New Strategy for Master Data Supports Core Merchandising Transformation

This multi-banner international retailer of jewelry and accessories operates traditional retail, e-commerce, consignment, and franchise models. The company wished to centralize two separate core merchandising systems operating in North America and Europe into a single global core merchandising system. The effort required standardization of master data and historical transactional data, such as sales history, across the enterprise. Prior to the system consolidation, key data components were held in multiple source systems with significant custom integration points. Further, the company did not have a data governance program in place, which complicated the consolidation of the master data into a single platform. They needed a new master data approach to support their core merchandising transformation.

The Parker Avery Group engaged with system owners in North America and Europe to assess the overall master data alignment. The team devised a multi-point validation process to harmonize the master data.

This process included business stakeholder validation of data extracted from each system followed by a second validation point before loading the transformed master data into the new system. Once loaded, a third and final validation was performed to ensure load accuracy. This multi-point validation method allowed the team to iterate through the load process and cross-verify the master data from source through transformation to destination.

Parker Avery’s retail consulting services for the client’s master data harmonization project included:

• Establishment of a preload and post-load data validation methodology.
• Review of data validation approach with key business stakeholders, securing agreement for all key data loads.
• Identification of data anomalies and recommendations for remediation and alternate sources of data, when applicable.
• Collaboration with the newly established merchandise operations team regarding approaches for ensuring ongoing data quality for master data creation and maintenance.