Data Management

PPI offers a comprehensive suite of Data Management software-based services. Organizations in need of any of the following can benefit from a PPI Data Management Solution.

• Material Requirements Planning
• Common Item Description Control
• Component Criticality Specification
• Proactive Obsolescence Management
• Duplicate Part Elimination
• A solution fully compatible with SAP and Oracle

What is a PPI Data Management Solution?

PPI’s web-based data management solution is designed to efficiently manage thousands of items from numerous suppliers and manufacturers using a completely paperless process. Our solution achieves this efficiency through a number of customizable technologies such as Smart Data Import Utilities, customized Data Verification and Purification Processing Methods, Real Time Tracking, and User Friendly Interfaces.

Importing data into the PPI Data Management Solution Smart Data Import Utility starts the electronic process of history tracking. A Master Database identifies exact and possible matches based on specific criteria which have been previously verified. The data set can be based on a simple manufacturer, supplier, item number and/or description. Or, the data set can infer location structure to include multiple facilities and departments to support facility maintenance.

A data team processes data from the PPI-provided internal Web site; ensuring part numbering and description accuracy through direct verification with the manufacturers and suppliers.

The external side of the PPI-provided Web site supports the delivery of the verified item records to end users. PPI’s External Web facilitates the search, query, and data reporting functions 24/7, giving users access to the most up-to-date information at all times.

The use of a PPI Data Management Solution yields both Direct Cost and Indirect Cost savings as well as improved business processes.

Direct Cost savings are gained through the use of a single Master Database containing all item records, zero duplication of work once an item is verified and enriched with technical metadata, and automatic probable match referencing upon new item import.

Indirect Cost savings are measurable through the accurate verification and immediate availability of the items on the Data Management Web site, enabling users to begin their ordering and set-up processes. Quality data improves inventory control, and the correct item on the shelf reduces downtime. The data contained in a single Master Database makes it possible to access methods of comparison, leverage volume purchasing and gain improved ability to control inventories.

PPI Data Management Solution = “Central Data Warehouse”

• Assures the processing of all content with same criteria standards
• Reduces duplication of content
• Ability to track revisions at a component (element) level
• Reporting capabilities can improve communications between Engineering, Service, and other departments. Milestones can be front loaded into the system to ensure certain requirements are met in order to complete a given project. (Ex. Updated/duplicate drawing lists must be supplied before a draft can be initiated on a related job.)
• Trending of information related to specific data and the information associated with that data
• Ability to view “where used” information across multiple facility organizations

Why Use PPI Data Management Solutions?

PPI realizes that many manufacturers currently have a variety of solutions in place to help them manage their data, for service as well as after-market sales.  

Many solutions currently in place such as CRM, SCM, and ERP when initially instituted represented and upgrade to the process in place at that time.  But as technology has improved and the needs of the manufacturing industry have changed. PPI has positioned itself as a consultative leader, insightfully addressing the ever-changing needs of the manufacturing industry.

Furthermore, we realize that Parts Management has become far too expensive and multifaceted to be solved manually.  PPI Data Management solutions help to solve many problems such as the following:

• Provision of tailored analytical tools
• Address the needs involving multiple languages, currencies and time zones
• Development of tools that address the internal issues with a company such as operations and logistics, sales and marketing, product management, buyers, repair centers and field operations
• On the outside affirmatively, quickly and easily provide information for dealers, partners and or suppliers

Common Conditions and Associated Business Issues

• Lack of global inventory visibility
• Unable to generate an aggregate spend or perform a spend-analysis on a global basis
• Inability to leverage purchasing on a global basis
• Failure to identify functionally equivalent parts
• Excessive use of uncontrolled “buys” to procure materials
• Insufficient visibility of data for searching and ordering parts and service which negatively impacts employee productivity

Additional Reasons to Use a PPI Data Management System

• Costs are reduced with volume purchases.
• Managed inventory reduces direct labor, indirect labor and production downtime costs.
• Uptime is increased by reduced maintenance and managing equipment operation through spare parts control.
• Spare inventory in a multi-facility structure is reduced.
• Spare Parts inventories are managed through purchases based on OEM/vendor lead time:
• Exchange of information on supplier sources
• Data analysis and statistics tracked against spare parts      
• Warranty information
• Product life cycle conditions
• Delivery lead times
• Cost comparison of OEM/Supplier pricing and products.