What does a data broker do for your production company?

Insight starts with connectivity

Production companies run on data. From quote to delivery and from staff planning to maintenance: almost every step is supported by various software solutions.

However, the more systems that are active, the greater the challenge. After all, they often barely talk to each other. This leads to manual links, duplicate entries, and errors that can delay production or impair customer satisfaction.

That's why smart connectivity is becoming increasingly important. This is exactly where a data broker offers a solution.

What is a Data Broker?

A data broker is a smart link between different IT systems. Where traditional links mainly transmit data, a data broker ensures that systems understand each other and that data ends up exactly where it is needed. It acts as a translator and traffic controller in one.

A data broker:

• Receives data from multiple systems
• Processes this data and applies rules
• Sends the right information to the right systems at the right time

Difference between data broker and middleware

The data broker is often confused with middleware. However, there are important differences.

MiddlewareDataBroker provides basic connections between systemsUnderstands the context and business logicOften generic/Domain-specific and flexibleRequires a lot of customization for rules and exceptionsSupports logic by default

Middleware makes systems talk. A data broker goes further than that. It determines which data is retrieved, where it goes, who it is visible to and how often the synchronization takes place. For example, the data broker adds intelligence and control to how systems work together.

When do you need a data broker?

Sometimes everything seems to be going well. Until the scale increases and you notice that some actions take a long time. That's when a data broker makes the difference.

Imagine...
You are a manufacturer of custom-made industrial machines. Each machine is delivered to customers across Europe. The delivery also includes a maintenance contract: periodic service, fault handling and access to a customer portal where all information comes together.

Clear in theory. But in practice?
Every time you install a new machine with a customer, you have to reconnect to their systems. This is time-consuming and error-prone. Data about that machine is there, but it is hidden in different silos. The maintenance department must then work its way through multiple systems to find out what has been delivered, what agreements apply and whether parts have been replaced. A simple service task quickly becomes a quest.

Why is a data broker necessary?

If you regularly need to connect customer or supplier systems, you may recognize it: each integration is customized. Subsequently, you may also have to deal with outdated links. This makes the landscape complex and vulnerable.

A data broker solves this by:

• New customers and processes can be added quickly without customization
• Making real-time synchronization possible between, for example, HRM and access control
• Reduce dependency on IT specialists for adjustments and maintenance

The result is scalability and simplicity.

How does a data broker work?

A data broker works according to a clear structure:

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1. Input

The data broker collects data from source systems such as ERP, MES, HRM and supplier systems.

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2. Processing

Here is the data:

• Validated and transformed
• Enriched with additional information
• Redirected based on established rules

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3. Output

The data broker then sends the right data to the right systems. Think about:

• HRM → Access Control
• ERP → Customer Portal
• MES → Production Dashboards

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4. Monitoring

Every step is closely monitored and logged. This way, errors or deviations do not go unnoticed and adjustments can be made immediately.

Case study: Voskamp optimizes access control

A good example of how a data broker works in practice is our project for Voskamp Group.

Previously, users were added to the access control system manually or via cumbersome links. New customers always meant customization and extra work for the IT department.

The use of a data broker has changed this:

• New employees are automatically linked to access rights via the customer's HRM system.
• An update takes place every 30 seconds so that the access data is always up to date.
• Onboarding new customers and users is fast and error-free.

This has made the process scalable and Voskamp has much less manual work and risks.

What does it give you?

The benefits of a data broker are both technical and strategic:

• New customers and systems can be added easily without expensive connections.
• Less error-prone due to automatic and real-time processing.
• Better management and insight through monitoring and logging.
• Work more efficiently with less dependence on IT specialists.
• Better prepared for data-driven work and the use of AI.

A data broker is also an important link towards further digitization and integration within the production environment.

Linking with other solutions

A data broker does not stand alone. It is often part of a wider digital ecosystem. Think about:

• Data warehouses: for central data storage and analysis
• Middleware: for broader, generic system integrations
• AI solutions: for applying machine learning and automation

Want to know more about these solutions? Then read on in our blogs about a data warehouse and middleware.

Conclusion and next step

For modern production companies, a data broker is an indispensable link. It cleverly connects systems, reduces complexity and makes real-time data flows possible. It thus forms the basis for scalable, efficient and data-driven production.

Wondering if a data broker also makes your production environment smarter and more agile?

Find out with our Data & AI Scan. We map out your data flows, bottlenecks and opportunities and show where you can make a profit.