Master data as the key to a more efficient value chain

From incoming goods to the handling and shipping process to the point of sale – accurate and comprehensive data on product attributes plays an important role in optimizing the entire value chain.

 Accurate data is the basis for the digital optimization of processes. However, in order to be able to use this data, it must first be collected - the more precise and comprehensive, the better. This applies in particular to data that describes the properties of a product in detail: "Comprehensive logistical master data that goes far beyond length, width and weight is the be-all and end-all of any digitalization. Without this data, it will not be possible to solve the existing problems with processes in the company," says Gerrit Schneider from KNAPP Smart Solutions GmbH, a company that specializes in the production of automated measuring systems for master data acquisition. "With our MultiScan mobile measuring system and corresponding software, we give our customers the opportunity to efficiently record all product master data that is relevant to them. The spectrum of data is very broad: it ranges from basic data, such as dimensions and weight, to the detailed recording of data from the same products from different suppliers," says the expert. Gerrit Schneider describes the increase in efficiency that can be achieved with this data using a specific use case at the internationally renowned bicycle manufacturer Cube Bikes: "The master data recorded together with our customer has enabled us to achieve several goals at the same time: firstly, the customer has permanent transparency about its existing storage volume and can select the best possible storage location for the respective product. Secondly, the data enables Cube Bikes to calculate the shipping volume, including costs, in advance based on incoming orders. Orders can thus be optimally combined according to their respective volume and processed more quickly."

Master data as a service

If a company does not want to purchase its own system for master data entry or does not have the personnel resources to do so, there is an alternative: data entry can be purchased as a service. With this "master data service", all product attributes requested by the customer are recorded on site over an agreed period of time. This data can be used to significantly optimize processes, as Gerrit Schneider describes: "For some customers, we used the data to determine that the utilization rates and fill levels of the containers in the warehouse were significantly too low. These warehouses were already automated – but even the best automation doesn't help with this initial situation. Using the master data collected, we then found solutions that significantly improved the utilization of the existing warehouse capacity."

Record once - use continuously

Accurate and comprehensive master data therefore offers added value along the entire value chain: by recording the properties of a product, the ideal storage location can be determined or the use of the available storage space can be optimized. The data is also extremely useful for handling - whether manual, partially or fully automated: If robots are used, up to 70 attributes are required to enable them to perform optimum handling. These data records are recorded, stored and managed using software such as KiSoft Genomix so that they can be easily accessed at any time and at all stations along the entire supply chain.