Introduction
Precision and consistency in managing master data are now a necessity in today's business world, and not managing it as such could cause irreparable business damage. SAP Master Data Governance (MDG) is one of the best solutions for enterprise master data management, as it allows businesses to manage, merge, and distribute high-quality master data across SAP landscapes. The SAP MDG data model is the core of the platform.
Regardless of your role as an SAP consultant, data architect, or enterprise IT director, grasping the SAP MDG data model is essential for the MDG implementation to be successful. In this section, we will review the architecture, frameworks, and configurations of the SAP MDG data model, including SAP MDG custom data models, SAP MDG business partner data models, and SAP MDG material data models, among others.
What is the SAP MDG Data Model?
The SAP MDG data model is a way to organize the master data entities and the relationships among them within the SAP MDG framework. For instance, it defines the data objects such as business partners, materials, suppliers, and cost centers. Also, it defines the objects' attributes as well as the rules that govern data passage through the governance cycle of the data creation and changes requests, through to the approvals and the final distribution.
Within SAP MDG, a unique approach to data organization is referred to as the Flex model approach. In this approach, the master data and the governance model of the data are separated. This architecture allows customers to govern any type of master data, including SAP-standard objects and any other custom-defined entities, within the same governance framework.
The foundational elements of the SAP MDG data model entail the following:
- Data Model Definition — structural design of the master data entities
- Entity Types — individual master data objects (e.g., Supplier, Material, GL Account)
- Attributes — data fields of an entity
- Relationships — connections among entity types
- UI Configurations — design of end-user forms and fields
- Workflow Integration — data model linked governance processes
Data Modeling in SAP MDG: Essential Principles
Data modeling in SAP MDG is a method of establishing and organizing the structures of master data that satisfies an organization's requirements and governance practices. When performing data modeling in SAP MDG, you address both the data's technical framework and the business policies that dictate the data's creation, modification, and distribution, diverging from classical database modeling.
SAP MDG allows users to create and configure unique Data Models within the MDG configuration environment via the SAP Customizing IMG. The SAP MDG data modelling process is inclusive of:
- Data Model IDs — unique identification of the data model instances
- Entity Types Configuration — configuration of the master data objects to be modeled
- Storage Tables Configuration — configuration of the Flex Tables for the physical storage of the master data
- Linking Attributes Mapping — entity attributes to database fields
- Relationships Configuration — the defining of entity types to be connected via parent-child
- Edition Types Configuration — the defining of how governed data versions are treated
Improved data modeling in SAP MDG will enhance the alignment of the governance workflows, validation rules, user interface screens, and data structure, ultimately reducing the errors, and increasing the data quality and speed of the master data processes.
SAP MDG Data Modelling: The Flex Model Architecture
Within SAP MDG data modelling, the architecture is built around the model that SAP calls the Flex Model. This type of model uses generic, flexible tables to handle master data within a governance staging area, prior to data replication to a target system (ERP or S/4HANA). The Flex Model type is the most widely adopted model type within both custom and standard SAP MDG data modelling scenarios.
1. Entity Types and Attributes
An Entity Type denotes the primary master data entities within the SAP MDG data model. Every Entity Type is associated to a number of Attributes that collectively define the data fields pertinent to that Entity. In the case of SAP MDG, an Attribute can be configured as a simple field, a reference field, or as a complex data structure, providing significant flexibility in modeling the data.
2. Relationships and Cardinality
Within SAP MDG data modelling, Relationships explain how different Entity Types connect to each other. In these definitions, Cardinality (one-to-one, one-to-many) is employed to ensure that data integrity is maintained across the governance model. For instance, it is possible that a material Entity Type could have a one-to-many relationship with its classification.
3. Storage and Replication
SAP MDG Flex models incorporate unique staging tables (USMD* tables) that temporarily store governed master data. After a workflow approval for a change request, the data is then sent to the Operational Data Storage (ODS) tables of the ERP or S/4HANA system. A fundamental principle in the design of the SAP MDG data model is the separation of governance and operational storage.
