Glossar

Master data comprises fundamental, long-term information about products, customers, suppliers, materials, or processes within a company. It forms a central database for recurring business and logistics processes.

In logistics, for example, master data includes item numbers, dimensions, weights, packaging information, and identification characteristics of goods. High data quality is crucial for reliable planning, inventory management, transportation processes, and automated workflows. Systems such as ERP, WMS, and DWS use master data to efficiently control processes and provide information across various business units. Incorrect or incomplete master data can lead to errors in process workflows.

Practical example:
Before a new item is put into storage, its dimensions and weight are recorded and stored as master data in the ERP and warehouse management systems.

See also: Data capture, DWS, ERP system, Freight data, Goods flow, Measurement data capture, Master Data Management (MDM), Warehouse Management System (WMS)