Use of Low-code Accelerates Digitalization in Production at Schaeffler
With the introduction of the low-code platform from Siemens subsidiary Mendix, the Schaeffler Group is achieving significantly shorter software development times and more comprehensive software provision. In less than two years, Schaeffler has built a low-code community with over 500 participants who contribute to application development throughout the company. To date, more than 30 applications have been developed that digitize not only manual work but also manufacturing processes. Schaeffler and Siemens are already working together, for example on the recently introduced generative AI-supported Industrial Copilot.
Tradition versus low-code
The traditional software development methods used to date by SAP user Schaeffler can only meet the current requirements of the rapidly growing, digitally oriented company to a very limited extent. In the search for a complementary solution to the new challenges, Schaeffler finally came across low-code application development. The benchmark analysis of a total of six platforms that was initiated shortly afterwards was won by Mendix. The Siemens subsidiary offered the most diverse range of application options to meet Schaeffler's production requirements. In addition, the low-code solution impressed with a powerful IDE (integrated development environment) for professional developers, which is also accessible to beginners, and with the simplest integration of other technologies and core systems, such as SAP. Another aspect: the provision of applications that need to interact with external provider and customer systems is also supported.
An additional advantage for Schaeffler is the cloud architecture, which enables both scalability and the implementation of a multi-cloud strategy. Internal applications are now deployed in Schaeffler's private cloud instance, while external applications are implemented in the Mendix Public Cloud. In this way, the company wants to ensure that security guidelines can be fulfilled in the best possible way in every potential use case. It no longer matters whether there is a low data security risk or high data security requirements.
Schaeffler launched its low-code program at the end of 2021 and first set up a Center of Excellence (CoE). This dedicated team within corporate IT is responsible for standards related to best practices in development, such as security or integration guidelines. The CoE sits at the epicenter of low-code development work: in a hub-and-spoke structure that ensures consistency and oversees the various groups that develop Mendix applications; be it team members from Operations IT, technology-savvy employees from the specialist departments or external employees. Schaeffler also selected its first application at the end of 2021. The lighthouse project was intended to address a common challenge within the organization and provide an example of what can be achieved. The search was on for a classic use case that can be found in almost every Schaeffler plant. In the end, a typical checklist documentation process for customer complaints was selected. This was previously paper-based and was converted into a workflow-based application.
Best practice and hackathons
The low-code developer community at Schaeffler currently consists of over 500 people. There are weekly best-practice meetings to discuss ideas, obstacles and solutions. Documented use cases with videos and information can also be found on the intranet. In addition, regular hackathons are held, which are open to all interested parties within the organization. Building a community and demonstrating the added value are crucial to the Schaeffler Group's vision of democratizing software provision within a standardized platform and approach. Low-code technology will therefore also be used in other regions in the future. This will start hierarchically, using the hub-and-spoke model, where regions can build their own capabilities to deliver Mendix applications. "Through the use of low-code, Schaeffler has been able to inspire many employees to proactively participate in the digitalization of the company. We are very proud to be part of this remarkable transformation process," said Tim Srock, CEO at Mendix.
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