In an ERP or WMS project, attention naturally goes to configuration and processes. Yet many go-live difficulties come from incomplete or inconsistent master data.
The data that blocks operations
- Wrong units of measure and pack sizes distort picked quantities.
- Missing dimensions and weights prevent storage and transport capacity calculations.
- Poorly described storage bins make putaway rules ineffective.
Treat data as a deliverable
Data quality deserves an owner, a schedule and acceptance criteria, just like functional testing. In practice: an inventory of objects to migrate, control rules, cleansing waves and sign-off by the business.
Involve the field
Operational teams are best placed to spot inconsistent data. Involving them early, through sample reviews or real-life tests, secures the go-live and eases adoption.
