Database Reference
In-Depth Information
stored in several repositories like file servers, groupware system, or document management sys-
tems. SAP KM uses several preconfigured repository managers to integrate these repositories and
serves as the central role-specific point of entry for all unstructured information irrespective of
the nature of the data (text documents, presentation, or HTML files) or data sources (file servers,
intranet, or the World Wide Web). Content management services enable the usage of various KM
functions across all these varieties in a uniform manner.
The search functions finds documents in all repositories that are integrated in SAP KM, but
in the results list, the system displays only those documents for which the user has read authoriza-
tion. Using a web crawler, the contents of websites can also be added to indexes in order to make
them available for the search function in SAP EP. Documents and other objects stored in the
repositories have properties that can also be assigned values. This can be used to achieve a higher
hit rate during the search process, thus enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of leveraging the
existing knowledge base within the enterprise.
Taxonomy is a hierarchical structure of categories in which documents are classified according
to content, organization, or other criteria. Documents stored physically in several different reposi-
tories can still be assigned to a single category. Taxonomy enables the users of a portal to navigate
through an enterprise-wide consistent hierarchical structure even though the data storage environ-
ment itself may be heterogeneous. Once set, the system automatically refreshes the classification
for new or changed documents.
SAP KM enables dissemination of information to the target groups entailing features like
search, classification, or subscription of information. SAP KM also enables joint work on docu-
ments irrespective of roles and departments. As mentioned earlier, business information from SAP
BI (using BEx Information Broadcasting) can be disseminated to a broad range of users via the
SAP KM folders that include objects like
◾
Documents with precalculated reports
◾
Links to BEx Web Applications and queries with live data
10.4.2.3 Master Data Management (MDM)
SAP Master Data Management (MDM) provides a central and consistent framework for the
maintenance, management, and installation of master data integrated across different system,
locations, and service providers or partners. SAP MDM enables storage, update, and consolida-
tion of master data as also its dissemination across all applications in the enterprise. Thus, any
member from any function of the enterprise (engineering, procurement, manufacturing, mar-
keting, sales, service, etc.) always receives the current and correct information about products,
product catalogs, business partners, or documentation. SAP MDM is based on an open and
Web-based architecture designed for collaboration within enterprises. Collaborative e-business
scenarios in heterogeneous IT environments become viable primarily because of the data harmo-
nization enabled by SAP MDM. Similarly, provisioning of real-time mission-critical actionable
information seamlessly across disparate systems across the enterprise accelerates the decision-mak-
ing process while reducing the costs of maintaining master data. This effectively contributes to
lower the TCO of the IT landscape.
SAP MDM entails use of master data objects independently of each other. This is essential
because individual applications invariably have disparate data models. Additionally, this is dic-
tated by the reality of business process and especially the analytical applications spanning hetero-
geneous environments across the enterprise.
