Early adopters of master data management (MDM) have reported significant implementation challenges, but say the ultimate results are worth it — making organizations more profitable, productive and competitive. But before mastering master data management, companies often have to overcome many technical and organizational barriers. There are tough questions like "Who owns the data?" and architectural decisions affecting existing applications and infrastructures.

To get more insight into creating successful MDM programs, SearchDataManagement.com called on Evan Levy, partner and co-founder of Baseline Consulting, a professional services firm concentrating on enterprise data issues.

In this 15-minute podcast, appropriate for business and technical professionals, listeners will learn more about mastering master data management and will:

• Hear expert analysis on why MDM is different from other data integration and consolidation techniques and learn how to tell if MDM can help solve an organization's information challenges.
• Find out the five critical components — technology, process and otherwise — that are required for a successful MDM program.
• Learn how to structure an MDM team and find out exactly what kinds of people and skills should be on that team.
• Get real-world insight about the three most common challenges that MDM's early adopters have encountered — and hear advice for overcoming them.
• Learn what specific organizational metrics to track to measure the success of MDM programs.