Blog

We recently sat down with Gary Lee, a SAP Master Data Manager, to get his take on some of the key topics to consider with SAP Master Data.

Gary gives some great insights not only for Consultants wishing to upskill into this space but also to Customers who wish to invest in a Master Data Strategy and why this is a good idea. 

We have separated this into a two - parts, with one focusing on skillset and what a position in Master Data involves whilst the other is focused on what customers may consider when developing Master Data Strategies.  

Gary talks about what a Master Data Strategy can offer customers. 

In this article Gary speaks on his journey into this space and advice for consultants wishing to get into this area.

We also recommend reading the first blog where Gary talks about what a Master Data Strategy can offer customers – read it here.

​

What is the main function of a MASTER DATA consultant?

In addition to the sound understanding of how, what and where of master data, transform and load (ETL)a key element is the knowledge of supply chain and business acumen,along with a good understanding of basic document flows related to thekey master data. SAP knowledge alone will not yield an optimum solution and/or master data plan for the project. 

​

How did you get into this area of SAP? 

With a degree in Computing, my first job was a production planner at packaging company based in Sydney using SAP 3.1H. The production planner role quickly gave me the knowledge of supply chain from a customer phone call right through to despatching the goods. After a few years, the company went through an upgrade from 3.1H to SAP 4.6. 

​

Was it easy to upskill into MASTER DATA with the current set of skills you have?  

Upskilling in my career path came from a combination of happenings. I had the opportunity to work in an inhouse SAP rollout team. The comprehensive team covered functional, ABAP development, basis for security access and a global master data team by which I was under. 

Within the global master data team, I was fortunate to work in severalacquisition companies that were migratedto SAP as well as internal enhancement projects. 

In addition, working as part of the inhouse team, I had the privilege to do some configuration which gave me an understanding of change management and CAB process approval. Also, trouble shooting and developing custom ABAP code to broaden my knowledge of how SAP functions. 

​

What’s changed in the past 5 years in this space?    

Over the years I have seen more MDM and collaboration tools implemented (CRM Salesforce, Ariba and GS1 for example) with direct interfacing withS/4HANAoften being the primary point of creation. Fit for purpose and design of thedata interfaceplays an important factor in the day-to-day management data management. 

A poorly implemented interface will potentially causelengthy data creation lead times, resulting in uncompetitive service level agreements (SLA’s). For data champions in the business, resource intensiveentry and maintenance, accuracy challenges due to manual interpretation of documentsfor the data records.

Managing an Enterprise Data Team, I have witnessedthe challenge of a CRM solution where limited data fieldswasinterfaced into S/4HANA.When creating a new Customer record, data entry required 3 system pointsand for the data specialist, interpretation of PDF files and manually transposing information and for communicationto the Sales Manager another sub collaboration tool was required with manual entries. 

Therefore, it is important to consider a fit for purpose interface between S/4HANA and the collaboration package. 

​

Favourite parts of your job?    

The best part of the job is the dual aspect of system knowledge and business process knowledge. Data can fall either in the business through process improvement or I.T. project delivery via a rollout. 

With the mentioned wide audience, one of the greataspectsof the role is working with an array of stake holders to understand and deliver a solution for the business. 

​

Advice for anyone wanting to get into the MASTER DATA space?  

Whilst having the knowledge of the where and how to extract master data is paramount, the important to understand what the data is doing within the business and the flow to the next process cannot be overlooked. 

Taking the time to understand the process 

Many consultants would argue that technical merit is paramount, I would argue that understanding the process and a broad knowledge of SAP functional helps to determine what is critical and offering the right data process for the Business. 

​

Thank you Gary for giving us some insight into your career so far.

The role of a master data consultant is a unique blend of technical SAP expertise and deep business process knowledge, particularly in the supply chain domain. Success in this space hinges not only on understanding the technical aspects of data but also on grasping how data flows through the business and impacts operations.

With the evolution of MDM tools, collaboration systems, and S/4HANA integrations, it is critical to design fit-for-purpose solutions that optimise efficiency and minimise manual effort.

For those aspiring to enter this field, a balance of technical skills and process understanding is key to delivering value to stakeholders and driving meaningful outcomes.