Datanovel know-how
Use supplier data to define better system requirements
An existing data problem can reveal a missing process or a relationship the new system must support.
A new procurement system does not decide what supplier data means for your business. Examining the existing records provides concrete evidence for the design of fields, workflows, relationships and controls.
Build a business data map
Document the information required for each supplier type and process. Define purpose, applicability, source, owner, quality rule and target field. Distinguish legal and trading names, registered and operational addresses, and supplier facts from internal classifications.
A standard supplier-profile screen is not a complete specification. Agree which fields are used, how they relate to the legacy systems and which transformations are permitted.
Specify the relationships
The design may need to represent one entity across several operational records, links between systems and relationships between entities in a supplier group. Record the meaning and direction of each link.
Define which attributes should stay aligned and which must differ by location, company code, currency or other justified arrangement. Choose supported structures with the system and data teams.
Turn findings into acceptance criteria
Examples from the assessment help test whether the design can find an existing supplier, prevent an unnecessary duplicate, route a sensitive change and retain verification evidence. They also identify migration exceptions and dependencies.
Datanovel connects the data findings to a prioritised requirements specification and an operating model for maintaining quality after implementation. The same approach applies when improving an existing platform.