Data Workshop Helps Improve Operational Efficiency

SITUATION

Our client, who manufactures plastic containers in the U.S., was facing challenges with product data management, affecting MTO, MTS, WIP, and other business operations. Inefficient data handling, manual reconciliation, and ad hoc exception handling were causing delays and inconsistences. Specifically, the client was struggling with how to use data and connect it to other data sources and what was happening on the factory floor. They found it challenging to apply the data to understand the workflow from the order coming in, to product delivery. Additionally, they lacked data-driven decision-making, hindering optimization of production, inventory, and performance and limiting quick responses to market and operational demands. They sought a partner to lead and facilitate a data workshop specific to Product Master Data to provide a roadmap for a future state data structure the best supports enhanced business processes.

Key objectives included:

• Identify key business drivers for optimizing product data structure for both made-to-stock and made-to-order material master data.
• Build compelling and relevant use cases.
• Understand the client’s culture and appetite for data.
• Ensure a well-articulated vision, principles, and goals.
• Understand the current product data environment, data management enablers, people, skill sets, roles, and structure.
• Know the client’s strengths and weaknesses to better utilize the Product Master Data.
• Create a data roadmap with effective change management and communication to enhance the use of Product Master Data for driving business initiatives.

The client chose Oxford based on our customizable or boutique offerings not seen elsewhere.

SOLUTION

We provided two expert consultants to lead an executive-focused Data Strategy Workshop. The workshop explored the client’s Product Master Data posture and management through:

• Data Usage
• Data Quality
• Data Maintenance
• Data Flow
• Data Governance

The workshop targeted stakeholders and spanned four days, with morning and afternoon sessions. A final report was provided to the client identifying inconsistent and decentralized data for BOM, APS, and SAP; data discrepancies between Information Systems; absence of data standardization; legacy ERP (SAP) application; and lack of communication.

RESULT

We supported the client in reforming the way they view their data. We then assisted them in developing a comprehensive data-driven strategy, recognizing improvement opportunities, define actionable steps to implement their strategy, and defining definitive action items to move forward towards data goals. From there, we helped them build a Project Plan based on our recommendation items and create a Resource Plan to drive the changes. After helping them with the initial phase of organizing their master data, we maintained a relationship with the client, engaging with them on continuous improvement projects.

If you are struggling with your data, Oxford can help!