Features of the Runtime Environment

The runtime components of the master index application are designed to uniquely identify, match, and maintain information throughout a business enterprise. These components are highly configurable, allowing you to create a custom master index application suited to your specific data processing needs.

Primary features of the master index application include the following:

• Centralized Information - The master index application maintains a centralized database, enabling the integration of data records throughout the enterprise while allowing local systems to continue operating independently. The index stores copies of local system records and of SBRs, which represent the most accurate and complete data for each object. This database is the central location of information and identifiers, and is accessible throughout the enterprise.

• Configurability - Before deploying the master index application, you define the components and processing capabilities of the system to suit your organization’s processing requirements. You can configure the object structure, matching and standardization rules, survivorship rules, queries, EDM appearance, and field validation rules.

• Cross-referencing - The master index application is a global cross-referencing application that automates record matching across disparate source systems, simplifying the process of sharing data between systems. The master index application uses the local identifiers assigned by your existing systems as a reference, allowing you to maintain your current systems and practices while maintaining the most current and accurate information.

• Data Cleansing - The master index application uses configurable matching algorithm logic to uniquely identify object records and to identify duplicate and potential duplicate records. The index provides the functionality to easily merge or resolve duplicates and can be configured to automatically match records that are found to be duplicates of one another.

• Data Updates - The master index application provides the ability to add, update, deactivate, and delete data in the database tables through messages received from external systems. Records received from external systems are checked for potential duplicates during processing. Merges can also be performed through external system messages. Data updates from external systems can occur in real time or as batch processes.

• Identification - The master index application employs configurable probabilistic matching technology, which uses a matching algorithm to formulate an effective statistical measure of how closely records match. Using a state-of-the-art algorithm in real-time mode and establishing a common method of locating records, the index consistently and precisely identifies objects within an enterprise.

• Integration - Relying on the application server, the master index application provides the power and flexibility to identify, route, and transform data to and from any system or application throughout your business enterprise. It can accept incoming transactions and distribute updates to external systems, providing seamless integration with the systems in your enterprise.

• Matching Algorithm - The master index application is designed to use the Sun Match Engine or a custom matching algorithm to provide a matching probability weight between records. Sun Master Index provides the flexibility to create user-defined matching thresholds, which control how potential duplicates and automatic matches are determined.

• Shared Information - Each time a record is updated, added, merged, or unmerged from the EDM, the master index application generates a message that can be transmitted to external systems. It also receives, processes, and broadcasts messages containing information about the objects in your index.

• Unique Identifier - Records from various systems are cross-referenced using an enterprise-wide unique identifier, known as an EUID, that the index assigns to each object record. The index uses the EUID to cross-reference the local IDs assigned to each object by the various computer systems throughout the enterprise.