SAP MDG Custom Data Model: Creating Unique Governance Structures
SAP MDG includes standard data models for typical master data objects like Business Partner and Material, but the real capability of the platform is in its ability to develop an SAP MDG custom data model. Organizations that require a model that is different from the standard due to unique master data — such as specific material classifications, vendor attributes at the plant level, or custom hierarchies of cost centers — can leverage the SAP MDG custom data model functionality to create bespoke governance structures.
Procedure for Creating an SAP MDG Custom Data Model:
- Create a New Data Model ID: Go to IMG > Master Data Governance > General Settings > Data Modeling > Edit Data Model and create a new data model that has a unique ID (generally a customer namespace beginning with 'Y' or 'Z').
- Establish Entity Types: Identify the types of entities that will support your SAP MDG custom data model governance domain. Each entity type should correspond to a specific master data object maintained by your organization.
- Set Up Flex Tables: Pair the correct USMD Flex tables to your entity types. SAP offers standard Flex tables, or you may extend them to include custom attributes.
- Attribute Mapping: Connect each entity type to its attributes, including field names, data types, input assistance, and rule validation.
- Relationships: Create the custom entity type relationships to represent actual data dependencies.
- User Interface and Workflow Configuration: With the MDG Web UI, customize governance screens to fit your tailored SAP MDG custom data model and set up workflow steps for the change request process.
For example, a pharmaceutical organization implementing governance of regulatory attributes would benefit from the SAP MDG custom data model. A retail business managing complex hierarchies of products would also gain value.
SAP MDG Business Partner Data Model
The SAP MDG business partner data model is among the top standard data models used in the SAP partner ecosystem. It manages the creation, modification, and distribution of business partner master data pertaining to customers, vendors, and contacts across SAP ERP and S/4HANA.
The SAP MDG Business Partner Data Model has the Following Key Features:
- Unified Business Partner Concept: The SAP MDG business partner data model integrates customer and vendor master data to one single business partner object, in accordance with the SAP Business Partner (BP) architecture that has been implemented with S/4HANA.
- Role-Based Data Structure: The SAP MDG business partner data model utilizes business partner roles (e.g., Customer, Vendor, Contact Person) to define attributes of each role, ensuring that data fields relevant to that role are captured.
- Centralized Address and Communication Data Management: The BP data model centrally manages standard address structures, as well as communication data (phone, email, fax) and tax information.
- Bank Account and Payment Data: The model facilitates the governance of highly sensitive financial information, including bank accounts and payment terms, with appropriate permissions.
- Management of Relationships: The SAP MDG business partner data model enables handling of complicated relationships between business partners, such as parent-child company structures, or structures of authorized representatives.
When migrating to S/4HANA, the SAP MDG business partner data model is vital in the integration of legacy customer/vendor master records into the unified Business Partner framework, giving users fully compliant, deduplicated master data governance from the first day.
SAP MDG Material Data Model and Material Master Data Model
One of the most intricate and extensive types of master data in any supply chain, retail, or manufacturing organization is the material master, which is managed by the SAP MDG material data model and the related SAP MDG material master data model.
SAP MDG Material Master Data Model Structure
The SAP MDG material master data model uses the same framework as SAP Material Master (transaction MM01/MM60), and it organizes the material data into views for different business functions as follows:
| View | Key Attributes |
|---|---|
| Basic Data | Material description, material type, industry sector, base UoM, material group |
| Purchasing | Purchase order unit, purchasing group, delivery tolerances |
| Sales | Sales organization data, distribution channels, sales units, pricing references |
| MRP | MRP type, lot sizing, safety stock, planned delivery time |
| Accounting & Costing | Valuation class, price control, standard price, moving average price |
| Classification | Characteristics and class assignments |
| Plant & Storage | Storage conditions, warehouse management, plant-specific data |
SAP MDG Material Data Model Governance Advantages
The SAP MDG material data model applies governance at every level of the material master lifecycle. Change requests for new materials and updates to existing materials are submitted for approval and go through an approval workflow to confirm and authorize each change, providing an audit trail for each change before it becomes active in the production system.
Using the SAP MDG material master data model's mass processing capabilities, companies can carry out extensive data migrations, extend materials to new plants or sales organizations, and perform bulk updates, with the process remaining fully governed.
