Centric runs MDM engagements as a structured five-phase delivery discovery, architecture, build, operate, improve anchored by a governance rhythm that keeps the client business in the room throughout. This page describes what each phase looks like, what we deliver, and the discipline we bring to keep MDM from becoming a platform installation in search of a purpose.
The Five Phases
|
Phase |
Deliverables |
|
Discovery and assessment |
Current state, gap analysis, business case |
|
Architecture and platform |
Architecture, data model, platform decision |
|
Build and integrate |
Platform setup, sources, cleansing, stewardship console |
|
Operate and steward |
Steward enablement, KPI reporting, run support |
|
Improve and expand |
New domains, new sources, continuous optimization |
Phase 1: Discovery and Assessment
Inventory source systems, profile data, interview stakeholders, document use cases, build the business case. Output: a prioritized view of which domains and sources matter most and what the investment story is.
Phase 2: Architecture and Platform Selection
Design the data model; choose the implementation style; run platform selection against scored criteria; design the stewardship operating model. Output: a defensible architecture and platform recommendation. (See how to select the right MDM platform seven criteria.)
Phase 3: Build and Integrate
Configure the platform; connect source systems; build matching and merging rules; cleanse and load; configure stewardship console; build KPI reporting. The cleansing discipline matters as much as the build. (See data migration and cleansing in an MDM project.) Duration depends heavily on source count and complexity.
Phase 4: Operate and Steward
Stewards take ownership; Centric supports run for KPI reporting cadence begins; downstream consumers onboard. The first of operate are where we transfer the discipline that keeps MDM healthy. (See data stewardship program for MDM success.)
Phase 5: Improve and Expand
Add domains (customer first, product next, supplier after); add sources as the business needs them; refine match rules; expand to new consuming systems. MDM as a program compounds value over years phase 5 is where that happens.
Governance Rhythm
Weekly delivery standup during build; biweekly governance forum across phases; monthly executive review; quarterly business-outcome review. The rhythm is what keeps MDM aligned with the business and prevents the program drifting into IT-only territory. Centric delivers MDM engagements through its master data management service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we engage Centric for just one phase?
Yes. Assessment-only and platform-selection-only engagements are common entry points. Many clients then scope the build phase separately.
What does the discovery phase cost?
Assessment scope and source count drive the number. We can scope discovery as a fixed-price engagement.
Do you partner with the platform vendor on delivery?
We partner where it accelerates delivery; we stay vendor-neutral on the platform recommendation.
How do you handle change requests during build?
Change-request process documented at kickoff; impact assessed against scope and timeline; client decides. Standard professional-services discipline; nothing surprising.
Conclusion
The Centric MDM engagement model is structured enough to be predictable and flexible enough to fit your situation. Five phases, real deliverables, an honest governance rhythm. The next step is a discovery conversation about your sources, domains, and business drivers.
