Prosol: Data Cleansing Tool That Works Across SAP Versions
Enterprises that run on SAP know one thing for certain: bad data is expensive. Duplicate material codes, inconsistent descriptions, and mismatched supplier records lead to wasted inventory, slow procurement, and compliance headaches. The challenge grows even larger when multiple SAP versions like ECC, S/4HANA, or hybrid systems coexist across regions. Traditional annual data cleansing projects don’t solve the problem. They act like a one-time spring cleaning, only for the clutter to build back up. What enterprises need is a SAP data cleansing solution that works continuously, across SAP versions, and embeds governance directly into daily workflows. That’s where Prosol enters the picture.
Why Periodic Cleansing Isn’t Enough
Most organizations have relied on year-end consulting projects to clean material master data. Teams run through spreadsheets, standardize descriptions, and remove duplicates. For a few months, everything looks better.
But the reality sets in quickly:
- New material codes are created daily.
- Different SAP versions store fields differently.
- Procurement teams enter descriptions inconsistently.
By the next quarter, duplicates and mismatches creep back in. The root cause is that cleansing is reactive but not continuous. For global enterprises in industries like oil & gas, utilities, or EPC, this translates directly into millions in excess stock, procurement delays, and unreliable reporting.
Key Features to Look for in an SAP-Compatible Data Cleansing Tool
Decision-makers evaluating solutions should demand more than simple “data cleanup.” A modern cleansing tool for SAP environments must offer:
- Cross-Version Compatibility – Support for ECC, S/4HANA, and even legacy SAP environments to ensure consistency across geographies.
- Embedded Governance – Validation rules applied at the point of data entry, not months later.
- Duplicate Detection Beyond Matching – Machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) that identify similarity in meaning, not just spelling.
- Custom Code Generation Templates – Flexibility to follow enterprise naming conventions while aligning with industry standards like UNSPSC.
- Integration with SAP Workflows – Direct compatibility with material master, procurement, inventory, and CMMS modules.
- Stewardship and Auditability – Track changes, approvals, and compliance with internal governance policies.
- Monitoring and Dashboards – Ongoing visibility into data quality KPIs for continuous improvement.
Continuous Cleansing vs. Periodic Projects
Here’s how continuous cleansing compares with the old way:
| Attribute | Periodic Cleansing | Continuous Cleansing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Over Time | High, recurring consulting fees | Lower, predictable, embedded in workflows |
| Risk of Decay | Returns within months | Controlled at entry point |
| Resource Demand | Intensive, project-based | Light, ongoing |
| Alignment Across SAP Versions | Partial, siloed | Standardized and harmonized |
| Governance | Reactive | Proactive, auditable |
Enterprises save more, avoid errors, and stay compliant by embedding data quality at the point of creation.
Ready to see where your SAP data stands?
Use Case
Consider a manufacturing firm operating plants in India and the GCC. One plant uses SAP ECC, another has migrated to S/4HANA. Procurement officers frequently create new material codes, often describing the same part in different ways— “valve, steel 2 inch” vs. “steel valve 2in.”
This results in both plants stocking the same part under different codes. Procurement misses bulk-buying discounts, while maintenance teams struggle to locate spares quickly.
By implementing a cleansing tool with ML-based duplicate detection, template-driven code creation, and compatibility across ECC and S/4, the firm standardizes its material master. Within six months, duplicate codes drop by 40%, procurement savings exceed 10%, and audit compliance improves.
Native SAP Options vs. Embedded Tools
SAP offers its own solutions like Data Quality Management (DQM) and Master Data Governance (MDG). These are powerful, especially for organizations running the latest SAP versions. They define rules, enforce them at entry, and monitor compliance.
However, enterprises with mixed SAP environments or industry-specific requirements often find limitations:
- Rules need extensive configuration.
- Cross-version compatibility can be limited.
- Duplicate detection is often probabilistic, not semantic.
Embedded third-party solutions like Prosol complement SAP by adding machine learning, customizable templates, and seamless integration across versions. The result is a governance layer that adapts to enterprise workflows, not the other way around.
ROI and Cost Considerations
When evaluating SAP data cleansing solutions, cost must be seen in context.
- Upfront Costs: Licensing, setup, and training.
- Recurring Costs: Maintenance, support, and governance oversight.
- Hidden Costs of Poor Data: Overstocking, procurement delays, compliance fines, and operational downtime.
Continuous cleansing tools typically deliver ROI within the first year through:
- Reduction in duplicate material codes
- Faster material master creation cycles
- Lower procurement spending via supplier consolidation
- Improved compliance reporting and audit readiness
Decision-makers should calculate payback based on measurable KPIs, not just upfront investment.
How Prosol Delivers Continuous SAP Data Cleansing
Prosol, developed by CODASOL, is purpose-built for enterprises facing data decay across SAP versions.
- Cross-Version Ready: Works across ECC, S/4HANA, and hybrid SAP landscapes.
- Machine Learning & NLP: Uses models like Word2Vec and sequence-to-sequence networks to detect duplicates based on meaning, not spelling.
- Template Engine: Generates material codes aligned with both enterprise rules and standards like UNSPSC.
- Embedded Workflow: Every new record is reviewed internally, validated by CODASOL experts, and entered into SAP with governance baked in.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with ERP, CMMS, and EAM tools such as SAP and Maximo.
- ProPedia Advantage: Leverages CODASOL’s metadata dictionary for structured product relationships, improving traceability and analytics.
Prosol transforms cleansing from an occasional project into an always-on discipline, reducing costs while strengthening operational confidence.
Prosol is now available on the SAP Store. See how it transforms data cleansing into a continuous governance layer for your enterprise.
Conclusion
Bad data in SAP systems is not a minor inconvenience. For enterprises running multiple SAP versions, traditional periodic cleansing is no longer sustainable. Continuous, embedded solutions like Prosol offer a path forward, ensuring every new material code meets standards from the start.
With compatibility across SAP versions, machine learning accuracy, and governance built into workflows, Prosol empowers enterprises to move from reactive cleanup to proactive data excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Prosol cleanse data across both SAP ECC and S/4HANA?
Yes. Prosol is designed for cross-version compatibility, making it effective in hybrid SAP environments.
2. How is Prosol different from SAP’s native MDG or DQM?
SAP tools focus on native enforcement, while Prosol adds semantic duplicate detection, flexible templates, and cross-version adaptability.
3. What is the typical ROI timeline for SAP data cleansing tools?
Most enterprises see measurable ROI within 6–12 months through reduced duplicates, procurement savings, and improved compliance.
4. Does Prosol require heavy customization?
No. It offers configurable templates and ML models that adapt to your enterprise’s naming rules and classification standards.
5. How does continuous cleansing improve compliance?
Every new record is validated at entry, ensuring audit readiness and consistent adherence to internal and global standards.
