Amway is an $8B global manufacturer and distributor of personal care, cosmetic, nutritional, and household products. Amway’s challenge was to harmonize product information (formulations, specifications, artwork, and manufacturing instructions) across multiple enterprise systems and organizations. There was no “one source of the truth”. Decisions to revise product information could be made with incomplete information, without notification to key parties. Amway’s vision was for the right people to make the right decisions with the best available information the first time – “first time right”.
Earley & Associates completed a four-point assessment of Amway’s process, content, systems, and organization for product master data. Using E&A proven methodologies and manufacturing expertise, the team defined the Future State, Current State, and Gaps in the four dimensions, and recommended 18 activities that would close significant gaps over a 24-month roadmap. Earley & Associates continues to work closely with Amway leading on-going governance, requirements, design, and implementation projects.
A governance process was put in place immediately that assured “first-time right” decisions. Content management, workflow, and controlled vocabularies were implemented that expedited the change process and made it auditable. The new process and tools prevent millions per year in scrap and rework due to better planning and coordination.
