Key points
- Capture data where the work happens, not in a parallel spreadsheet.
- Lot-level linkage is what makes the data usable.
- Start with the data you already generate but do not aggregate.
The data worth capturing
Specification version per order, supplier and producing plant, lot identity at receipt, analytical results linked to the lot, arrival dates against planned dates, deviations and their closure. Most operations already generate all of this on paper.
What it enables
Supplier scorecards, realised landed cost by lot, lead-time variability, traceability exercises in minutes, and evidence-based specification review. None of these require advanced analytics; they require consistent capture.
What to verify
- Lot identity captured at goods receipt in the system of record
- Analytical results linked to lots rather than stored separately
- Supplier performance reportable without manual compilation
Risks to manage
- Data captured in disconnected spreadsheets and lost on staff change
- Analytical results held only in the laboratory system
- Traceability exercises requiring manual reconstruction
Common mistakes
- Buying a platform before defining the data model
- Capturing data no one reviews
- Leaving lot identity out of the receipt process
Frequently asked questions
What should be automated first?
Goods receipt capture of supplier, plant and lot, because every other analysis depends on it.
Is a dedicated system necessary?
Not initially. Consistent capture in existing systems delivers most of the benefit; dedicated tooling helps once the data discipline exists.
Related reading
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