Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions about our AI/ML-driven MDM solutions, PROSOL platform, and services. Whether you're curious about how we integrate with your ERP systems or need details about our data management process, we've got you covered.
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Do I need existing MDM software to use PROSOL?
Not at all. PROSOL is designed to work as a complete solution on its own. If you don’t have any MDM software in place, that’s perfectly fine—we can get everything up and running for you. However, if you’re already using some MDM software, let us know. Understanding what you’re working with helps us figure out how PROSOL can complement or enhance your current setup, ensuring a smooth transition and adding value to your existing processes.
Can I use my own data templates, or do I need to follow yours?
We’re flexible. If you have standard data templates that you’re comfortable with, we can work with those. But if your organization has specific needs that require a customized template, we can create one that’s just right for you. Our aim is to make sure that when your data is integrated into your ERP system, it’s done in a way that’s accurate and aligned with your unique business processes.
What kind of modules does PROSOL offer?
PROSOL is equipped with a variety of modules tailored to different aspects of Master Data Management. You can choose from modules that handle Material, Asset, BOM (Bill of Materials), and Business Partner data. Each module is designed to meet the specific needs of your organization. For example, if you’re focused on managing your inventory and supply chain, the Material module will be the key. Selecting the right modules helps ensure that PROSOL aligns perfectly with your operational priorities.
How do you handle Material ID generation?
Material ID generation is a critical part of managing your materials effectively. Knowing how you currently generate these IDs—whether it’s a manual process, automated, or somewhere in between—helps us set up a system within PROSOL that’s consistent and reliable. We can automate the process based on rules you define, ensuring that every ID is unique and accurate. This not only saves time but also ensures that your data is easy to track and manage.
Can PROSOL generate codes online?
Absolutely. PROSOL supports online code generation, which is particularly useful if you need to create unique identifiers—like Material IDs or Asset tags—on the fly. This feature ensures that codes are generated instantly and consistently, reducing the risk of errors or duplication. It’s a great fit for organizations that need to manage new items or assets quickly and efficiently.
What coding standards does PROSOL support?
PROSOL is designed to support a wide range of codification standards, including widely recognized ones like UNSPSC. If you’re using a specific standard, we can configure PROSOL to match it, ensuring consistency across all your data. This alignment with established standards is essential for accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective supply chain management. If you’re using a different standard, we can adapt to that, or help you transition to a more widely accepted one if needed.
How much data can PROSOL handle?
PROSOL is built to be highly scalable, so whether you’re managing a few thousand records or millions, it can handle the load without skipping a beat. Understanding the volume of data you have allows us to fine-tune the system to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively, no matter the size of your organization. This scalability means PROSOL can grow with you, handling increasing amounts of data as your business expands.
Do you offer physical verification or audits of inventory?
If you need it, yes. Physical verification or inventory audits can be included as part of our MDM services. We have iStock for that purpose. These steps are essential for ensuring that the data in your system accurately reflects what’s on the ground. Whether it’s a full audit or spot checks, we can help you verify that your records are accurate, which is crucial for effective inventory management and compliance.
Does PROSOL support tagging and image capturing for assets?
Yes, it does. Tagging and image capturing are valuable features that can significantly enhance the accuracy and traceability of your data. Whether you’re managing physical assets across multiple locations or need a visual record for maintenance and compliance purposes, PROSOL can help. By capturing images and linking them to data records, you gain a clearer, more accurate picture of your assets and materials.
What common data management challenges might I face?
Managing data is often a challenge due to issues like inaccuracies, inconsistencies, duplication, and integration problems across multiple systems. These challenges can lead to inefficiencies, poor decision-making, and compliance risks. PROSOL is designed to tackle these issues head-on, offering a centralized platform that helps you maintain accurate, consistent, and up-to-date data. By addressing these challenges, we help you streamline your operations and improve overall data governance.
How does PROSOL help manage data within my organization?
How does PROSOL ensure high data quality?
PROSOL ensures high-quality data through a combination of advanced AI/ML-driven data cleansing, standardization, and enrichment processes. It identifies and eliminates duplicate records, validates information against predefined standards, and fills in data gaps to create a comprehensive “golden record” for critical data entities. By continuously monitoring data quality and compliance with international standards, PROSOL guarantees consistency, accuracy, and reliability, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions with confidence.
What features should I look for in a Master Data Management solution?
When choosing an MDM solution, look for seamless integration with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Maximo, and support for various data formats. Prioritize tools for automated data cleansing, standardization, and enrichment to maintain accuracy. Centralized governance with role-based access, audit trails, and the creation of a “golden record” as a single source of truth are key. The solution should be scalable, offer real-time analytics, AI/ML-powered data matching, customizable reporting, and automated workflows. A user-friendly interface and reliable vendor support will ensure smooth implementation and long-term success.
What benefits can I expect from implementing PROSOL?
Implementing PROSOL brings numerous benefits, including improved data quality through automated cleansing, enrichment, and standardization. It seamlessly integrates with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, and Maximo, streamlining data management and enhancing operational efficiency. PROSOL’s AI/ML-driven analytics provide actionable insights, enabling better decision-making and compliance with industry standards.
What are the biggest challenges organizations face with Master Data Governance?
Many organizations struggle with data silos, where critical information is fragmented across different systems and departments. This leads to inconsistencies, redundancies, and errors in master data, hindering data quality and reliability. Additionally, establishing clear ownership, accountability, and processes for managing master data can be a complex task.
