IT architecture and platform consolidation
The main feature of a Smart Factory is a comprehensive and consistent networking of the machines and systems used, the machined workpieces and the entire processes in the value-added chain. This allows the advantages of Industry 4.0 to be realized in terms of efficiency, quality and individualization. In the process, immense amounts of data are generated that have to be collected, organized, distributed and analyzed - horizontally along the value-added chain from the supplier to the own company to the customer and vertically from ERP-based overall planning to shop floor processes down to the machine level.
This requires a consistent data strategy, which must be based on a sensible use of platforms at the technological level, which serve as a basis for the digitalization and integration of business processes. A particular complexity, however, is the lack of transparency in the market, which is characterized by a large number of platforms and platform providers that fulfill different purposes (for example, integration of data from different machines, provision of procedures and algorithms, prediction or marketing platforms). The selection of the company-specific optimal platforms or platform combinations and the IT and industry 4.0 architectures derived from them must therefore be made by answering key questions:
- Which cloud architecture is required?
- Are the MES functionalities sufficiently configurable?
- How are interfaces to the machinery set up and is additional middleware required?
- How deep is vertical and horizontal integration possible and can data be collected across plants?
At the same time, the right cloud platform must be used to avoid waste in data management and to tap into savings potential. On average, German companies use 436 different cloud-based applications as part of their value creation processes. This proliferation, which has developed over the years, almost always prevents effective use of operational data. This is because, due to the large number of heterogeneous systems and applications, the information is often available in distributed silos, is redundant and inconsistent or follows different business logics.
EFESO provides vendor-neutral and objective advice on the selection and design of an integrated IT/OT landscape and the relevant technology platforms from the support of strategic planning to the machine level. The focus is on the following topics:
- Development of the data strategy,
- Analysis of the existing IT/OT architecture and conception of integrated, platform-based IT landscapes,
- Consulting for technology selection,
- Implementation support and
- Program management,
- Supplier coordination and holistic quality assurance.
SAP RECOVERY: STOP THE PAIN – START THE GAIN
With EFESO's SAP RECOVERY approach, industrial companies realize a successful SAP transformation. We provide the right framework conditions in terms of innovation, business and change.
CASE STUDIES & INSIGHTS - PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
Target image for the transformation to Smart Factory
CASE STUDY:
End-to-end supply chain digitalisation in the healthcare sector. Putting together and ordering the desired product according to your own needs at the click of a mouse in the online configurator: these customer requirements must not only be met by companies in the consumer goods industry. This interaction is also highly relevant for manufacturers of medical, customisable products. However, whether assistants, support stockings or other products expand the B2C business in this way depends on the digital maturity of the logistics and production processes.
Recipe for success for the Industry 4.0 transformation
CASE STUDY:
A manufacturer of thickening, binding and coating agents is established as a reliable supplier in the pharmaceutical industry. Master an Industry 4.0 transformation in 12 months and fulfill the growth strategy. With the first test pilots for the use of smart analytics, RFID trackers and a customer portal, the company is already on the right track. Because without digitization or Industry 4.0 technologies, the set goals cannot be achieved.
Energy boost for the SAP S/4HANA transformation
CASE STUDY:
A mechanical engineering company wants to activate the digital innovation potential at its global locations by switching from SAP R/3 to SAP S/4HANA. Together with EFESO, it revitalized an ERP / MES transformation that had previously been started with another service provider and threatened to lead to a costly dead end.