Home | Connectors | OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary | OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary - OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server Integration and Automation
OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary and OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server complement each other well in enterprise content environments. The Dictionary provides centralized metadata governance and standardized definitions, while Extended ECM - Content Server stores and manages the actual content, records, and workflows. Together, they help organizations enforce consistent classification, improve search and reporting, and support scalable content operations across departments.
Data flow: OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary to OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server
The Dictionary can publish approved metadata schemas, field definitions, and controlled vocabularies to Content Server so all document libraries and workspaces use the same standards. This is especially useful when multiple business units manage contracts, policies, project files, or regulated records in the same ECM environment.
Data flow: Bi-directional
When users upload content into Content Server, the system can use Dictionary-managed metadata rules to prompt for required tags such as document type, business unit, retention category, or confidentiality level. In return, usage patterns and exceptions from Content Server can be reviewed to refine the metadata model in the Dictionary.
Data flow: OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary to OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server
By aligning Content Server metadata with the Dictionary, organizations can standardize search filters, reporting dimensions, and dashboard fields across multiple content libraries. This is valuable for legal, compliance, and operations teams that need reliable reporting on documents, records, and project artifacts.
Data flow: OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary to OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server
The Dictionary can define standardized metadata for retention schedules, record series, disposition triggers, and legal hold indicators. Content Server then applies these definitions to content objects and records, ensuring retention policies are executed consistently across the enterprise.
Data flow: Bi-directional
Content Server workflows can use Dictionary-controlled values to route documents to the correct reviewers, approvers, or records managers. For example, a contract tagged with a specific region, contract type, or risk level can be routed to the appropriate legal queue. Workflow outcomes can also be used to update metadata standards in the Dictionary when new business rules emerge.
Data flow: OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server to OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary
Content Server can provide usage and lifecycle insights, such as which metadata fields are frequently used, which values are obsolete, and where exceptions occur. These insights help metadata stewards update the Dictionary to keep schemas relevant and aligned with business needs.
Data flow: OpenText Content Metadata Service - Dictionary to OpenText Extended ECM - Content Server
During a new Content Server deployment or a migration from legacy repositories, the Dictionary can serve as the master source for metadata mapping and standardization. This helps project teams normalize legacy fields, reduce migration errors, and ensure the target repository follows enterprise standards from day one.
Data flow: Bi-directional
Different departments such as HR, procurement, legal, and engineering can use tailored content models in Content Server while still relying on the Dictionary for enterprise-approved metadata definitions. This balance allows local flexibility without losing corporate control over key terms, values, and compliance fields.