How can CODASOL's MDG service help me overcome these challenges?
CODASOL’s MDG service provides a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. We begin with a thorough assessment of your existing data landscape to identify areas for improvement. We then collaborate with you to develop a customized MDG strategy that includes clear data ownership models, standardized data management processes, and the implementation of best practices and data governance tools. This ensures consistent, high-quality master data that fuels informed decision-making across your organization.
Which one do we need: Data Cleansing vs. Data Cleaning?
Both terms are often used interchangeably, but data cleansing is the more accurate term in data management. It involves identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in your data to ensure it’s reliable and high-quality. While “data cleaning” is more general, “data cleansing” reflects the comprehensive process CODASOL uses to optimize your data.
How can CODASOL help me ensure a successful data migration?
CODASOL can ensure a successful data migration by following a structured approach that includes:
- Comprehensive Planning:
We begin by thoroughly understanding your existing systems and data, identifying potential challenges, and mapping out the migration process.
- Data Quality Assurance:
We ensure that the data being migrated is of the highest quality through rigorous cleansing, validation, and enrichment processes.
- Seamless Integration:
Our experts handle the technical aspects of the migration, ensuring that your data integrates smoothly with the new system.
- Testing and Validation:
Before completing the migration, we conduct extensive testing to ensure that all data is transferred accurately and that the new system functions as expected.
- Post-Migration Support:
We provide ongoing support after the migration to address any issues that may arise and ensure that your new system is fully optimized.
When do we need Data Management?
Data Management becomes necessary when:
- Data Volume Increases:
As your organization grows, so does the amount of data. Proper management ensures that this data remains organized and accessible.
- Data Quality Needs Improvement:
If your data is suffering from inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or duplication, data management processes can help clean and maintain it.
- Regulatory Compliance:
Ensuring compliance with industry regulations requires robust data management to maintain accurate and consistent records.
- Integration Across Systems:
When data needs to be integrated across different systems or departments, effective data management is crucial to ensure consistency and reliability.
Would you need to know about my current ERP system?
Knowing what ERP system you’re using (like SAP or Maximo) is crucial because it helps us ensure that our Master Data Management (MDM) solution, PROSOL, fits seamlessly with what you already have in place. Our goal is to integrate smoothly with your existing setup, minimizing any disruption and making sure your data flows effortlessly between systems.
What is the difference between S4 Hana conversion and migration?
- S4 Hana Conversion refers to the process of upgrading an existing SAP ERP system (like ECC) to SAP S/4HANA. This involves transitioning the entire system to the S/4HANA platform, including data, processes, and custom code.
- S4 Hana Migration, on the other hand, typically refers to the process of moving data from a non-SAP system or from a legacy SAP system to S/4HANA. Migration might not involve a full system upgrade but focuses on transferring data and processes to the new platform.
How should I be managing material data, and why does it matter?
The way you manage material data plays a significant role in the efficiency and accuracy of your operations. Whether you’re using spreadsheets, an ERP system, or another method, it’s important to share your current process with us. This information allows us to pinpoint areas where we can make a real difference—whether that’s by streamlining processes, improving data quality, or reducing manual effort. By understanding your starting point, we can provide a solution that directly addresses your needs.
Can you assess the quality of my current data?
Yes, we can. If you provide samples of your existing data, we’ll assess its quality and identify any issues, like duplication, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies. This assessment helps us determine what kind of cleansing or enrichment you might need. By addressing these issues upfront, we can ensure that your data is reliable and ready to support your business operations.
Why is data accuracy and consistency so important?
Accurate and consistent data is the backbone of any successful business operation. It affects everything from day-to-day decision-making to long-term strategic planning. Inaccurate or inconsistent data can lead to mistakes, wasted resources, and even compliance issues. We will ensure that your data is always accurate and consistent, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions and run your operations smoothly.
What is Master Data Governance and Data Integrity?
Master Data Governance is the framework of processes, policies, standards, and technologies that ensure the quality, consistency, and security of an organization’s master data. It involves defining how data is created, accessed, and maintained, ensuring that it remains accurate and consistent over time.
Data Integrity refers to the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. It ensures that data is maintained in a consistent and unaltered state unless officially modified, supporting accurate analysis and reporting.
CODASOL emphasizes both governance and integrity in our solutions, providing tools and processes that help maintain high standards for your data, ensuring it remains a reliable asset for your organization.
What are the 4 pillars of Data Governance?
Data Quality:
Ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and reliable.
Data Stewardship:
Assigning responsibility for managing and overseeing data assets within the organization.
Data Policies and Standards:
Defining rules and guidelines for data management, including how data is created, stored, and used.
Data Security and Compliance:
Protecting data from unauthorized access and ensuring that data management practices comply with relevant regulations.
What is the difference between data scrubbing and enrichment?
Data Scrubbing (or Data Cleaning) is the process of removing or correcting inaccurate, incomplete, or irrelevant data from a dataset. It focuses on ensuring that the data is error-free and standardized.
Data Enrichment goes beyond cleaning by enhancing the existing data with additional information, making it more complete and valuable. This could involve appending external data sources or adding context to the data, making it more useful for analysis and decision-making.
At CODASOL, we provide both scrubbing and enrichment services, ensuring your data is not only clean but also enriched with valuable insights, ready to drive your business forward.
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