Efficient data management is a competitive advantage in any sector—especially in manufacturing, where poor decisions can be very costly.

In this scenario, Material Description Standards (PDMs) stand out as fundamental tools for organizing, standardizing, and optimizing material registration, directly impacting purchasing, inventory, production, and logistics processes.

If you work in a company that handles thousands of registered items, this content is for you. Below, we clearly explain what PDMs are, where they're applied, and the main mistakes you should avoid to ensure operational efficiency and cost reduction.

What are Material Description Standards (MDSs)?

PDMs function as structured "guides" that provide guidance on how to correctly describe a material or component. They ensure that all descriptions follow a standard, with well-defined fundamental characteristics, avoiding generic codes, random abbreviations, or ambiguous terms that hinder identification.

Having a well-implemented PDM means speaking the same language across internal departments, suppliers, and partners. This reduces errors, improves inventory control, and streamlines purchasing processes.

Why are PDMs so important?

Check out the main operational benefits of adopting Material Description Standards in your company:

• Standardization of descriptions: facilitates searches, avoids duplication, and improves management reports.

• Better inventory management: eliminates excess and shortages of materials, reducing costs and increasing availability.

• More assertive purchases: allows you to compare offers correctly and avoid unnecessary purchases.

• Higher product quality: with accurate data, it is easier to maintain quality control.

• Agility in logistics processes: standardizing descriptions helps with organization and logistics planning.

  
  

Where do PDMs apply?

The application of PDMs is broad and strategic. Here are some examples:

• Industry and Manufacturing: facilitate maintenance planning and ensure the availability of supplies.

• Logistics and Supplies: optimize purchasing and transportation processes, with clear communication with suppliers.

• Retail: improve inventory management and increase efficiency in product organization.

• Engineering and Design: Make sharing technical information more reliable.

• Services: assist in identifying parts for maintenance and controlling equipment replacement.

  
  

Common mistakes you should avoid

Despite the benefits, many companies still make mistakes that undermine the effectiveness of their PDMs. The most common are:

❌ Descriptions too generic.

❌ Lack of structure to fill in mandatory characteristics.

❌ Multiple registrations for the same item.

❌ Lack of standardized categorization.

❌ Use of unrecognized acronyms and abbreviations.

Avoiding these problems is essential to building a reliable database that's ready to grow with your company.

The difference between CH Master Data PDMs | Astrein

CH Master Data | Astrein is a global leader in Master Data Management and offers UNIVERSAL Master Data Management (PMD) solutions shared by its entire customer community. This means:

• Standards are always updated based on real market needs.

• Items common between companies are already described in a standardized way.

• The database becomes smarter and more efficient, without rework.

• The solution is multilingual and supports international operations.

  
  

Want to know how much your company can save with a well-structured registration database?

Request a free diagnosis now from the experts at CH Master Data | Astrein and discover how to transform your material base into a strategic tool for your operation.

📧 contato@chmasterdata.com

📱 WhatsApp: (11) 2824-5148