In the digital era, automation is the key to efficiency. There is a perception out there that automation is something you just plug in and go. Well, it's not as simple as it sounds. Automation is actually quite complicated. It's not just about setting up a process and that's it. An important part that is often forgotten is master data. In this article, we will dive into why master data is so important to make automation work properly.
Master Data: The Heart of the Automation Process
Masterdata is the info that keeps your company's various processes running smoothly, whether in HR, IT, finance or any other area. Imagine processes like onboarding and offboarding of staff, the daily ordering routines or IT-related workflows. Take the onboarding process as an example. Here we need more than just the basic information like first name, last name, email and phone number. To ensure a smooth automated process, it is critical that necessary information such as the new employee's line manager, departmental affiliation and workplace is available from the start. The person initiating the process, which in this case could be an HR officer or team leader, must be able to make informed choices based on this data. If these details are not available, or if they are not accurate at the start of the process, the entire automation flow risks running into problems and becoming inefficient.
The hidden complexity of automation
The complexity of automation processes is often greater than it first appears. Let's use the example of the onboarding process again. Here, it's not just registering a new person in the system. The resources, assets and system permissions the new employee needs may vary depending on their specific role, department and tasks. This information must be accurate and available for use in the process. Even if these details are not filled in at the start, they are essential for the automation flow to run smoothly and efficiently.
The importance of qualitative Master Data
The quality of master data is critical to the efficiency of automation processes. Inaccurate or outdated data can lead to inefficient processes and even create more work. The challenge lies in not only collecting, but also continuously maintaining and validating this data. Here, clear guidelines and dedicated data management systems are crucial.
Closure
Managing and understanding master data is essential to the success of automation in any business. It's not just about IT, it's an essential part of the business. For automation to work well, you need a solid foundation of available, accurate and up-to-date master data. By keeping your master data high quality and constantly updated, your company can take full advantage of automated processes to streamline and improve your business.
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