Metadata is a type of data that is factual and that acts as extra information through which organizational data is presented. The data is concealed in a document, attached and created in a computer file. It can take the form of revised history and comments between a document and the editors such as in the case of word processing in Microsoft Word. Metadata can be described in terms of how data is formatted.
It is divided into two; structured and descriptive metadata. Structured metadata involves the plan and pattern of data structures, while descriptive metadata is where an individual creates data content. Metadata can be used in describing digital data in a specific discipline, and by relating the information and the context of the data files (Baca, 2008).
There are various security issues related to metadata. One such issue is the possibility of information leakage, an aspect that could easily damage an organization.
A patient or any other unauthorized personnel may, for example, illegally access a patient’s health information and that related to other sensitive details, a situation that is not only harmful to the client, but to the hospital as well. To prevent leakage of such information, there is need to use data loss and leakage prevention technologies. This is the easiest way of ensuring that data stored is kept safe and confidential (Baca, 2008).
Data Loss prevention is widely known for closely monitoring endpoints, networks and data sources for accidental outflow of susceptible information. Metadata can be integrated in several ways. An organization can, for example, start by evaluating where priorities exist like in terms of the various stakeholders involved through data integration.
Additionally, the BI Metadata Repository Manager system can be used to come up with a write protect documents that gives access to other links online where one can get a document in a HTML format, based on metadata.
Another way in which metadata can be integrated is in corporate metadata that assists in saving time and money while creating metadata. This method increases the quality of information delivered from data warehouse to business users, and leads to better decisions being made based on the information provided (Vitt, Luckevich & Misner, 2005).
Master Data Management
Master data management is a situation where data is spread across systems such as lists and hierarchies of customers, suppliers, accounts and organizational units that organize and identify transactional data (Morris & Vesset, 2005).
An ICT solution selling a product to a customer on a certain date, and at a certain price, for example, is referred as transacted data. Master data is mostly required when there are changes in a business, for instance when bringing in a new product and recording its actual sales, and when reporting and analyzing systems that provides information about the business.
The transactional system ensures that every transaction is captured and updated as it occurs. This system is important in that it promotes reliability on the order management system and ensures that all relevant information is truthfully documented.
In the reporting or analytic system, master data is derived from the dimensions within which metrics are organized, rather than on the existing facts such as revenue, profits and costs.
Master data is important in reporting the performance of a business as they rely on information from multiple systems. In American express, master data can be integrated using Microsoft SQL, which provides a full featured enterprise in the data integration platform.
This is essential in the creation, organization and management of comprehensive data assets across enterprises that use the Master Data Management system. Master data can also be integrated through data transformation, and in such a way that the system can process and still distribute records to specific systems and applications (Vitt, Luckevich & Misner, 2005).
References
Baca, M. (2008). Introduction to metadata. Los Angeles, CA: Getty Research Institute.
Morris, H. & Vesset, D. (2005). Managing Master Data for Business Performance Management:The issues and Hyperion’s Solution. Web.
Vitt, E., Luckevich, M. & Misner, S. (2005). Microsoft Business Intelligence: Making Better Decisions Faster. OH: Microsoft Press.