Avoid the Pitfalls of Dirty Data in Greenfield Projects 

A greenfield project should provide a fresh start. You won’t be encumbered by past mistakes or the habits of previous operations.  

However, you never truly begin with a blank slate. You’ll still be reliant on your master data management to plan and execute your project goals. If your existing data management strategies are lacking, you could experience major data entry challenges once your project gets underway. 

Let’s explore how effective MDM will help you keep your greenfield initiative on the rails from start to finish. 

MDM and Greenfield Projects 

Master data includes all vital information about your assets and spare parts. You must meticulously organize this data and correctly input it into your computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) long before your asset is commissioned. 

Without accurate and detailed master data, your maintenance and storeroom teams will struggle to manage the new facility efficiently.  

Common Issues to Be Aware Of 

One of the most notable challenges in greenfield projects is the disconnect between the capital expenditure (CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx) teams. 

CapEx personnel are focused on completing your project on time and within budget. OpEx professionals will eventually take over the facility’s day-to-day, meaning they’ll need detailed master data records. 

CapEx teams often overlook the importance of setting up detailed master data, meaning OpEx personnel will have to clean up the mess once the project is finished. All of that dirty data can lead to outcomes like: 

• Incomplete or inaccurate equipment records 

• Excessive downtime that prevents the plant from attaining its operating design specification 

• Overstocked or understocked spare parts 

As such, you must align your CapEx and OpEx teams from day one. Make master data management a foundational part of your greenfield project planning and execution processes so you can set the stage for a successful handoff of the facility.  

Best Practices for Setting Up Master Data  

Here are four ways to optimize your MDM processes from the beginning of your greenfield project: 

      1. Involve Operations Early and Often

Don’t wait until the end of your project to involve maintenance and operational personnel. Make them a part of the process from day one and regularly collaborate with them to ensure that everyone is in the loop.

      2. Standardize Data Formats 

Specify how you want your engineering firms to deliver the data, including the structure and format that aligns with your CMMS and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms. Simply setting up rules and expectations early on will help you avoid the challenges of inconsistent data.  

      3. Optimize Your Spare Parts Inventory 

Work closely with your project team to assess and optimize your spare parts inventory. Conduct a reliability-centered analysis to determine which components are must-haves and which aren’t. (This exercise often saves enough cost to pay for all MDM costs.) 

      4. Use Tech to Validate Data Entries 

Don’t rely on manual data entry to create your MDM database — use technology to validate entries and detect errors. The more reliable your master data is, the more reliable your plant will be. 

Every Successful Greenfield Project Begins With MDM 

Master data management may not be the most glamorous aspect of a greenfield project, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most important. Make it a priority and set the stage for a successful investment!