Valid masterdata equals an agile Supply Chain

The master data originates from the company’s ERP system, which was not updated and maintained. This meant that the work processes were built on wrong, outdated, or incorrect data, and the information that was used in different places in the organization was not synchronized. Different employees thus worked on different foundations and resources were wasted on unnecessary duplication of work and firefighting.

The great uncertainty meant that the employees did not trust the system. This led to individual employees developing their own methods and processes, which were used in different places in the organization. Thus, the organization became very dependent on these employees. At the same time, many decisions were made based on a deficient data foundation. It also meant that the company could not form an overview of trends, tendencies, and future opportunities. Furthermore, there was a major financial challenge in relation to the warehouse, which grew and grew with components that could not be used.

All these challenges made the company less adaptable, reduced efficiency and therefore reduced earnings.

In the process of designing a new, efficient factory it was essential to identify and locate the data and the systems that would be the foundation for the future factory. And with an existing ERP system, it was clear that the first step in a solution was to find out how the ERP system could be used optimally. The work was therefore based on a series of workshops focussing on how the use of the ERP system could be improved. Participants at the workshops were a broad range of stakeholders from across the value chain, from all layers of the organization. kaastrup|andersen facilitated the workshops, collected, and processed the information received.

Emphasis was placed on the company's production planning system, which was already available but not exploited, so first step was to implement this fully. At the same time, the new and current processes were mapped to get an overview and insight and an understanding of what data the processes depended on - and the project then focused on ensuring that this data had the necessary quality.

It was central to create a common data foundation and it required the establishment of transparency in the work across the entire organization. Transparency was strengthened both through the workshops held and, quite tangibly, through the comprehensive implementation of one common IT system. The solution ensures that the data is now being updated and maintained in the same place, so users are able to navigate better - both in relation to current, daily tasks and in relation to an overview of trends, trends and future requirements.

All levels in the organization have achieved understanding of the importance of data validity and have gained a precise overview of where the challenges arise and why.

The processes have been harmonized, the company has become less dependent on specific staff, the system supports the processes, firefighting has been reduced along with the stock levels. At the same time, the company is now able to define how the new factory should be built up in relation to production planning and master data.

From an overall perspective, the project has meant that the company derives great value from data being shared both horizontally and vertically in the company. This extensive work with the company's processes and master data forms the basis of an agile and efficient supply chain.

kaastrup|andersen was responsible for studying and untangling the processes and creating the overview of master data, which is the starting point for the future factory.