Master Data and Digital Thread Strategies: Which Comes First?

Apr 28, 2021

Master data and digital thread each play a critical role in effective strategies, but which one needs to come first, and why? Today Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome back Digital Enterprise Society president and return podcast guest Adam Specht for a debate about the role and order of master data and the digital thread — which should come first, the benefits of each and where to start when establishing these strategies. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

Defining master data and digital threads 

• Master data is the critical set of data that always stays with the product. 
• Critical information about a product is used to map its use and tie it to its function. 

• Master data of a product lives beyond the current work. 
• Name and convention of a part needs to be established with clear definitions 
• Digital thread refers to the product lifecycle from start to finish. 
• Digital thread is the connection and link between each step of a process. 

 

Which comes first?

• Company size is a major factor when determining which comes first. 
• Defining company processes needs to be the preliminary step to determine the data that is consumed at each step of the process. 
• Thread first, then data, to determine master data status. 
• Constant reuse of data should not break the digital thread. 
• Process diagrams can help identify the data needed at each step. 

 

The benefits of master data and the digital thread

• Key requirements are more clearly defined with precise data and product usage. 
• This information facilitates greater reuse and less duplicate parts. 
• Upfront effort to define capabilities and usage will make the job more efficient. 
• Supply chains are a major beneficiary of master data and digital threads.
• A clearly defined master data strategy eliminates redundancy and enhances synergies. 

 

Career advice from an engineer turned IT director

• Cross training is a critical component to successfully transforming across departments.  
• Identify your interests and increase your training to move in a new direction. 
• Find opportunities to enhance your experience through volunteering
• Networking is key to broadening your knowledge base. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series