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So you’ve realized that your Material Master data isn’t serving your company to its full potential–now what do you do about it? How do you get it from the mess that it currently is to a usable resource? The answer, as you may know, lies in the process of a data cleansing project and long term governance solution.
If you’re just getting started and new to things, the idea of these projects may feel overwhelming and confusing. The more you read, the more it can seem like a big challenge, full of complex components and unknowns. But it doesn’t have to be! IMA is here to help you out as you start your journey to a clean and usable Material Master.
First, let’s recap…
In case you need a refresher on some of our common terms:
Material Master data is the set of data consisting of items your organization uses. Basically, it’s all the parts with the information that pertains to them (amount, attributes, and so on). This can sometimes be called your MRO.
Data cleansing is the process of taking your Material Master data and getting it into a standardized state. This involves identifying duplicates, determining a schema, and going through every item to make sure it includes all necessary information in the correct orders and formats. Depending on the state of your Material Master, this can be a big project!
Data governance is the ongoing process of maintaining your cleansed data. Once you have all your data cleaned to a certain standard, you don’t want new entries to mess things up. Governance makes sure you’re able to keep consistency going forward and properly take advantage of the savings your cleansing project can bring.
How do you start a project?
Before you commit to a cleansing or governance project, you should take the time to learn the details of what that actually entails. The best way to do that is by talking to the experts. You’ll likely want (or need) to get information and quotes from several providers before you make your decision and part of that quote should entail a data evaluation. In fact, you likely want to get that evaluation done before you get too deep into talks to make sure the provider’s approach matches your needs!
It’s also important to get some sense of what those needs are. While the experts can help you understand what the process involves, you’ll want to come to the table with an idea of any budgetary constraints, your scope of the project, and some example data (spoiler alert: this is what we’re really going to talk about). Those items may change as you learn more about what’s possible or recommended, but any information you can get to start will help guide you to the right solution.
What is the purpose of a data evaluation
So you have your data and the idea of starting a cleansing project. A lot of providers are promising you big things. But what does any of it actually mean? What can they actually do for you?
A data evaluation is the first step to get the big picture of how a provider runs a cleansing project and how the output they deliver can benefit you. It’s a little like trying on a shirt before you buy it so you can decide whether it fits and you actually want it. In most cases, the data provider will take a small set of your actual data and demonstrate how their service can cleanse it for you.
This period of time is also a chance to talk to the provider and see how they cleanse data. Most providers clean to one schema only. If that doesn’t match what you’re looking for, the cleansing project won’t work for you! Other providers, namely IMA, can use this time to discuss and adapt a cleansing schema.
What does a data evaluation show me
Not all data evaluations are the same, so you’ll get different deliverables based on what provider you’re working with. The point, though, is to get information on what state your data is in, what needs to happen, and what value you can get out of the initiative.
IMA offers the most comprehensive data evaluation with all the information you need to get started in your data cleansing and governance journey.
IMA’s data evaluation provide all of the following:
A data quality assessment report
Multiple before and after data cleansing samples prepared following IMA’s best practice standards and dictionary
Duplicate samples
Review item samples (items lacking critical information for identification)
A formal service proposal
The project quote
How do I get a data evaluation
Getting a data evaluation with IMA is as easy as 1-2-3! Head to our website and simply fill out the easy submission form. After that, our team will get back to you with more information and your results.
Before you fill out the form, you will need to be prepared to submit the following a data sample from your current Material Master (MRO and indirect materials data). For best results, we recommend you submit the entire Material Master. The larger the data sample, the more accurate and representative the results will be.
If you require a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to submission, please email info@imaltd.com with the subject: Request IMA NDA to either request ours or send yours. (Typical turnaround is 1-2 business days.)
How long do data evaluations take?
We do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible! The typical turnaround for a standard data evaluation from IMA is 4-5 business days.
What comes after a data evaluation
Once you have your evaluation results, it’s time to figure out your next steps. You’ll want to start by involving all the key stakeholders in your organization to assess the information you’ve received.
How does the project fit into your budget and timeline?
How do the samples match your expectations?
How will the project bring value to your organization?
If you get an evaluation from IMA, we’ll be happy to help you along the way. We are available to set up meetings to go over the proposal and data, and talk through the details of what you want to see and what you need to do next. Our years of experience in the industry make us a strong resource in your project planning toolbox!
Conclusion
Data evaluations are an important start to the beginning of your data project, and there’s no better provider to start with than IMA.
IMA offers a free data evaluation, as well as an instant ROI calculation! You can find both here on our website: https://www.imaltd.com/action
We encourage you to check them out, and email us at info@imaltd.com if you have any additional questions.
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