Why GP, NAV, and AX Manufacturers’ Data Is Not AI-Ready

pjoeckel • April 1, 2024

Why GP, NAV, and AX Manufacturers’ Data Is Not AI-Ready

Going live on a new ERP platform without clean data is like spending a fortune on a new supercar and pouring sugar and sawdust into the gas tank. 

It is an educated guess, but I will wager that the typical Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (GP), NAV, and AX manufacturers' data is not AI or upgrade ready. 
Let us look at a recent example of the data issues I have seen in my career helping companies select, implement, and fix ERP software projects. 
I was advising a partner why his project could not go live when I found additional data issues. 
The first issue was that the client transferred hundreds of thousands of routes to the new system. Simple math told me the required routings were closer to one hundred. It turns out that the production department had created a new, unique routing for every part ever made. So, the identical part produced multiple times was not tracked on the same route but rather on a new and unique route each time. 
The second and equally significant data problem was the number of duplicate items I suspected were creating major junk-data problems in the item file. 
The client creates many engineer-to-order parts supported by a large engineering staff. When I suggested that we analyze the item file for duplicates before importing them to the new system, the VP of engineering was highly insulted and outraged. He assured me that his item master was pristine with zero duplicates because of the tight controls in his department. 
However, I have seen multiple engineering departments where the system used to create a new engineering bill of material made it easier to create a new part on the fly rather than find the part in the existing item file. 
Prepared to be proven wrong and pleasantly surprised by this group of engineers' efficiency, I asked for an export of the item file. To get ready, I brushed up on Excel's Boolean logic capabilities to find potential duplicate parts.  I could have saved myself time and effort. 
When I opened the item master in Excel, a cursory scan of the first page of the items showed SEVEN different item numbers with THE same item description. A simple sort and review of duplicate item numbers showed hundreds of thousands of duplicates.  In my experience, those are not unique dirty-data scenarios. 
Poor data quality can significantly hinder the effectiveness of AI in forecasting and analysis within manufacturing. Here is a brief list of issues that may arise: 
  • Inaccurate Predictions : AI relies on historical data to make forecasts. If the data is flawed, predictions will be unreliable. 
  • Quality Control Problems : Bad data can lead to incorrect product quality assessments, resulting in undetected defects. 
  • Maintenance Challenges : Predictive maintenance becomes problematic if the data about machine performance is incorrect or incomplete. 
  • Operational Inefficiency : AI uses data to optimize processes. Poor data can lead to suboptimal decisions and processes. 
  • Adaptation Issues : Inability to adapt quickly to market changes due to unreliable data-driven insights. 
  • Decision-Making Errors : Strategic decisions based on poor data can lead to costly mistakes, especially around product costing and sales analysis. 

These issues underscore the importance of ensuring high-quality data for AI applications in manufacturing.  Simply eliminating duplicates is just the first and simple step of a sophisticated data cleansing project that would enable meaningful and valuable data. 
Pro-Tip: During the contract negotiation phase for the implementation of your new ERP platform, the time and money-saving suggestion is made that data can be migrated via Excel templates; expect massive change orders and a reschedule of your go-live date approximately two-thirds through your original budget and project time. 
Call us for a meaningful conversation on how to clean and convert data to be AI-ready. 

HandsFree ERP We are dedicated to ERP project excellence with experienced people, innovative processes, and innovative productivity tools like GYDE365-Discover. Experience - over one hundred years of combined experience selecting and implementing strategic ERP platforms. 

Peter Joeckel    With an IE/OR engineering degree and enterprise software implementation experience starting at Price Waterhouse, Peter Joeckel has been in the business application selection, implementation, and challenged project turn-around business for over thirty years. He credits his industrial engineering degree with his search for better processes and tools to implement complex business application platforms.     Most recently, he was the lead HandsFree client advisor in the Circle of ERP Excellence lounge and speaker at the Community Summit North America.   

