HOMAG – Smart Automation of Master Data
HOMAG – Smart automation of master data
Intelligent automation of master data – how HOMAG uses the Rule Workbench to stabilise processes, strengthen resilience and future-proof the supply chain 250,000 materials, multiple production sites worldwide, one vision: HOMAG, the world’s leading supplier of machinery and systems for the woodworking industry, relies on ifm’s Rule Workbench (RWB) to make its own supply chain more resilient, efficient and technologically fit for the future. Automated master data management is not just an operational lever – it is a strategic game-changer. The starting point: complexity, manual intervention and a lack of data logic.
The challenges were multifaceted: HOMAG frequently manufactures machinery and systems for customers who produce in batch size 1. This places the highest demands on planning and material availability. At the same time, the master data was fragmented – characterised by data silos in SAP tables, inconsistent calculation logic for master data and a high level of manual maintenance. “We didn’t have a sufficiently defined set of rules or a complete, end-to-end understanding of the interrelationships within the material master data. Processes very often had to be corrected manually,” explains Claudia Ortmann, responsible for Global Supply Chain Strategies at HOMAG
With around 250,000 active materials and production sites spread across the globe, the workload was enormous. “If, in theory, a planner only needs five minutes per material in the material master data each year, that adds up to several hundred working days,” calculates Alexander Römer, who is jointly responsible for strategy development in Global Supply Chain Management. The result: sporadic master data updates, limited planning capabilities and a supply chain that did not operate on a solid data foundation.
Strategic response: automation with the Rule Workbench
Following initial successes with ifm tools such as Operations and Inventory, it became clear that the Rule Workbench is the key to sustainable automation and standardisation. “The ifm modules interlock intelligently – information flows from one module to the next,” explains Römer. By utilising existing data, we can use the RWB to automatically keep master data up to date and thus automatically manage complex planning processes whilst simultaneously taking advantage of purchasing benefits such as volume discounts.
The implementation proceeded remarkably quickly: within four months, a complex set of rules was developed, simulated and put into production. The pilot operation proved successful – and was gradually rolled out to other plants. “We received a continuous feedback loop from plant to plant and were able to continuously improve the logic,” says Römer. The solution remained stable yet flexible. Image/Quote: “With ifm’s Rule Workbench, we can respond flexibly to changes. We no longer have to adjust individual materials manually; instead, we can manage all changes at once via the set of rules in the RWB.” Claudia Ortmann, Global SCM at Homag GmbH.
Resilience through data-driven orchestration
A key advantage of the RWB lies in its ability to dynamically calculate and update master data: over 30 input factors – ranging from static parameters such as dimensions and storage location to dynamic ones such as consumption, delivery times or product life cycles – are processed on a monthly basis. “If one factor changes, the entire logic adjusts automatically – that makes us extremely responsive,” emphasises Römer.
This ability to adapt regularly strengthens the resilience of the supply chain: Whether it’s a Suez Canal blockage, shortages of rare earths or new customs tariffs – HOMAG can respond flexibly, promptly and independently. The automated logic replaces rigid processes with an adaptable system that remains stable even under volatile conditions.
Stability and financial impact: focus on net working capital
The introduction of the RWB is yielding measurable results – both operationally and financially:
- +40% material availability (compared with the previous year)
- -20% inventory levels – with a direct, positive effect on net working capital
- >50% automated orders – whilst reducing order frequency through intelligent bundling
- 5 million master data updates since go-live – fully automated
The reduction in stock levels whilst simultaneously increasing availability is clear evidence of improved efficiency and reduced capital tied up. The supply chain is not only becoming faster and more flexible – it is also becoming more cost-effective.
Technological future-proofing: AI-ready thanks to a clean database
Automated master data management is not only a driver of efficiency – it is an enabler for future technologies.
“The RWB lays the foundation for, amongst other things, AI-supported forecasting models and intelligent decision support,” explains Ortmann. Thanks to the consistent and up-to-date database, HOMAG becomes “AI-ready” – a decisive step towards a digital supply chain in line with the HOMAG AI Strategy.
Data-driven orchestration also enables the integration of further technologies such as advanced analytics, predictive planning and autonomous scheduling. The RWB acts as the “central nervous system for master data”, linking data inputs and updating the master data.
Conclusion: Data quality as a strategic lever for the supply chain of the future
The introduction of the Rule Workbench at HOMAG impressively demonstrates how intelligent master data management becomes a strategic success factor. “We wouldn’t want to be without the tool now,” Ortmann sums up. The RWB is now a key component of digital transformation – and is preparing HOMAG’s supply chain for the challenges of tomorrow.
Alexander Römer, Global Supply Chain Strategy and Projects at HOMAG, during his presentation at the ifm SUCCESS DAYS 2025 (© Gerrit Bender DESIGN)
