Streamlining Master Data Governance: How Etnic Improved Data Quality, Automation, and User Experience with SimpleMDG

Introduction

Etnic, the IT services provider for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, faces serious challenges in managing business partner (BP) data. Duplicate records, inefficient processes, and a complex SAP user interface make it difficult to maintain accurate, high-quality master data.

By implementing SimpleMDG on SAP BTP, Etnic streamlines governance, improves data quality, and enhances the user experience—resulting in greater efficiency and compliance.

Etnic at a Glance

Founded in 2000 and based in Brussels, Belgium, Etnic specializes in IT solutions for public institutions. Its mission is to optimize digital systems for government services, ensuring secure and reliable IT infrastructures across Belgium.

The Challenge: Fragmented & Inefficient Data Management

Etnic’s master data processes suffers from inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and poor governance. The biggest pain points are:

• Complex SAP Interface – The multi-screen navigation is frustrating for users, making data entry slow and error-prone.
• Duplicate & Unreliable Data – Without a structured process, multiple versions of vendors and customers exist, leading to reporting inaccuracies and compliance risks.
• Lack of Governance – No clear validation rules or workflows results in poor data quality and inconsistent records.
• Manual & Repetitive Processes – High reliance on manual input increases errors and slows down operations.

Etnic needs a flexible, automated solution to clean up its master data and bring structure to the process.

The Solution: Implementing SimpleMDG on SAP BTP

Assessing the Data Landscape

Before implementation, Etnic analyzed its master data processes and found major inefficiencies:

• Customer Data – No formal governance structure leads to unreliable records.
• Vendor Data – A custom-built ERP solution lacks standardization, creating duplicates and inaccuracies.
• User Adoption Issues – Existing data tools are complex, causing users to resort to manual workarounds.

Building a Future-Proof System

Etnic partnered with SimpleMDG and Alluvion to modernize master data governance through a Proof of Concept:

• Centralized Data Storage with HANA Cloud – Securely storing master data in Etnic’s SAP BTP account, ensuring compliance.
• Seamless Integration with SAP – Connecting with both on-premise and cloud-based SAP systems via SAP Cloud Connector.
• No-Code SaaS Solution – Enabling business users to configure workflows without IT dependency.

With a centralized, secure, and automated approach, Etnic eliminates inefficiencies and improves control over its data.

Key Benefits of SimpleMDG

1. Automating Data Governance & Eliminating Duplicates

Duplicate vendor and customer records lead to reporting errors and compliance risks. SimpleMDG introduces:

✅ Automated duplicate detection & consolidation – Preventing redundant records.
✅ Mass processing & validation rules – Ensuring data consistency at scale.
✅ Match group reviews – Improving data accuracy before finalization.

These automations reduce errors and help Etnic establish a single source of truth.

2. Enhancing the SAP User Experience

SAP’s standard interface was too complex for business users. SimpleMDG offers:

✅ A no-code, intuitive UI – Making data entry and navigation simple.
✅ Customizable templates – Displaying only the most relevant fields per user role.
✅ Flexible plug-and-play design – Allowing quick adaptation as business needs evolve.

With a more user-friendly experience, adoption increases, and data governance becomes easier.

3. Seamless Vendor Data Validation with BCE (KBO)

Etnic automates vendor validation by integrating SimpleMDG with Banque Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE/KBO), Belgium’s central enterprise database. This allows:

✅ Real-time vendor verification – Automatically fetching company details from official sources.
✅ Auto-populated vendor data – Reducing manual input and human errors.

With this integration, vendor data becomes more accurate and reliable, eliminating outdated records.

4. Establishing Trust in Data

To improve data quality, Etnic implements:

✅ Validation & derivation rules – Ensuring accuracy at the point of entry.
✅ Structured workflows – Standardizing approvals and updates.
✅ Continuous data monitoring – Identifying and resolving inconsistencies proactively.

This transforms governance from reactive to proactive, ensuring high-quality, trustworthy data.

The Results: A Smarter, More Efficient Data Governance Approach

• Higher Data Accuracy – Duplicates are eliminated, and records become consistent.
• Increased Efficiency – Automated workflows reduce manual effort and errors.
• Better User Experience – A simplified UI improves adoption and usability.

By leveraging SimpleMDG on SAP BTP, Etnic now operates with cleaner, more reliable master data, supporting smarter decision-making and long-term efficiency.

Alluvion's Impact on SimpleMDG Implementations

Alluvion's expertise in SimpleMDG implementations on SAP BTP leads to significant improvements in data governance, automation, and user experience:

• Data Accuracy – Increases by 20-25%, reducing duplicates and improving record consistency.
• Process Efficiency – Manual effort decreases by 30-40%, as automation streamlines data entry and validation.
• User Adoption – Grows by 25-30%, with business users benefiting from an intuitive no-code interface and simplified workflows.

By enhancing governance and automation, Alluvion helps organizations achieve reliable, high-quality master data for better business performance.