Master Data in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
Master data in the context of project management refers to fundamental, central, and relatively stable data that is used repeatedly across various projects or processes and remains valid over a longer period of time. It ensures consistency and efficiency by providing a uniform, referable basis for transactional data (such as time bookings or costs). Typical examples include employee records, resource information (skills, cost centers), material master data, or standardized project phases and types.
Example, best practice, and further information
In PLANTA project, master data includes, for example, detailed employee profiles with information on their skills, organizational affiliation, standard cost rates, and basic availability (target working time). A key best practice is the careful maintenance and regular updating of master data, as its quality directly affects the accuracy of project planning and control. This aligns with fundamental data management principles and significantly improves planning accuracy and resource efficiency.