Boosting Data Entry Automation by 75% with Maextro

”The standout benefits of Maextro are its rich functionality and its simplicity/user experience. We ultimately chose Maextro because it was the most integrated data automation solution we could find in the marketplace as well as following the Fiori principles. Before Maextro, for finished goods alone, we would consume approx. 51 working days of non-value-added processing across various departments for material master. With Maextro we improved this by 75%”

-David Maughan – SAP S/4 HANA Application Manager

The Challenge

XP Power, having recently migrated to S/4 HANA in October 2019, faced significant challenges with their data management. They were grappling with the complexity of their Material Master data in S/4 HANA, compounded by a centralised data team and the lack of automation in their data entry processes. Previously, data entry was manual, involving convoluted spreadsheets, manual inputs, and email workflows for data enrichment. This resulted in a time-consuming process, taking approximately 46 minutes per part to create in S/4 HANA. With the central team, it became clear that they needed a more efficient solution. XP Power explored various options, including developing a custom CRM system, but ultimately chose Maextro for its superior data entry automation capabilities.

The Implementation

Three months post-S/4 HANA go-live, XP Power partnered with Bluestonex to implement Maextro. Despite being in the early stages of their S/4 HANA journey, Bluestonex configured Maextro to accommodate evolving data processes and models. Their semi-agile approach included regular workshops and clear milestones, ensuring effective communication and timely delivery. Maextro’s data entry automation functionality proved crucial, streamlining the data creation process and aligning with XP Power’s needs.

The Solution

Maextro’s solution leverages robust data entry automation to transform XP Power’s data management. The Maextro create request function efficiently captures initial data requests, while its powerful workflow automates task distribution and data enrichment across regions. The data entry automation within Maextro ensures a rule-based population of data, handling complexities such as MRP areas, EWM product masters, and inspection lots within a single request. This comprehensive automation is executed in bulk, significantly enhancing efficiency.

The Results

Before adopting Maextro, XP Power’s data entry process was laborious, taking up to 46 minutes per part and consuming 51 days of manual, non-value-added time for the finished goods team. With Maextro’s data entry automation, they achieved a 75% reduction in processing time, saving 36 minutes per part. This improvement enabled XP Power to downsize their team from three to one person, focusing on administration rather than manual data entry. Maextro’s data entry automation not only enhanced speed and accuracy but also improved governance and compliance. User feedback globally has been positive, underscoring the value of Maextro’s streamlined, automated approach.