< Older Post

 Newer Post >

HandsFree ERP is dedicated to supporting clients with their ERP initiatives, enabling companies to seamlessly connect users with their ERP partners. By utilizing skilled professionals, streamlined processes, and cutting-edge tools, HandsFree ERP significantly boosts the success rates of ERP projects.

A group of people are sitting at a table looking at papers and a tablet.

Streamlining ERP Transitions: Discover a Smarter Approach to Business Requirements Gathering

By Peter Joeckel • March 10, 2025
Introduction
A man and a woman are standing next to each other on the cover of a magazine.

HandsFree ERP Named CIO Review’s Top ERP Solutions Provider of 2025

March 9, 2025
Why CIO Review Chose HandsFree ERP as the Top ERP Solutions Provider of 2025
A large warehouse filled with lots of rockets being built

Evaluating Microsoft Dynamics Business Central for Complex Manufacturing

By Peter Joeckel • January 7, 2025
A Discover Manufacturing Case Study
A roulette wheel with the words erp project roulette on it

ERP Project Roulette

By pjoeckel • August 27, 2024
Uncover the hidden risks of ERP projects and how to avoid them. Learn why many ERP implementations fail and how HandsFree ERP's innovative tools and processes can help ensure your project's success.
A poster that says learn how handsfree erp uses gyde365 discover to revolutionize erp requirements gathering

HandsFree ERP Uses GYDE365-Discover to Revolutionize ERP Requirements Gathering

By pjoeckel • August 22, 2024
Discover how HandsFree ERP uniquely leverages the GYDE365-Discover platform to revolutionize ERP requirements gathering, offering a streamlined and efficient approach for both SMB and enterprise users.
The crucial role of data quality in the success of dynamics copilot in erp systems

The Crucial Role of Data Quality in the Success of Dynamics Copilot in ERP Systems

By pjoeckel • July 2, 2024
Understand the critical role of data quality in the successful implementation of Dynamics Copilot in ERP systems. Learn how robust data governance can enhance the accuracy and reliability of GenAI outputs, ensuring your business reaps the full benefits of advanced AI technologies.
A person is holding a shield with a padlock on it.

ERP Project Insurance Policies

By pjoeckel • July 2, 2024
Explore how having an ERP project insurance policy can safeguard your ERP project, career, and company. Transform ERP requirements gathering with GYDE365-Discover, ensuring successful ERP implementations with detailed and unbiased analysis.
How to plan your dynamics gp future using gydi 365 discover

Plan Your Dynamics GP Future with GYDE365-Discover

By pjoeckel • March 14, 2024
Learn how Microsoft Dynamics GP users can plan their ERP future with confidence. Simplify the ERP evaluation process with unbiased data and ensure a successful ERP implementation project.
Two men are preparing food in a kitchen.

ERP Implementation: The Missing Ingredient in Success

By pjoeckel • March 5, 2024
Unveil the missing ingredient in successful ERP implementations. Learn why traditional advice often falls short and explore practical, actionable strategies to ensure your ERP project meets its goals on time, within budget, and to specification.
A sign that says pick with data not opinions on it

8 Manufacturing Modes Approved for Microsoft Dynamics Business Central (BC)

By pjoeckel • March 4, 2024
Explore the eight manufacturing modes approved for Microsoft Dynamics Business Central (BC) and learn how to evaluate the best ERP solution for your business needs with a data-driven analysis.
A man is pointing at a graph with arrows pointing up and down.

Have You Outgrown Microsoft Dynamics GP?

By pjoeckel • March 2, 2024
Find out why you might be outgrowing Microsoft Dynamics GP and delve into the 'Rule of Multies' to determine if it's time for a more robust ERP solution. Learn about the challenges and solutions for companies that are multi-location, multi-currency, and more.
A large empty factory with a lot of machinery in it.

As Featured on MS Dynamics World: How well does Dynamics 365 Business Central fit a GP manufacturing user’s needs? Quantify it.

By pjoeckel • March 2, 2024
Understand how Dynamics 365 Business Central compares to Microsoft Dynamics GP for manufacturing companies. Learn about the key differences, challenges, and comprehensive assessment tools to make an informed ERP decision.