Manufacturing execution systems (MES) control all processes on the lines and are therefore the linchpin of all manufacturing processes in a factory. The Walldorf-based software manufacturer offers a very helpful approach to replacing solutions previously operated in the company's own data center or by a service provider with a cloud-native MES such as SAP Digital Manufacturing (DM): "Fit To Standard" is designed to make it easier for companies to benefit from the advantages of the solution without having to completely forego their own customizations.

Faster and more cost-effective thanks to standardization

Cloud platforms are highly standardized environments - a fact that brings several advantages with regard to the IT infrastructure of an MES. Firstly, a predefined standard enables rapid implementation, even on a large scale and at many locations: for example, an industrial group will roll out SAP DM in a total of 100 factories within just seven years. This speed would be unthinkable in traditional IT operations, if only because of the infrastructure required.

On the other hand, costs also play a role. Every adaptation or extension not only causes high development costs, but ongoing operation also requires more support. And experience has shown that processes that deviate from the standard are the most problematic. This is where costs, for example for application management services, can also quickly skyrocket. Those who stick to the standard do not have these problems.

From a patchwork quilt to a uniform MES landscape

However, implementing SAP DM as a cloud-native MES also makes sense from a strategic point of view. This is because large companies in particular, which operate many production sites and sometimes also purchase new factories, are often faced with a "patchwork" of different classic on-premises-operated MES. This makes it very difficult to harmonize and orchestrate organization-wide processes. If the production lines are controlled via a centrally operated MES in the cloud, such as SAP DM, this problem does not exist. What's more, this uniformity is a prerequisite for a company-wide database that creates transparency with regard to the plants and the entire production network.

Fit-To-Standard as a driver of innovation

It becomes even more interesting when the production data is also linked to ERP data. For example, an SAP DM implemented close to the cloud standard can be dovetailed very well with an ERP system also operated in the cloud, such as S/4HANA, if both solutions are operated within the same environment. This harmonious collaboration makes a significant contribution to the digitalization of the entire value chain and is the basis for targeted efficiency-enhancing measures.

The fit-to-standard approach is also recommended with regard to innovation. This is because SAP releases new functionalities first for cloud-native solutions such as SAP DM and S/4HANA as part of a consistent cloud-first strategy. This also applies in particular to AI-based features via SAP Joule as an intelligent assistant. If you want to benefit fully from the short innovation cycles and without major testing effort, you should stay "within the guard rails" as much as possible.

The challenge: Cloud standard vs. individual processes

Implementing close to the standard therefore brings numerous advantages. However, in order for companies to benefit from these, they must overcome a central challenge and find a viable middle ground between the cloud standard and individual processes. MES in particular often represent industry-specific expertise that has grown over the years, and this should not be completely lost when the operating environment is changed.

The good news is that the standardized basic functionalities of SAP DM already cover most of the requirements of production companies very well. In addition, the Production Process Designer or the Production Operator Dashboard Designer can be used to make extensive customizations.

The trick is to know the standard functions of SAP DM in detail and to harmonize them with the requirements in such a way that as little as possible is "bent" while the individual processes that have been established over the years are retained as far as possible.

Industry-specific templates for rapid success

For a successful and uncomplicated fit-to-standard implementation, we recommend working with an external partner such as Syntax. This partner should have relevant experience and expertise in two areas in particular.

In terms of technical implementation, he ideally has SAP DM templates with industry-specific, preconfigured functionalities in his portfolio. In this way, even special and complex production processes such as injection molding can be controlled on the basis of best practices, which enables rapid commissioning. However, a good template is by no means a rigid specification, but leaves IT and workers with options for individual configurations in the sense of fit-to-standard.

If adjustments are necessary, these can be implemented via the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). In addition, it is always advisable to look beyond SAP. Sometimes larger developments, such as smaller low-code/no-code applications, can be avoided on the basis of the Microsoft Power Platform. In-house developments via the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) are very cost-intensive and complex. It is always important to find a balance between reliability and a workaround that is close to the standard.

Key users are the key to success

Implementation partners who accompany fit-to-standard projects undoubtedly need technical expertise, but the human factor is at least as important in the context of professional change management.

Because in order to fully exploit all the advantages of SAP DM, everyone involved on the customer side needs to be on board. This applies to the management, but above all to the people who will be working with the new solution on a daily basis. Good consultants involve all those involved at an early stage and draw a clear and realistic picture of the scope available within the "guard rails".

The key users in the company have a special role to play here. Involving them from the outset, training them and letting them develop their own demos at an early stage encourages creativity and curiosity and wins internal advocates for the new solution, who help to reduce reservations among the workforce.

Author:
Dr. Jakob Weber, Head of Digital Factory at Syntax