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Preface xxxv

that we will go into it in more detail in the section dedicated
to the IT department.

Guide to reading the book

The introduction summarizes the definition of the MDM
system in order to provide the essential reference points for
reading the book.

Part One allows an approach to MDM from a strategic
and financial perspective:

– Chapter 1, A Company and its Data, sets out the
report of the current situation in terms of data repository
management. We present definitions of reference/master
data and the most frequent types of data repository (CDI,
PIM-PLM, LDAP) compared to the MDM approach;

– Chapter 2, Strategic Aspects, places the MDM system
as a pre-requisite for the progressive transformation of
information systems. We see how the principle of the system
agility chain acts as a motor for this transformation;
3
– Chapter 3, Taking Software Packages into Account, is
concerned with the application of MDM systems to software
packages. We present the criteria for choosing software
packages which enable high standards in the MDM
approach;

– Chapter 4, Return on Investment, brings together
elements for the financial evaluation of the MDM
system: quality and reliability of data, better control of
operational risks, and the transformation value of the IS.

3. A.k.a. Agility Chain Management System (ACMS).