Improvement of Documentation Workflow in FMCG Chain Retailing Companies Based on Data Architecture Design
Authors: Borremans A. D. , Voronova O. V. , Il’in I. V. 
Published: November 2019

The presented study improves the model of top-level documentation workflow in FMCG chain retailing companies by building a special data architecture.Aim. The study aims to develop a model of top-level documentation workflow for building architectural solutions of FMCG chain retailing companies based on data architecture modeling.Tasks. First, it is necessary to examine the general documentation workflow system of FMCG chain retailing companies, identifying the major interested parties — participants of external, internal, and supporting workflow. It is also advisable to analyze certain types of internal workflow and to determine the relationships between them. Based on the conducted analysis, it is necessary to develop a conceptual model of data architecture and a documentation workflow model for FMCG chain retailing companies.Methods. This study represents the general documentation workflow system of FMCG chain retailing companies as three subsystems (external, internal, and supporting workflow). The authors examine the major channels of interaction between chain retailing companies and such interested parties as government authorities, suppliers, consumers, and third-party organizations. Based on the analysis of the elements of the workflow system, this study builds a top-level documentation workflow model and presents a conceptual model of data architecture for FMCG chain retailing companies with allowance for the above-mentioned entities. The model uses UML notation, which makes it possible to reflect key classes and relationships and to identify relationships that need to be simplified.Results. The study examines the process of improving documentation workflow in FMCG chain retailing companies in the context of active implementation of new IT solutions and automation of business processes to reduce costs and increase sales. The authors show the general documentation workflow system of FMCG chain retailing companies, identifying the major interested parties — participants of external workflow — and analyzing certain types of internal workflow. According to the results of the study, a top-level documentation workflow model for FMCG chain retailing companies is developed based on data architecture design.Conclusions. Large FMCG chain retailing companies are actively implementing new IT solutions and automate business processes to reduce costs and increase sales. Optimal documentation support for FMCG chain retailing companies is impossible without generating huge amounts of data. Methods of data storage and processing have a direct impact on the speed and quality of business processes. In order to improve documentation workflow, it is becoming increasingly important to develop and optimize data architecture. Data architecture is one of the fundamental models of company operation in terms of comprehensive digitalization. The obtained data model can be considered universal for FMCG chain retailing companies since it makes it possible to organize management in such a way as to ensure the development and efficient functioning of the architecture of chain retailing companies.