How to make MDG Simpler

 

We have had the iron age, the age of steam (industrial revolution) and the electronic age- each era of human history defined by its advancements. We are currently in the data age. It’s become the best way to get the most out of a business and run it with absolute efficiency- a key way of unlocking competitive advantage. Over the past few years of this age, we have seen the levels of data an organisation uses increase dramatically. These increases in volume are becoming increasingly essential to running business operations- both at a strategic and operational level.

 

 

With data levels increasing as fast as it is important, monitoring data quality and ensuring consistency across an organisation is only becoming more complex. This has led many users of SAP running for headache tablets while attempting to keep Master Data Governance efficient but simple. This becomes more of a challenge when accounting for business complexities, like diverging data recording and handling, with priorities in different places- customer, vendor, product, etc.

 

It’s only too easy to accept this as the nature of Master Data Governance and that battling with business complexities is part of the job. However, this isn’t a sustainable approach to getting good, efficient data to support operations effectively when it’s increasing exponentially. A priority for organisations to stay competitive in the future is to make Master Data Governance simpler. Solving these issues is why BluestoneX exists, so read on. We have a few ideas to help promote a culture of innovation within your organisation.

 

What is MDG?

Master Data Government (Or MDG for short) is the way in which an organisation can bring together a discipline with technology. Simply speaking, it’s a formal process in which businesses take data accountability by utilising technology. Organisations which handle a lot of data choose to do this for standardisation of data capture, accuracy, consistency and accountability across the entire operation. The end goal of MDG is to create gains in efficiency by minimising erroneous or duplicated data, which can lead to errors in production, customer relationships or even issues with finances. It’s become a standard business practice for any modern business which values competitive advantage and relies on data to maintain it.

 

How does MDG work?

Master Data Governance typically works by forming and applying policies specifically to master data through the use of technologies and software. Definitions and processes can be written by a Master Data Controller or Chief Governance Officer, which can then be written into the software. The technology acts as a way to enforce governance and ensure compliance with users. Technology can also be used to monitor Governance effectiveness to help users take better care of the master data they work with.

 

Furthermore, by setting policies as an organisation-wide standard an enterprise can standardise the gathering, storage, processing, and disposal of its data in an appropriate way. If an organisation works with the personal data of customers, this is especially important to comply with GDPR.

 

These processes and definitions are often automated via an ERP with a custom configuration. Setting an ERP up with Governance in mind makes compliance an automatic process and reduces human error.

 

What are the problems with MDG?

Master Data Governance is notoriously a difficult area across the board- whether it’s data collection, storage or usage, automated or manual, newly implemented or legacy system, MDG is a tricky area to navigate. Here are some of the key problems to be aware of.

 

Without automated solutions, the processing and monitoring of data are extremely monotonous and manual. This leaves data open to inaccuracies through the human area and a lack of motivation or frustrating user experience.

Implementation of MDG raises all sorts of problems. A big one is user adoption and compliance. How do CGO’s ensure users are creating and using data correctly? If data is entered incorrectly, it can cause issues across the organisation. Utilising software can solve data problems in one go. Definitions and policies can be embedded in the collection process, locking governance into the user experience.

 

Implementation can be an issue for many organisations currently running manual MDG. Some solutions can take years to deploy for the largest organisations. Heavy-code solutions can make it difficult to integrate with existing programs and cause initial teething problems on going live. These can lead to larger disruptions across a business, which can be problematic considering the current market climate.

What is simple MDG?

Simple MDG is a new way to approach Master Data Governance that aims to solve all of the issues commonly associated with traditional MDG. We aim to make MDG as simple as possible for organisations, no matter the scale of their master data needs. We have combined automation, compliance, low code and a few other innovations to create our simple MDM solution, Maextro.

 

Maextro enables organisations to centrally generate and maintain all master data information. Its aim is to unlock the true potential of an organisation’s master data seamlessly with existing ERPs or to be introduced as an upgrade.

 

How to make MDG simpler?

To make MDG simple, the solution must be easy to use and maintain, effective and solve common Master Data Governance problems. How specifically have we made MDG simpler? Here are a few explanations of Maextro’s capabilities.

 

Make deployment easier and quicker

Maextro has been designed to be a no-code solution which can be installed in days and weeks, rather than months and years. This makes the deployment of governance simpler and better for forward-planning opportunities. Organisations can create a custom configuration, implement and begin using in a short space of time. This speeds up the ROI period but also leaves organisations in an agile position a lot sooner.

 

Automate what can be automated.

