Gartner® Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling
Download the complimentary 2023 Gartner® Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling!
Download the complimentary 2023 Gartner® Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling!
Correctly entered master data is the basis for all warehouse and logistics planning – as most companies are well aware. Nonetheless, a lot of logistics managers are in the dark about the current state of data in their warehouse and how to tackle the important issue of master data management. The logistics consultants at EPC (Ehrhardt + Partner Consulting) also repeatedly come across companies that are running logistics with incomplete item master data – so the problems often start at the very core of all logistics processes. That is why EPC has published a new whitepaper, which describes simple but very efficient strategies for functional master data management.
No time, not important, too expensive – at first glance there are many reasons against functional master data management. But it is essential to know how many parts and items are in stock to get accurate information about your inventory. Maintained master data can be used, for example, to calculate HUs in advance. And if the required data is available, handling units can even be calculated so that they are placed in the correct order and by weight. Logistics managers are well aware that there is a problem with a lack of data quality, even though maintained master data is very important. The issue is not just about insufficient human resources – managers lack an overview too. "Most logistics managers don't know how good or bad their warehouse database really is," says Marcel Wilhelms, General Manager at EPC. "Consistent entry of master data is an important part of digitization of the entire supply chain. And the potential in functional master data management waiting to be unlocked is often overlooked – especially in the context of Logistics 4.0, where every step has to fit perfectly into the chain to deliver continuous and traceable processes."
The latest whitepaper from EPC gives logistics managers a guide that turns master data management into child's play. Starting with a definition of terms, EPC describes the consequences of inadequately maintained master data, as well as possible solutions. The paper also discusses the need for digital data entry, such as with a warehouse management system, to establish the basis for Logistics 4.0. The whitepaper also comes with a checklist, so that companies can do a self-assessment straight away and find out how good their master data management really is. The whitepaper is available to download at https://www.epg.com/gb/logistics-consulting/logistics-planning/master-data-management/.
