Episode 10: Data Management Key Insights for Manufacturing – Rick Peters

Summary

Manufacturers face unique data challenges, from integrating multiple ERPs to leveraging AI for predictive analytics. In this episode, we discuss how manufacturers can use data centralization, Industry 4.0, and AI-driven insights to drive efficiency and innovation. We also explore the growing importance of supply chain resilience, the role of data governance in modernization, and practical steps for getting started with enterprise data management. Listen now to learn how manufacturers can turn data into a strategic advantage!

Transcript

Jocelyn 00:01:
You’re listening to Infoverity’s Trust Us podcast, where you can gear up for your data management journey with bite-sized discussions on industry trends and thought leadership. On each episode, we feature industry experts to help you navigate your path to mastering your enterprise data.

Jocelyn 00:18:
Welcome to today’s episode of the podcast. Today, we’ll be talking about enterprise data management trends in the manufacturing and distribution industries.

Joining us today is Rick Peters, Director of Manufacturing Solutions at Infoverity. Rick, thank you so much for joining us! Could you introduce yourself to our listeners?

Rick Peters 00:40:
Sure! Thanks, Jocelyn. I’m Rick Peters, Director of Manufacturing Solutions at Infoverity. Before joining Infoverity two years ago, I spent over 20 years in industrial manufacturing, holding roles in IT operations, commercial operations, and data management. My background is primarily in manufacturing, specifically industrial manufacturing, rather than consulting. I’m excited to share my experiences today!

Jocelyn 01:13:
We’re lucky to have your expertise! Let’s start by discussing some key manufacturing use cases for enterprise data management. What are the most common areas of focus?

Rick Peters 01:37:
Manufacturing is a saturated market, so organic growth is typically only 3-5% per year. As a result, many manufacturers grow through acquisitions.

Key Manufacturing Data Challenges & Use Cases:

1. Data Centralization – Manufacturers acquire multiple businesses but struggle to integrate siloed data sources, multiple ERPs, and PLMs into a unified system.
2. Data Accessibility – Organizations must move from manual, fragmented reporting to real-time data-driven decision-making for both shop floor employees and executives.
3. Enterprise Application Support – Standardizing systems to drive down costs and increase process efficiency requires centralized, high-quality data.

Jocelyn 04:02:
That makes sense! Coming from the manufacturing industry myself, I know how difficult it can be to modernize legacy systems. What industry trends are shaping enterprise data management today?

Rick Peters 05:40:
Here are the top three trends in manufacturing data management:

1. Industry 4.0 & Smart Factories – Integrating technology with plant operations enables:
   • Predictive diagnostics to prevent failures before they happen.
   • Real-time production tracking for sales and marketing teams.
   • Improved demand forecasting and supply chain optimization.
2. AI & Machine Learning in Manufacturing – AI is being leveraged for:
   • Operational efficiency – AI-driven process automation and predictive maintenance.
   • Product innovation – Embedding AI into products to create value-added services.
3. Supply Chain Resilience – Manufacturers are prioritizing:
   • Supplier diversity – Avoiding over-reliance on single suppliers.
   • External risk tracking – Using data to monitor weather, tariffs, and geopolitical events that impact supply chains.

Jocelyn 08:28:
Those trends are crucial! Now, for companies looking to start their enterprise data management journey, where should they begin?

Rick Peters 09:06:
The best advice? Just start. But where you begin depends on your maturity level:

• Early-Stage Companies – Start with Master Data Management (MDM) to unify data across ERPs and business units.
• More Mature Organizations – Focus on data quality initiatives, reducing redundancies, and standardizing reporting.

Best Practices for Getting Started:

1. Prioritize small wins – Don’t try to boil the ocean; start with achievable goals.
2. Align initiatives with business goals – Tie data improvements to ROI-driven outcomes.
3. Educate and socialize data literacy – Data literacy reduces resistance and builds stakeholder buy-in.

Jocelyn 10:27:
That’s great advice! What about companies that know they need change but struggle with funding and executive buy-in?

Rick Peters 11:19:

How to Secure Executive Buy-In:

• Showcase pain points – Create dashboards to visualize poor data quality.
• Calculate costs – Demonstrate how bad data impacts operational efficiency and lost revenue.
• Start small, prove value – Begin with a single business unit before expanding company-wide.

Jocelyn 13:45:
That’s a strong strategy! Now, let’s talk about change management. How should companies navigate organizational resistance?

Rick Peters 15:44:
Change management is one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing. Many organizations have long-standing processes and cultures resistant to change.

To manage this:

1. Start socializing data early – Ensure everyone understands the benefits of data-driven decision-making.
2. Engage cross-functional teams – Involve engineering, operations, and IT in the conversation.
3. Communicate success stories – Share quick wins to build momentum.

Jocelyn 16:44:
That’s critical! Finally, how can Infoverity help manufacturers with their data management transformation?

Rick Peters 17:15:
Infoverity provides end-to-end data management solutions, including:

• Data Strategy & Roadmap Development – Assessing maturity and creating tactical execution plans.
• Data Governance & MDM Implementation – Building centralized, scalable data frameworks.
• Advanced Analytics & AI Integration – Helping manufacturers leverage predictive insights.
• Long-term Managed Services – Ongoing data management support and process optimization.

We tailor solutions to each client’s unique challenges, ensuring long-term success.

Jocelyn 19:29:
That level of industry-specific expertise makes a real difference!

To summarize today’s discussion:

1. Manufacturers must modernize data management to stay competitive.
2. Top trends include Industry 4.0, AI, and supply chain resilience.
3. Organizations should start small, align data efforts to business goals, and drive cultural change.
4. Change management and executive buy-in are essential for success.
5. Infoverity provides tailored, end-to-end data solutions for manufacturing companies.

Would you say that’s accurate?

Rick Peters 23:19:
Absolutely! And one last note—every company has data challenges. Don’t be discouraged. Just start.

Jocelyn 24:21:
That’s a great message to end on! Rick, thank you so much for joining us today.

Rick Peters 24:34:
Thank you for having me!

Jocelyn 24:36:
For over a decade, Infoverity has been a trusted leader in enterprise data management consulting, with experts worldwide and headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and Valencia, Spain.

To learn more, visit infoverity.com. Additional contact details are in the show notes.