM |
Article |
SAP for Retail |
More information:
MDM content and XI
content: service.sap.com/installMDM ® MDM 5.5 – IT
Scenario Configuration Guide
(SAP Service Marketplace login required)
Portal content:
Portal
Content
Use MDM Syndicator to distribute master data to various targets
The MDM Syndicator is used to provide harmonized data to other applications as XML or in a variety of other formats. It is the export interface for master data stored in an repository.
A syndication can be executed either manually or automatically with the MDM Syndication Server. You must use MDM’s port for automatic export. This places the executed syndication in a defined target directory that is used for communication with other systems.
More information:
MDM Syndicator
Reference Guide
Use MDM APIs and Web services to integrate data
In addition to MDM Import Manager or MDM Syndicator there are various options for processing the data directly with other applications such as the programming interfaces (APIs).
The MDM APIs can for example be used to
● Administrate MDM Servers and model repositories
● Access and modify master data
● Execute MDM matching and workflow capabilities
The Web services for MDM are an open interface to the MDM Server. They are based on the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Web Services Description Language (WSDL) standards. They provide data management capabilities (create, read, update) and access to central key mapping (create, read). MDM Web services provide synchronous access for the consumer of the Web services.
The MDM Web services can be used to:
● Manage master data objects
● Check if a central master object exists before creating it locally
● Retrieve details and create local replicate
● Create or update master data objects on MDM
● Manage Unique Identifiers of Master Data Objects
● Register local object as replicate of global object in remote system
● Manage key mapping during message exchange on SAP NetWeaver PI
More information: