The Global State of Data Harmonization

We commissioned Kearney to interview some of the biggest Consumer-Packaged Goods and Consumer Healthcare industry leaders about how they are harmonizing their data – and what they wish they could do instead. 

The Verdict From Our Research


CPG and CHC data and executive leaders are aligned: internalizing data management is a complex process that can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring specialized expertise and tools.

Indeed, 76% of executive leaders say their company is using external providers to harmonize their data, and only 32% of them are thinking about internalizing it at some point in the future. 

This report reveals: 

  • Where current data harmonization efforts are falling short 
  • How companies can optimize the process 
  • What are the benefits of outsourcing it 

Why Brands are Harmonizing Their Data


From pricing to promotions, supply chain to shelf, every decision hinges on having the right data, harmonized and ready to act on. 

Top use cases driving harmonization efforts
Top use cases for data harmonization
 
52%
say that they harmonize their data primarily for Revenue Growth Management (RGM)

The value of going deeper with harmonization is clear—not just aligning data, but aligning it at the most actionable level is what’s driving real business impact. 

 
5.5%
of revenue increase + 1-2% margin increase with UPC/SKU level granularity
Why SKU granularity is a MUST
SKU level granularity is a must

The Bottleneck: Cost, Time & Resources


As 96% of the companies are already harmonizing their data, the question is no longer if, but how fast and how effectively they can do it in order to stay ahead of the competition. 
  
While some companies (24%) are trying to build harmonization capabilities in-house, the reality is daunting. The complexity of integrating disparate data sources, maintaining data quality, and building scalable infrastructure are costing companies a fortune. Even in centralized or federated organizations, the operational burden is significant.

Human resource required to internalize data harmonization
FTEs required to internalize harmonization
 
50-200 FTEs
are required for large corporations to operate the highest level of data harmonization services internally
 
5-10 years
are usually required CPG and CHC companies to internalize data harmonization at full scale
Time required to internalize data harmonization
Time required to internalize harmonization
How much do organizations spend on data harmonization?
Data harmonization market size
 
€1.25-1.45bn
are spent on data harmonization by CPG and CHC companies

Outsourcing is the Preferred Path


Most of the interviewed companies outsource data harmonization which reflects a growing recognition of the complexity and resource intensity involved in the process.

What solution do you use to harmonize your data?
Solution used for data harmonization
 
80%
of the interviewed companies use an external data harmonization provider
 
35%
use an external data harmonization provider to maximize cost-effectiveness
What motivated your company to work with a data harmonization provider? 
What motivated your company to work with a data harmonization provider

Companies are increasingly aware of the need for data harmonization, and with cost avoidance as a critical factor for outsourcing, they are continuously seeking for alternative options. For organizations looking to scale their data operations without scaling their budgets, Redslim offers a compelling value proposition.

Cost of data harmonization with different solutions
Cost of data harmonization with different solutions
 
Up to 50%
can be saved on data harmonization costs by using an external partner like Redslim

What Comes Next: Strategic Decision for CPG and CHC Data Teams


Ready to level up your data management right away? By outsourcing to Redslim, you can accelerate time to insights, reduce costs and operational burden, improve data quality and trust, and focus internal teams on high-value work. 
  
Get in touch with our experts to discuss the full report and explore your options.