Reference data vs Master data

[Former Member]

Hello experts,

I am a little bit confused with the relationship between master data and reference data. Are these the same things? Where is reference data stored in MDM? What are some examples of reference data?

<removed_by_moderator>

Read the "Rules of Engagement"

Thanks!

Nichole

Edited by: Juan Reyes on Apr 3, 2009 11:14 AM

[Former Member]

Hi,

Master data is nothing but data that rarely changes.Data on which various business transactions depend on is master data.It helps in smooth execution of business processes.For eg:For a Insurance company Customer data is its master data.The customer ID,name,Contact details etc form a part of master data.Similarly we have PRoduct,Vendor,Material,Employee master Objects.

Reference data is nothing but look uo data .It is used to enforce data integrity.

For eg:Countries table has set of fixed values in R3 to ensure correct values are entered.

Others examples are Material group,Industries,Purchasing Org,Business Partner ROles.Refrence data is stored in look up tables in MDM repository.

You can go through this article

http://www.datamanagementgroup.com/Resources/Articles/Article_LongWindingRoadToSAPMDM.asp

Regards

Nisha

Edited by: Nisha L on Apr 3, 2009 5:49 AM