Transition to keep vital data in the cloud
In this modern era of automation, almost every process becomes digital, due to human errors and maximize efficiency. This is no exception in a production environment.
Increasingly there is the need to fill in the automation with cloud solutions or, if it does not work otherwise, with hybrid solutions, a combination of dedicated computer services that can be reached via internet protocols.
Most business solutions will go through a transition in which all vital data of that company will be stored securely in the cloud. And the business process is increasingly automated.
And the most prominent of these practices is the ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning) such as SAP or Navision.
In this article, I’ll talk about the drawbacks of SAP and how to overcome them through smart integrations.
After reading the article, you will have a pretty good idea of what you can do to make your production processes more effective, with fewer mistakes. You also gain insight into different ERP integration methods, benefits of ERP integration. Let’s get straight to the topic.
The core concept of SAP
Many companies try to apply ERP integration to make their workflow smoother and less tedious.
As an ERP solution, the company is by far the most prominently used in the manufacturing industry.
SAP (System Application and Product) is both the name of the company and the software itself.
An ERP system aims to integrate all the different functions of the company’s business processes, supported by different modules.
For example, there are modules for: sales, marketing, purchasing, production, human resources, and financial reporting.
SAP as a solid basis
As SAP consultants, we also see, just like our customers, that SAP should form the solid basis for periodic reports, and ideally also the source for real-time information. And it does, at least that of the periodic reporting.
Where SAP fails
The core of SAP is that everything is registered in order to gain and maintain control over the production process and its sourcing, which is a good thing. However, for those involved, the use and maintenance of the data in the system require a lot of time and discipline.
Both are not always sufficiently available so that the information is outdated. Particularly in the production environment, there is a backlog between the actual situation on the shop floor and the SAP reports.
From a survey that we commissioned in early 2021 by Marieke Hoofd-Gaus, senior research expert of DirectResearch , 83% of the respondents are dissatisfied with the user-friendliness of the SAP system.
And only 91% of CFOs say they have little or very little confidence in information as it is available in SAP.
Room for improvement
To keep the information from SAP 100% aligned with reality, a different approach is needed.
The respondents want to see 2 things better organized. In almost all cases, solutions have presented that focus on an easy-to-use app on a smartphone or tablet for the users in the workplace.
This app must provide 4 aspects:
- Real-time information about the planning of tasks
- Where the tasks are complete and clear, with all the relevant details necessary for proper execution
- Interactions can take place with the planner via IM (IM, messaging with the planner, direct messages similar to a WhatsApp group)
- Feedback can be given about the status of the production and about the consumed and produced quantities of
Apps with SAP S/4HANA Cloud
The systems that SAP provides for developing apps on SAP S / 4HANA Cloud do not appear to be stable and is too expensive to develop. In some cases, we’ve built such apps with difficulty because the customer demanded them. We are now stubborn enough to return such an assignment simply because we have no confidence in it.
SAP on Steroids
While SAP on steroids have really captured a considerable portion of ERP market and the former does does give complex to its competitors with its ERP apps, it is time to put to use other tools that can be developed and adapted faster (very much faster).
All we have to do after that is ensure integration. And that is exactly what SAP S/ 4HANA Cloud lends itself much better too.
Per Balance, the user benefits from a simple app that he can use quickly at a much lower cost than the standard tools and products from SAP.
Integrate SAP with other tools and systems
It is time to connect all the other tools that you can start using to your SAP S / 4HANA Cloud set-up.
When apps are used successfully, it extends the value of your system by at least 5 years.
After all, it helps to get the best picture of the life cycle of each product and that of each customer.
It increases the satisfaction of management and every employee involved. Of course, this has an effect on overall customer satisfaction.
Which Apps are essential for your business?
There are a number of possible SAP integrations that can help you revolutionize your business.
Let’s take a look at the most prominent apps and integrations that can make your job a lot easier.
- Planning – To ‘on the job’ planning, adjust, and adjust’ based on ever-changing circumstances, including priorities.
- Consumables – To write off the purchase value of a project and keep the stock up-to-date.
- Production status – To provide customers, account managers, shipping, and finance real-time information about the status of the delivery and the value created.
- Document integration – To share all relevant documentation at relevant moments.
- Live Chat integration – To allow employees to get in touch with each other more and more easily for requesting information and sharing knowledge.
Build a sustainable IT landscape
Because you depend on all crucial information about your customers, and the sourcing of consumables, people, and machines, it becomes much easier to build a sustainable and flexible landscape through apps and integrations.
The more efficiently you can control the production process, the greater the morale of the entire team and how the relationship with the customer will become. There is a good chance that your company will grow more.
Make sure that the development and further development takes place smart and controlled.
We are curious about your ideas and experiences with apps and integrations for SAP S / 4HANA Cloud.
Don’t forget to tell me what you think is the biggest advantage of an SAP integration in combination with an app.
I wish you the best of luck.
