How Manufacturers Can Overcome Common Data Challenges

Today’s manufacturers need to make decisions based on data. Production schedules, supply chain logistics, and customer orders all depend on accurate and timely information. Yet many manufacturers struggle to get the full value from their data. 

Systems don’t always work well together, slow ERP systems make pulling information a challenge, and staff might not have the skills (or time) to manage complex data processes.

Important information may be outdated, and staff might not have the skills to manage complex data systems. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward solving them.

How Manufacturers Can Overcome Common Data Challenges

Challenge: Data Integration from Multiple Sources

Many manufacturers operate with a mix of old and new systems. A modern ERP may handle most operations, but legacy systems still store key production or inventory data. These separate systems create silos that make reporting slow and incomplete.

How to overcome:

Invest in integration tools or platforms that can connect both old and new systems. Look for solutions that can pull data in real time and consolidate it into a single, trusted source. In some cases, a custom integration built by a partner with manufacturing experience can provide the most seamless connection.

Related Content: Make Sense of Your ERP Data Using Power BI

Challenge: Data Quality and Cleanliness

Poor data quality leads to inaccurate reports and bad decisions. Missing fields, inconsistent formats, and duplicate records are common problems in manufacturing datasets. Without clear rules for governance, these issues multiply over time.

How to overcome:

Start by setting clear standards for how data is entered, stored, and updated. Establishing a governance framework ensures everyone understands how to maintain data accuracy. Automated validation rules can also help prevent errors from entering the system. Appoint one or more people as data managers. This could be internally or within a partner organization. These data managers should maintain the data standards, audit data annually, and train team members to ensure ongoing data integrity.

Related Content: 4 Considerations to Maintain Clean Data Across Multiple Systems

Challenge: Skill Gaps

Many manufacturers don’t have a database engineer or data analyst on staff. Even with modern systems, teams may struggle to build advanced reports or troubleshoot integration issues.

How to overcome: 

Fill critical skill gaps by working with consultants or managed service providers who specialize in manufacturing data systems. They can design, build, and maintain data infrastructure while training your staff on day-to-day use. Over time, you can upskill internal teams through targeted training so they can take on more responsibilities.

Related Content: Managed Data Services for Manufacturing Organizations

Challenge: Change Management and Adoption

Even the best technology fails if employees and leaders don’t use it effectively. Resistance to change is common, especially with new systems. 

How to overcome:

Involve both leadership and end users early in the process. Explain the benefits in terms that matter to each group. For managers, that may be faster reporting. For production staff, it may be fewer manual steps. Provide training and support during rollout, and gather feedback to make adjustments as needed. Adoption of a new solution shouldn’t be a chore: it should be a genuine benefit for the whole team.

Related Content: Get Real-Time Reporting for Your Manufacturing Org

Overcoming data challenges in manufacturing requires a mix of the right technology and processes, along with people-focused solutions. By addressing the friction points that make data difficult to access and analyze, manufacturers can begin working with their data - not against it.

Turn Insights Into Action

Ready to put your data to work? Let’s talk about how we can help you collect, connect, and capitalize on the metrics that matter most for your OEM. 

Superior Consulting Services (SCS) is a Microsoft-centric technology firm providing innovative solutions that enable our clients to solve business problems. We offer full-scale data modeling, analytics and custom app development.