Data Optimisation: Build a Smarter, Cleaner Business

We all know that data is one of the most powerful assets in a business, but let’s be honest, most organisations are still struggling to use it properly. And it’s not because they don’t have enough data. It’s because the data they do have is messy, duplicated, or just plain wrong.

If you’re spending more time fixing reports than using them, if your teams keep asking “which version is right?”, or if launching a new product still involves chasing spreadsheet approvals… it’s time to take a closer look at your master data.

This is where data optimisation comes in — and it starts with getting your core data right.

So, What Is Data Optimisation Really About?

Data optimisation means making your data accurate, consistent, and usable across the business. Not just cleaned up once, but constantly looked after.

But here’s the thing: if you’re only fixing surface-level issues (like correcting reports or deduplicating lists), you’re not solving the real problem. Most data chaos starts with poor master data — think customer records, product info, supplier details.

If those aren’t reliable, everything downstream starts to wobble.

Why Master Data Makes or Breaks Optimisation

Your master data feeds your ERP, CRM, supply chain tools, marketing platforms — basically every system that matters. So when that data is inconsistent or out of date, it slows everything down:

• Wrong products in stock

• Emails sent to the wrong people

• Forecasts based on bad numbers

• Extra costs from fixing mistakes manually

Sound familiar? It’s not an IT issue. It’s a business one.

What You Gain When You Get It Right

✅ Smarter Decisions

No more second-guessing data. When your team knows it can trust the numbers, they move faster and with more confidence.

✅ Happier Customers

Clean data means better targeting, smoother transactions, and fewer frustrating errors — all of which build loyalty.

✅ Leaner Operations

Data that’s properly managed speeds things up. Less duplication, less firefighting, more time spent on high-value work.

✅ Easier Compliance

Regulations are only getting tougher. With clear ownership, audit trails, and governance, compliance becomes part of the process — not a panic at audit time.

✅ Room to Grow

Good data helps you scale. Whether that’s launching new products, entering new markets, or onboarding new suppliers, you’ll do it with less friction.

How to Optimise Data Without Creating More Work

Optimisation doesn’t have to be a long, painful project. You just need the right approach:

• Start with the foundation – Focus on core master data: customers, products, materials, suppliers.

• Clean and standardise it – Remove duplicates, fix naming, fill in gaps.

• Apply business rules – Automate how data should be created, validated, and approved.

• Connect your systems – So you’re not re-entering or syncing manually.

• Keep it going – Set up governance and workflows to maintain quality over time.

Tools like Maextro make this easy by automating data creation, validation, and governance directly inside your SAP systems. It means business users can manage their own data — within rules — and your whole organisation benefits.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need more data — you need better data. That starts with treating master data like the business-critical asset it is. When it’s structured, accurate and governed, everything runs smoother. Your reports are right. Your operations are faster. Your customers are happier.

And the best part? Optimising your data doesn’t have to be a giant transformation project. With the right tools and a smart approach, you can start small and scale fast.