Glossary

What is Data Standardisation?

What does Data Standardisation mean in MRO and ERP systems?

Data Standardisation is the process of applying consistent naming conventions, classifications, and coding systems to data so that it can be understood, compared, and shared across different business systems.

In the context of spare parts and MRO data, standardisation ensures that the same item is always represented in the same way, regardless of whether it comes from different suppliers, sites, or legacy systems. This enables seamless integration with enterprise solutions like SAP, Maximo, IFS, and other CMMS/EAM platforms.

Without data standardisation, companies face duplicate materials, inconsistent descriptions, and incompatible datasets that make procurement and maintenance less efficient.

Key aspects of Data Standardisation

  1. Consistent naming rules – Standard formats for material descriptions, units of measure, and technical attributes.
  2. Classification systems – Applying international standards such as UNSPSC, eClass, or ISO codes.
  3. Coding alignment – Harmonising manufacturer part numbers, supplier IDs, and internal codes.
  4. Data templates – Structured field sets for different equipment and spare parts categories.
  5. Cross-site consistency – Ensuring the same standards are applied across plants, sites, and ERP systems.

Why Data Standardisation is critical for asset-intensive industries

Standardising data is the foundation for cataloguing, procurement efficiency, and reliable reporting. It enables companies to compare suppliers, consolidate inventories, and implement digital solutions such as predictive maintenance and digital twins.

By applying data standardisation to MRO and spare parts information, companies can:

  • Reduce duplicates and excess inventory.
  • Improve spare part searchability for maintenance teams.
  • Enable group-level analytics and spend visibility.
  • Ensure smooth ERP migrations by aligning legacy and new data structures.

Sharecat Data Services supports global asset-intensive companies with advanced Data Standardisation solutions, combining proprietary methodologies and domain expertise. By standardising MRO and spare parts data at scale, Sharecat ensures operational reliability and significant cost savings.