Finger Family of MDM Data Model (What are Fingers?)

Have you ever taken a close look at your fingerprints?

No two individuals, not even identical twins, share the same fingerprint patterns. While each fingerprint is unique, the general patterns—loops, whorls, and arches—are influenced by genetics and may be more commonly found within certain families.

This concept parallels every organization, where each has its own unique Master Data Model tailored to its specific needs. A Data Model serves as a blueprint for structuring master data and defining relationships within a given domain.

Before developing the data model, we need to understand the types of data we should focus on in order to design a Master Data Model that aligns with our organization’s culture and business direction — specifically, distinguishing between Master Data and Transaction Data.

In the business world, Master Data plays a crucial role as it directly impacts key areas like financials, corporate image, customer experience, and overall business strategy where the “currency” value is higher. While Master Data typically represents around 15% of an organization's total data, this percentage may vary depending on the company’s industry, structure, and priorities.

On the other hand, Transactional Data captures specific events and interactions within a given time frame. It records details such as:

I understand that, for business users, the primary focus is on accessing the data they need, rather than classifying it as Master Data, Transactional Data, or other categories. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, it becomes essential for understanding basic data management principles (conversely Data Professional should also have fundamental business acumen), such as:

Think of a Master Data Model like a hand — each finger has a unique fingerprint, yet they all work together in harmony.

Similarly, just as a well-designed blueprint makes a house functional and easy to navigate, a well-structured Master Data Model ensures data is organized, accessible, and flows seamlessly across business processes.

Think of a Master Data Model like a hand — each finger has a unique fingerprint, yet they all work together in harmony.

Similarly, just as a well-designed blueprint makes a house functional and easy to navigate, a well-structured Master Data Model ensures data is organized, accessible, and flows seamlessly across business processes

Let’s unfold the details and explore the key steps to developing a well-structured Master Data Model in our next topic - “Finger Family of MDM Data Model - What are Hands?”