Key processing steps for MDM are illustrated in this Figure. They include data model management; data acquisition; data validation, standardization, and enrichment; entity resolution; and stewardship and sharing.

In a comprehensive MDM environment, the logical data model will be physically instantiated in multiple platforms. It guides the implementation of the MDM solution, providing the basis of data integration services. It should guide how applications are configured to take advantage of data reconciliation and data quality verification capabilities.