Glossary

What is a Vendor Master?

What does Vendor Master mean?

The Vendor Master is the central data record in ERP systems that stores all key information about a supplier or service provider. It includes contact details, banking information, tax data, and commercial terms. Vendor Master data is used across procurement, finance, and logistics to ensure accurate transactions and reporting.

In asset-intensive industries, the Vendor Master is critical to sourcing spare parts, materials, and services. Poor-quality vendor records can cause duplicate suppliers, delayed payments, and compliance risks.

Key elements of a Vendor Master record

  1. General information – Supplier name, address, and contact details.
  2. Purchasing data – Terms, lead times, and procurement group.
  3. Accounting data – Bank details, tax numbers, and reconciliation accounts.
  4. Compliance information – Certifications, approvals, and legal identifiers.
  5. Link to material master – Connection to supplied spare parts or services.

Why Vendor Master quality matters

A complete and accurate Vendor Master enables efficient procurement and financial operations. Without it, companies risk duplicate vendor entries, incorrect payments, and poor visibility of supplier performance.

By applying Data Cleansing, Data Standardisation, and Data Quality Management, organisations can ensure their Vendor Master is reliable and business-ready.

Sharecat Data Services helps companies cleanse and standardise Vendor Master data, ensuring consistent supplier records across ERP and CMMS systems. This reduces procurement risks and supports compliance with global standards.