Design Meets Delivery: Why Master Data Governance Is the Missing Link Between PLM and ERP

As companies accelerate their digital transformation journeys, one truth is becoming clearer than ever: systems don’t connect processes-data does. At the upcoming 6th Annual Excellence in Master Data Management and Data Governance Summit (22–23 January 2026, Amsterdam), Stef De Groot , Master Data Lead EMEA at EnerSys , will share how his team is turning this principle into practice.

With years of experience at the intersection of engineering and operations, Stefan will present: “Design Meets Delivery: How EnerSys Connects PLM and ERP Through Master Data”

22 January 2026 | 13:20 CET

Below is a preview of the insights he’ll bring to the stage.

Bridging Engineering and Operations Through MDG

Stefan’s session focuses on one of the most persistent challenges in global manufacturing organizations: the fragmented flow of product data between Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

While companies invest in advanced design tools and powerful ERP platforms, inconsistencies frequently arise when product data transitions from one environment to the other. EnerSys’ experience shows that seamless digital continuity isn’t a system problem—it’s a data governance problem.

In an era where digitalization is no longer optional, ensuring trusted, structured, and well-governed product data across the entire lifecycle has become mission-critical.

The Biggest MDM & Governance Challenges Today

According to Stefan, organizations often underestimate the complexity of master data ownership. Many initiatives begin within IT, but for long-term success, data governance must mature into a shared business responsibility.

Key challenges that companies are facing today include:

• Maintaining consistent master data across PLM, ERP, CRM, and other systems
• Embedding governance within daily business processes, rather than treating it as an afterthought
• Building a culture of accountability, where every stakeholder understands their role in data quality

These issues hinder everything from engineering change management to production planning, resulting in rework, delays, and inefficiencies.

A Key Takeaway: Governance Is Not Bureaucracy

One message Stefan hopes attendees will remember: Data governance isn’t administrative overhead—it's quality control for information flow.

By establishing clear data ownership, standardized master data, and structured governance processes, companies can create near-frictionless integration between design and production. The payoff is substantial:

• Reduced rework
• Faster engineering-to-manufacturing cycles
• More reliable, repeatable innovation

The Future of MDM: Embedded Governance & AI

Looking ahead, Stefan sees several trends shaping the future of Data Governance:

• Embedded governance within business systems, enabling proactive quality checks
• AI-assisted matching and validation, shifting companies from reactive data cleansing to intelligent, automated data management
• Continued emphasis on aligning people, processes, and ownership, ensuring technology delivers real value

Technology will accelerate data quality efforts—but successful MDM will still depend on organizations building sustainable, business-driven governance models.

Join Stefan at the Summit in Amsterdam

During his session, Stefan will walk through EnerSys’ real-world integration journey, highlighting:

• How PLM and ERP were linked to create a single source of product truth
• The role of master data in enabling consistent engineering and manufacturing processes
• Approaches for aligning materials, BOMs, and characteristics across systems
• Governance practices that ensure digital continuity and high data quality
• Lessons learned and practical recommendations for companies on a similar path

If you’re navigating complex data landscapes or striving to improve product data flow across your organization, this session will provide valuable insights you can apply immediately.

Speaker: Stefan de Groot Master Data Lead EMEA, SAP Competency Center EnerSys