Data flow FAQs

Review the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the data load, update, and export in Network MDM.

General

What is the main purpose of data flow in Veeva Network MDM?

To import, export, and maintain data within and outside of Network MDM, ensuring data quality.

What are the primary ways to import data into Network MDM?

Through Source Subscriptions and Veeva OpenData Subscriptions.

What is needed to set up data flow in Network MDM?

Linked subscriptions to systems, system configuration for data type (proprietary/third-party), and system ranking for survivorship.

What is the difference between a Source and Target Subscription?

A Source Subscription imports and merges external data into your Network MDM instance. A Target Subscription exports data from Network MDM to downstream systems (like CRM) or shares data change requests with third-party masters.

Importing and maintaining data

What are Source Subscriptions used for?

To load local or third-party data into Network MDM.

What is the purpose of Veeva OpenData Subscriptions?

To load global Healthcare Professional (HCP) and Healthcare Organization (HCO) data mastered by Veeva OpenData.

What are some data maintenance tasks performed in Network MDM?

Identifying and merging duplicates, inactivating sub-objects, deleting local records, and anonymizing deleted HCP records.

How does Network MDM help ensure data quality?

Through data maintenance subscriptions that perform tasks like duplicate merging and data anonymization.

Exporting data

How is data exported from Network MDM?

Using Target Subscriptions to update downstream systems.

Can Data Change Requests (DCRs) be exported?

Yes, DCRs can be exported via Target Subscriptions.

Can I export original source values alongside the master record?

Yes. Enable the Include Source Data view in a Target Subscription. This exports data lineage, showing values as they were originally loaded by specific sources rather than just the current "winning" master values.

Can I schedule a data export for a specific time or frequency?

Yes. Target Subscriptions can be scheduled at hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly intervals. You can also trigger a manual run at any time for immediate extracts.

Ad hoc updates (Data Updater)

What is the Data Updater and when should I use it?

The Data Updater is an administrative tool for performing ad hoc, bulk updates or merges via Excel or CSV. Use it for quick corrections—like updating primary addresses or deactivating records—without the complex configuration of a full Source Subscription.

Are there restrictions on what the Data Updater can change?

Yes. The Data Updater only modifies records in a VALID state. It cannot update system fields, read-only fields, or Veeva-managed fields on OpenData records. Additionally, job validation rules may restrict bulk changes to critical values.

System ranking and survivorship

How does Network MDM determine which data "wins" when multiple sources provide different values?

Network MDM uses Source Rankings to determine survivorship. You can prioritize systems at the system, object, or field level; the highest-ranked source becomes the "winning" value on the master record. Veeva OpenData values always take precedence for standard fields on OpenData records.

Integrations and external access

How does Network MDM integrate with other Veeva products?

Through Network Bridge (for Veeva CRM and Vault CRM), Veeva Connector (for Veeva CRM, Vault, and Nitro), and Concur Connector (for SAP Concur).

How can external applications access Network MDM data?

Via the Network MDM API and Network Widgets.