Matrix42 does not stop at simply mapping organizational processes, but goes one step further than other products: We integrate with administrative tools such as software distribution solutions or Microsoft Active Directory and directly trigger a fully automated service fulfillment process, from request to approval, delivery and costing. Matrix42 connectors afford a simple data exchange with business and technical third-party systems, such as ERP, Human Resource or software management. They are the key to transparent, coherent information with consistent, consolidated basic data.
All Matrix42 products have an interface for data exchange with third-party systems via the Generic Data Import / Export Wizard (short: GDIE) or via standardized interfaces. In addition, interfaces to market-leading inventory solutions such as matrix42 Empirum ensure that asset data is always up-to-date through a continuous adjustment of target data with actual data.
In addition to the data exchange options, Matrix42 provides standard connectors to software distribution solutions such as Microsoft SMS or to user management software such as Microsoft Active Directory. These connectors enable Matrix42 products to directly control these third party tools from the Matrix42 user interface. For example, in order to create a new user in the Active Directory or to install a software package at a workstation. This may be done manually by an administrative user or in a fully automated fashion as part of a service delivery process.
For example, if an employee requests Acrobat Reader to be installed on his machine, the software will automatically be installed if the cost center manager has given his approval. Service Desk workers can directly allocate software from the Matrix42 Service Desk or access third party inventory data.
The GDIE is especially suited for scheduling data exchange with ERP and help desk systems or for the initial import from existing Excel or Access solutions.
Besides the initial take-over and continuous updates of organizational data such as cost centers or employees, the scheduled import jobs can be used to automatically generate postings for the import of consumption-related data on e.g. disk quotas, mailboxes, usage times, support tickets or the cost of telecommunications which may be used for cost allocation.
The GDIE supports a variety of import sources and methods, such as SQL, CSV, OLEDB or XML. Functional highlights of the GDIE include the possibility to validate data during the import process for consistency and completeness. In addition, it is possible to create links with existing data as part of the import process.
For every import job you can define whether the GDIE shall create new data entries, update all existing data on or just add new data entries that complement existing ones. Another option would be to only import data that has changed.
A detailed import report provides information on the success of the import and gives details about any line problems that may have arisen - e.g. a text value that was to be imported into a field which only allows numbers or dates.
The features we have just described thus enables a reconciliation and rigorous validation of data for which there are multiple imports sources with different value systems (e.g.”Cost centers”). An import log shows e.g. the cost centers that came only with one import process, but not with others. The validations contribute to a sustainable improvement of data and allow for the continuous development of a coherent database with consolidated information.
The bi-directional interface of the Matrix42 User Manager to Microsoft Active Directory lets service employees assign resources such as access authorization or software to the user and service them - manually or by automatically by starting an approval workflow. Administrative skills are not required.
Automation of Active Directory Maintenance
In addition, the maintenance of Active Directory can be carried out automatically by means of standard processes. One example is the workflow "New Employee": The first and last name of an employee are sufficient to generate, by means of name conventions, e-mail address and user name and to register them in Active Directory. At the same time all necessary access authorization in Active Directory is given according to the role assigned to the employee. Reaction time and inactive periods are reduced to a minimum. Authorizations are safely and easily implemented.
More Security by Standard Processes
The User Manager module automatically processes access authorization requests made by users through the shopping cart (Service Catalog). If an employee, for example, requests access to a special project directory, this right is automatically given in Active Directory immediately after authorization by the manager. Thus, security risks do not arise and the documentation of the incident is automatically created.
Moreover, the decision maker gets interactive reports on his staff and their assigned resources on a regular basis. Via web browser the department corrects outdated or incorrect access rights and closes security holes promptly - without involving a technical employee.
Standard connectors to software distribution solutions such as Microsoft SMS enable direct control of these tools. For example, a software package such as Acrobat Reader can be directly installed on a workstation from the user interface of Matrix42 Service Desk.
In addition, interfaces to market-leading inventory solutions such as matrix42 Empirum ensure that assets information is always up-to-date by continuously comparing the target data to the actual data and making the necessary adjustments.
All standard connectors are continuously updated when new versions are released.
Connectors 