SAP MDG Data Model Configuration: Best Practices
The successful configuration of the SAP MDG data model is the result of a solid understanding of technology and business processes. Below are the top suggestions for practitioners working with SAP MDG data modelling:
- Integrate Data Models with Business Processes: Prior to the configuration of a SAP MDG data model, ensure to construct the master data lifecycle map from creation to retirement and validate that the model's structure corresponds to the business processes.
- Prefer Standard Models: SAP's standard data models are optimized and are subject to revision. Only build an SAP MDG custom data model when business standards cannot be satisfied by out-of-the-box options.
- Clean Namespace: Use custom data models, entity types, and attributes with customer namespaces (Y* or Z*) to minimize conflict with SAP standard objects.
- Prepare for Future Data Model Extensions: Build with SAP MDG's key-user extensibility tools in mind, which allow the addition of custom fields without touching the core SAP MDG data model.
- Begin Testing in Non-Production Settings: Implement a thorough series of tests on all configurations regarding SAP MDG data modelling, modifications in the UI, and integrations of workflows in both development and quality environments, prior to transport to the production environment.
- Remember to Document: Recording the design decisions pertaining to the SAP MDG data model, attribute mappings, configurations, and the rest is important for other members of the team and for future upgrades.
ERPVITS and the Implementation of SAP MDG Data Models
In the area of SAP MDG implementation, ERPVITS focuses on offering end-to-end services which includes SAP MDG data model designing, production go-live, and post-implementation support. This includes SAP MDG data modelling, SAP MDG custom data model development, and configuration associated with standard models such as the SAP MDG business partner data model and the SAP MDG material master data model.
Our SAP MDG services encompass:
- SAP MDG Data Model Assessment & Technical Blueprint Creation
- Development of SAP MDG Custom Data Model for Domain-Specific Governance
- Configuration of SAP MDG Business Partner & SAP MDG Material Master Data Models
- SAP MDG Data Model Integration & Workflow Design
- Data Quality & Migration Management within MDG
- Governance MDG Teams Change Management & Training
ERPVITS has developed a proven methodology to facilitate success and provide value to your organization, whether you are beginning a fresh SAP MDG implementation, migrating to SAP S/4HANA, or enhancing your current MDG landscape.
Conclusion
All master data governance is built upon the SAP MDG data model — from the SAP MDG business partner data model to the SAP MDG material master data model. Whether your organization requires flexible SAP MDG custom data model development or relies on SAP's standard frameworks, every element of SAP MDG data modelling plays a vital role in ensuring that your master data remains accurate, consistent, and properly governed.
The difference between developing a successful master data governance program and one that suffers from poor data quality and inefficient processes lies in understanding data modeling in SAP MDG and getting it right from the beginning. With the right expert advice and clear architectural guidance, the SAP MDG data model will allow your organization to drive significant business change.
Do you want to create a strong SAP MDG data model for your business? Join our SAP MDG Training Today.
FAQs
Q1: What is the SAP MDG data model used for?
The SAP MDG data model captures the governance framework for master data and is used to determine the structure, characteristics, and relationships of master data objects. It is used to set up the governance processes for the master data lifecycle, including how master data is created, modified, approved, and disseminated throughout the SAP ecosystem.
Q2: What is the main difference between data modeling in SAP MDG and standard SAP configuration?
With standard SAP configuration, you would adjust the settings of existing SAP framework options. In contrast, data modeling in SAP MDG allows you to define the actual framework of master data objects, their attributes, and governance model — giving organizations much wider latitude in the governance and processing of their master data.
Q3: Is it possible to establish a custom domain in SAP MDG?
Yes. With the SAP MDG custom data model functionality, organizations can create entirely novel governance domains, with custom entity types, attributes, and relationships — making it possible to govern any form of master data rather than being limited to SAP-standard objects.
Q4: What are the benefits of the SAP MDG business partner data model in relation to migrating to S/4HANA?
The SAP MDG business partner data model merges customer and vendor master records into SAP's mandated unified Business Partner framework for S/4HANA. It guarantees clean governance and alignment of business partner data with the S/4HANA data model prior to migration.
Q5: What tables does the SAP MDG material master data model use?
The SAP MDG material master data model employs USMD Flex tables (like USMD110 and USMD120) located within the governance staging area and replicates the sanctioned data to the standard material master tables (MARA, MARC, MARD, etc.) from the ERP or S/4HANA system.