Management will typically prioritize more urgent business needs over a time- and resource- consuming project like developing master data maintenance procedures. Because of that reality, the first step toward master data improvement is understanding how important it is to manufacturing success.

The organization that suffers from poor master data is inevitably swamped by daily firefighting challenges, which compounds resource constraints. Without an appropriate level of focus on master data upkeep, the organization will struggle to achieve average performance, let alone best-in-class performance.

Outside expertise can help expedite efforts to drive master data improvement. External perspective enables existing staff to continue production while procedures are developed. It can also help the planning and procurement staff better understand the benefits of master data maintenance.

The development of procedures and responsibilities for master data accuracy is critical for long-term success. Companies that tackle a one-time project to update their master data are setting themselves up for failure. Without an ongoing process to maintain master data over time, the company will find itself in the same situation one or two years later as suppliers, lead times, production capacities, and other master data elements change.

Because any supply chain will continuously evolve, the key to long-term manufacturing success is developing an ongoing strategy and process for master data maintenance. Complete, current, and accurate data ensures a company can operate efficiently and balances the key objectives of minimizing inventory investment while maintaining customer service levels.