Woman working on master data management

From applications to system logs, financial reports, and human resources information, businesses are constantly generating, collecting, and organizing data to operate in today’s global digital economy.

In fact, according to a report by International Data Corporation (IDC), global data creation is projected to reach a staggering 180 zettabytes by 2025. While this abundance of data presents opportunities to identify new insights and innovations, it can also pose a significant challenge for those organizations that do not have the systems and processes in place to manage, organize, and harness its value.

This is why many organizations in this era of big data have turned toward master data management (MDM) platforms to help them use their data to their advantage, instead of being overwhelmed by it. In short, MDM encompasses the processes, technologies, and policies aimed at ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of an organization's critical data assets, such as customer information, product catalogs, financial records, and more. MDM platforms serve as the centralized source of truth for an organization’s data. MDM programs enable businesses to work more effectively and collaboratively, driving informed decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation.

However, with many MDM platform options out there, it can be difficult for organizations to find the right technology solution that can address their unique needs and challenges. In this article, we will explore two leading MDM platforms—EPMware and Oracle DRM—and compare their features, capabilities, and suitability, so organizations can select the right one to be ready for the next chapter of their growth story.

The need for the right master data management solution

If data is the lifeblood of an organization, having an MDM solution can serve as the heart of business operations, providing the foundation upon which critical decisions can be made. Whether it's ensuring the accuracy of customer profiles, managing product catalogs, or consolidating financial data for reporting purposes, maintaining the integrity, availability, and consistency of master data is critical.

Every minute, data flows through various business systems, applications, and departments, requiring businesses to constantly battle against data fragmentation, inconsistency, and siloed information. Failing to do so can impede collaboration, hinder decision-making, and undermine organizational agility.

By adopting the right MDM solution for their requirements, organizations can instead streamline data governance, improve data quality, and unlock the full potential of their information assets. Whether it's enhancing customer experiences, optimizing supply chain operations, identifying new services or products, or driving strategic initiatives, MDM empowers businesses to leverage data as a strategic asset and gain a competitive edge in the global market.

Get to know EPMware

EPMware is a leader in MDM because it is designed to seamlessly integrate data governance capabilities, helping to ensure metadata accuracy, auditability, and integrity across an enterprise’s full scope of transactions and applications.

 

In particular, its centralized repository and rules engine helps to enforce data validation and approval processes before disseminating master data to subscribing systems, guaranteeing consistency and reliability. With code-free integrations and plug-and-play adapters, EPMware easily integrates with popular ERP and EPM applications like Oracle, OneStream, SAP, and more, allowing business users to take charge of MDM review and approval workflows without extensive IT involvement.

EPMware also provides real-time validation and a Workflow Builder that enhances data integrity and governance, while its enterprise licensing offers flexible and cost-effective solutions without having to worry about “per-record” licensing. Whether deployed in the cloud or on-premises, EPMware enables organizations to manage metadata effectively and accurately.

Get to know Oracle DRM

Oracle DRM (Data Relationship Management) is another leader in the finance MDM space, known for its strengths in Oracle Hyperion data hierarchy management. Oracle DRM also can help organizations to establish and enforce data governance policies (using Oracle DRG); ensure data integrity and compliance across the enterprise; and facilitate centralized management of data hierarchies, and version control..

EPMWare and Oracle DRM: Head-to-head

Because every organization will have its own unique requirements and needs for its MDM solution, it can be difficult to quickly navigate all of the material out there about these two solutions to find the right fit.

To help fast-track your research, here is a head-to-head comparison between EPMware and Oracle DRM, evaluating their features and suitability for different use cases:

Feature EPMware Oracle DRM
Integrations

Offers seamless integration capabilities providing compatibility with other business applications.

Provides file based integration options with diverse systems and platforms.

Scalability and Performance

Easily scales to accommodate growing data volumes with complex hierarchies to ensure consistent performance.

Handles large volumes of consistent data and hierarchies effectively, but may struggle with sporadically large increases of data volumes.

User Experience and Interface

Provides intuitive dashboards and user-friendly interfaces, enhancing usability.

Administrator based interface, offers fewer customization options with a less modern design.

Customization and Flexibility

Offers extensive customization options, including customizable workflows and validation rules, catering to diverse business requirements.

Provides limited customization options for validation rules, potentially restricting conformation to business requirements.

Implementation and Support

Streamlines deployment, setup, and configuration processes, backed by comprehensive support services.

Offers user implementation and configuration options, but with more intensive upfront setup steps.

Validations

Effectively handles complex validation rules, with robust error-handling mechanisms in place.

Manages validation rules well, but in a unique DRM scripting language which may not be as intuitive and user-friendly.

Reporting and Analytics

Offers customizable reports and advanced analytics capabilities, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights from their master data.

Provides basic reporting and analytics features, and with limited auditing capabilities.

Governance

Offers a comprehensive governance framework, serving as a single platform for MDM program management.

Requires the purchase of DRG, which has limited review and approval based capabilities.

Cost of Ownership

Features competitive licensing fees and implementation costs, with predictable ongoing maintenance expenses.

Offers a cost-effective solution with record based pricing structures, but broader use may lead to a higher overall total cost of ownership.

 

EPMware success stories

It’s one thing to read about EPMware’s strengths in a resource like this. It’s another to hear from peers about how they leveraged EPMware to streamline their business and financial processes, increase data governance, and improve operational efficiency.

Here are just a few snippets from recent EPMware success stories:

Trane

  • Implemented EPMware after evaluating against Oracle EDM to enhance financial consolidation and reporting processes, resulting in faster decision-making and regulatory compliance.
  • Achieved improved accuracy and efficiency with streamlined financial data management processes.

Atradius

  • Selected EPMware over Oracle DRM for its comprehensive integration and workflow capabilities.
  • Leveraged EPMware to streamline financial processes and ensure data accuracy, facilitating better decision-making and risk management.

BlueCross Blue Shield

  • Chose EPMware for its superior functionality and ease of use compared to Oracle DRM.
  • Implemented EPMware to align master data management and governance processes, increasing efficiency and automation between multiple Planning applications.

Take the next step

No matter where your organization is in its data management journey, choosing an MDM is a powerful way to streamline operations, harness your operational data, enhance decision-making processes, and maintain regulatory compliance.

While there are many MDM platforms that your business could choose from, many turn to EPMware thanks to its comprehensive range of financial and enterprise performance management features, streamlined set-up, and user-friendly interface. With EPMware, your team can intuitively integrate and consolidate your data, strengthen accuracy and consistency across all systems, and enhance overall data governance.

Even better? EPMware's scalability and flexibility allow it to easily scale and flex to meet your evolving business needs, providing a sustainable solution for long-term growth alongside your operations.

Want to experience firsthand how EPMware can empower your organization's MDM initiatives? We’d love a chance to get your team hands-on with a personalized demo.

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