What type of key should be used to maintain relationships across different systems in MDM solutions?

In Master Data Management (MDM) solutions, maintaining relationships across different systems is crucial, and the concept of a Master Key plays a significant role in this process. A Master Key serves as a unique identifier that consolidates and connects records from multiple systems, ensuring that even if the records vary in structure or data formats, they can still be accurately associated and integrated.

This uniqueness is vital in an MDM environment where data comes from disparate sources, and having a Master Key allows for a consistent point of reference that can effectively link various datasets. By utilizing a Master Key, organizations can streamline data consolidation efforts, enhance data integrity, and support reliable data governance practices.

In contrast, a Primary Key is specific to a single table and is used within that table to uniquely identify records. A Foreign Key establishes relationships between tables in a relational database but does not function across different systems as a Master Key does. Composite Keys combine multiple attributes to create a unique identifier but may not offer the cross-system relationship capability that a Master Key provides.

Overall, the Master Key is essential for fostering coherent relationships between different data sources in MDM solutions, making it the ideal choice for this scenario.