One of the big issues with maintaining data quality is erroneous data begin inputted and not corrected. Maextro makes this part of MDG simple by reducing manual data entry by up to 75%. With a document extraction tool unique to Maextro, inputting data can be done automatically. This reduces the only manual activity to checking and approving the data. This is great for user experience and adoption as it makes tedious work light and productive, increasing the motivation and productivity of a workforce as it frees them to work on more important tasks.

 

MDG Compliance built-in

Organisations collect data through various systems, so getting different teams to stick to the same rules manually may be difficult to sustain or even make possible. However, Maextro solves this issue by integrating compliance into the technology. Data inputting can be configured as per the standards of an organisation. It works on an approval-based system, which ensures data quality is maintained through checks of those responsible for it. This can reduce risk and improve compliance by up to 70%.

 

 

Duplicate Checks

The announcement from SAP to stop supporting ECC from 2027 has given a lot of companies a target date to have migrated to S/4HANA by. However, a data quality issue when migrating is duplicate data- as well as erroneous data. Taking this across to a new ERP wastes time, storage and money but the only way to remove duplicates until now has been manual checking. Maextro features several unique MDG tools which are not seen anywhere else on the market. Referred to as “Ditto”, the duplicate checker automates this process and removes the need for manual checks and the associated frustrations. It can also be used as a monitoring tool when not migrating, further simplifying data quality best practices.

 

What are the benefits of Master Data Governance for a business?

Organisations of all sizes and industries are quickly discovering the potential of master data governance and the positive impact it can have on sustaining a competitive advantage. With the right MDG solution in place to make everything simpler, organisations are seeing the following benefits.

 

Revenue growth

Improved data governance creates a stronger pool of data. From here businesses can make better-informed decisions with a greater confidence, knowing that there the chances of inaccurate data have been minimised. With the current position of the market, being able to pivot quickly with decision-making is an essential way to not get caught out by unexpected challenges. This not only helps grow the business’s revenue but also aids it in futureproofing itself as well.

 

Efficiency gains

With the tedious tasks automated, there’s no need to waste time on manual data input. Instead, the workforce can focus on more productive tasks, creating a culture of efficiency. The efficiency gains extend into a strategic decision-making level as well through greater analytical accuracy, allowing for faster administration and planning.

 

Risk mitigation and management

Poor data quality poses many risks to an organisation. Inability to produce products or services, resulting in reputational damage for example. A digit out of place on a vendor’s invoice date could result in credit damage. It can affect any part of operations or the supply chain. Good MDG mitigates these risks by having defined procedures in place, creating peace of mind for those responsible. Furthermore, if errors do occur, they can be tracked, monitored and improved- giving an organisation the opportunity to self-improve and become stronger.

 

Live Innovations

Configurations of data gathering, or general data handling may alter as the business and market does. An MDG solution should change with it. For example, with Maextro, we are constantly making improvements to the software, sometimes at the request of clients. With live updates, this means the MDG solution moves with the times and creates long-term ROI.

 

Digital transformation and analytics- control costs, be agile

Digital transformation poses many benefits for an organisation. For MDG, incorporating technology as part of a wider digital initiative leaves businesses in a position of agility, enabling a business to operate with the speed and confidence needed to take advantage of opportunities that could be out of reach with manual or poor data quality. This could be increased in productivity, re-shoring, targeted marketing and customer service, cost, or inventory control. The applications are vast, but the overall benefit is having the culture for innovation needed to strengthen competitive advantage.

 

What MDG software is best to make it simpler?

This largely depends on the need of the individual organisation, as well as size and industry. Organisations with basic needs and low levels of data processing may need a basic solution when compared to the capabilities of Maextro. However, if an organisation relies on vast amounts of data for decision-making, running of production via IOT, etc, and timely, accurate information is essential, Maextro is a great option.

 

Any software that A) automates processes prone to human error and B) makes compliance an integrated standard are simple steps to ensure an organisation is on the path to good data quality.

 

Furthermore, for organisations looking to migrate to new ERPs in the future, Maextro is a software designed to make this as simple but efficient as possible. No matter the advancements in technology or how the market may change in the future, Maextro is an easy way to transform Master Data Governance for the better.

 

Get a demo of Maextro and experience simpler MDG

MDG is a huge area, and there’s only so much we can cover/ convey in writing. If you have found our blog seeking help with Master Data Governance, feel free to get in touch. Bluestonex is an SAP Gold Partner and we offer free demonstrations of our MDG solutions based on your needs. We are happy to arrange an MDG tutorial with one of our experts. Arrange a demo of simple MDG here to begin your journey to digital transformation.

 

To find out more about improving Master Data Governance, check out our blog on why Master Data and User Experience go hand in hand here.