Data maturity increased, data potential leveraged
As a leading automotive supplier with an annual turnover of over 600 million euros (2024), MD ELEKTRONIK has recognized that reliable data is the key to staying ahead in the future market of automotive data transmission. However, in order to achieve this ambitious goal and exploit the full potential of the available data, a future-proof approach to data management was necessary.
Challenge
The company had recognized the importance of data, but still saw potential in its holistic development, as it had only been working with data on a selective basis to date. An overarching data strategy and clear responsibilities form the basis for fully leveraging the value contribution of data and achieving the goals set.
Consulting approach
Based on an in-depth maturity assessment, a holistic data strategy and governance was developed together with the customer in interactive workshops. An iterative approach with lighthouse projects and initiatives to increase data quality accompanied the successful data transformation from conception to rollout.
Customer benefit & solution
Maturity analysis, data strategy, governance framework – forward-looking data management creates the basis for the comprehensive use of data as a strategic resource. The newly created transparency, quality and availability enable better decisions, more efficient processes and data-based innovations.
The challenge
Although the importance of data was fundamentally recognized, there were some typical challenges. There was a lack of an overarching strategy and governance. The data was available without clearly defined responsibilities and processes. Inconsistencies and quality deficiencies limited its use for analysis and decision-making. Local and inconsistently digitized databases also made it difficult to create a uniform company-wide database.
At the same time, the requirements for data-based management increased in many areas. Earlier initiatives to improve the use of data did not yet take a holistic view of data management, which also resulted in a certain reluctance on the part of some employees. The complex organizational structures and sometimes unclear roles and responsibilities posed additional hurdles to a successful transformation.
The consulting approach to data transformation
In order to approach the data transformation holistically, the consulting team chose a proven, multi-stage best practice approach. The first step was a systematic maturity analysis, which, in addition to surveys and interviews, placed a strong focus on interactive workshops to determine the status quo and the desired target image. Building on this, a tailored data strategy with concrete objectives (OKRs) and prioritized use cases was developed together with the customer in further workshops. Another core element was the development of a governance model with clearly defined roles, committees and processes. At the same time, the existing data architecture was analyzed and necessary adjustments were defined and initiated.
An implementation plan was drawn up for the realization, which enabled rapid success through lighthouse projects and ensured a scaled rollout in the company’s participating specialist departments. The lighthouse projects served as motivation and proof of the added value of the transformation. Accompanying measures were launched to improve data quality and integration. Right from the start, target group-oriented change management and a well thought-out communication strategy were an integral part of the approach in order to continuously strengthen acceptance and competence among employees.
The solution in detail
At the heart of the new data management is a systematic governance model with defined roles, responsibilities and committees. To ensure holistic data management with clear responsibilities, a Data Management Office was introduced as a central body alongside data owners and stewards. In addition, strategic decisions are made in established committees at management level and cross-divisional exchange is promoted.
A special onboarding program and target group-oriented training courses help employees to fill their new roles effectively and develop a data-centric mindset in order to leverage previously untapped potential and gradually establish a new culture.
Standardized processes for master data maintenance, data provision and quality assurance as well as a company-wide business glossary with uniform definitions anchor the standards in the long term and create the basis for cross-divisional collaboration.
Benefits for the company
The first two data use cases, which accompanied the transformation with an iterative approach, quickly brought the desired benefits. By clearly assigning responsibilities and precisely describing the data objects, the decisive data quality rules were quickly defined. With the help of these guidelines, the existing data was analyzed and, if necessary, corrected or newly collected.
With this holistic approach to data transformation, the automotive supplier has taken a significant step towards becoming a data-driven company. The jointly developed data strategy gives data management a clear direction and makes it possible to measure and control progress. The introduction of new roles, responsibilities and standardized processes ensures the quality and consistency of the data in the long term.
The transparency created and the availability of reliable data open up enormous potential along the entire value chain. This allows operational processes to be optimized and investment decisions to be made on the basis of sound knowledge.The potential is also evident in tenders: thanks to precise forecasts, optimized budget allocation and efficient resource management, the automotive supplier is now able to react quickly and flexibly to requirements and differentiate itself – the newly acquired database enables evidence-based decisions at all levels.
Feedback from the company
“Employees are increasingly internalizing a data-driven mindset and learning to use the potential of data in their day-to-day business. As a result, a lively data culture is developing that promotes cross-divisional exchange and proactively puts the topic of ‘data’ on the agenda.
For us as an automotive supplier, our newly acquired data expertise is becoming an important competitive factor in further expanding our market position in the future field of automotive data transmission. Data excellence will be one of our foundations for surviving the profound changes in the industry and taking on a leading role as a thought leader.”
Maturity analysis, data strategy, governance framework – MD ELEKTRONIK transforms its data management
MD ELEKTRONIK GmbH is a leading global provider of data transmission solutions for the automotive industry. Although the company had recognized the importance of data, it lacked a comprehensive strategy…
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Julia Kristlbauer
Manager
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