Master Address Database

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A spatially-enabled Master Address Database (also known as an Enterprise Addressing System) can unlock the potential of an organization's address data while reducing costs and operating time

Executive Summary

Problem

Departments within an organization often develop independent address databases or maintain addresses in proprietary applications, such as asset management systems, computerized maintenance management systems, document management systems, or financial systems. This results in duplicated and error-prone address lists within a single organization.

Solution

Farallon's Master Address Database solution creates a centralized and manageable address repository with internal validation rules. It is spatially-enabled for visual representation and analysis. These properties enable systems integration with other business systems and improves overall operational efficiency.

Addresses are fundamental data assets for all organizations

Addresses are one of the most critical, fundamental, and universal data assets that all organizations manage. They are an organization's link to customers, suppliers, and constituents - supporting everything from purchasing to dispatching emergency services.

Addresses can be one of the most difficult information assets for an organization to manage and maintain. Difficulties arise because departments have potentially divergent needs and uses for addresses and many options exist for managing the location-based component of addresses. Departments within an organization often develop independent address databases or maintain addresses in proprietary applications, such as asset management systems, computerized maintenance management systems, document management systems, or financial systems. This results in many address lists within a single organization that support varying needs and uses as well as varying formats, standards, and levels of accuracy or completeness.

A centralized, spatially-enabled, master address database (MAD) unlocks the potential of address data

The development of a single, centralized address source or master address database (MAD) can solve the problem of duplicated and error-prone addresses. In order to maximize usefulness, the MAD must be spatially-enabled (e.g. related to geographical location through the visualization of maps) and integrated with other business systems.

A spatially-enabled MAD defines the business logic and provides the validation rules to support an organization's business needs. It formalizes the spatial model, provides a single, manageable repository enabling systems integration, and is sufficiently flexible and scalable to meet the organization's needs.

A spatially enabled MAD delivers value and improves services to existing customers and constituents, enhances the ability to identify new customers/services to improve business performance, and improves overall operational efficiency. Location-based technology that uses a MAD can unlock the potential of an organization's address data while reducing costs and operating time.

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