An IIoT platform for every purpose

Digital manufacturing in the sense of Industry 4.0 is more than just a networked store floor. In the factory of tomorrow, production-related processes are integrated into the company-wide ERP system in order to be able to map all processes along the supply chain. SAP has specialized solutions for each of these processes, the interlinking of which is a prerequisite for efficient process control. The key to success is the right tool.

SAP DMC: The center of the digital factory

The SAP DMC is a completely cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that can be obtained directly as Software as a Service (SaaS) without local physical infrastructure. The solution is the core of the digital factory operated in the SAP ecosystem and consists of two central components.

The SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud for Execution (SAP DMCe) takes over the "classic" tasks of an MES: execution of production control, monitoring of production processes, resource and order management as well as the integration of various machines and systems on the store floor.

The second component is SAP Digital Manufacturing Insights (SAP DMCi). As a performance management solution, it is tailored to the specific requirements of manufacturing and integrates data from SAP and non-SAP solutions and different production and automation systems in real time. The resulting global and transparent data basis is the basis for continuous process improvement using uniform key performance indicators.

However, the strongest argument in favor of SAP DMC is the uncomplicated out-of-the-box integration with SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA. This combination of production and process data maps the entire value chain, creating comprehensive transparency. The KPIs and data analyses harmonized throughout the system allow an objective view of overall equipment efficiency (OEE) as well as the performance of individual machines and show exactly where unproductive processes are taking place. In this way, central questions, for example about machine performance, material quality or optimal order sequence, can be answered quickly and on the basis of data.

Central control station: An IIoT portal in the cloud

The transparent presentation of all relevant production processes with SAP DMC is one thing, but what needs to be done to initiate the appropriate measures quickly and efficiently? Ideally, this is done via a central solution on which all production data can be viewed centrally and the associated processes can be controlled accordingly. The ideal operating environment for this is the Public Cloud especially in conjunction with a hyperscaler. This not only provides maximum flexibility, but also serves as the basis for additional service offerings that link cloud-based technologies with the data collected on the store floor. These solutions are universal and technically modifiable modules that can be booked and used variably according to the pay-per-use model.

Synsights: Central management platform

But even within the manufacturing industry, there are different specific requirements depending on the line of business. That's why Syntax has developed Synsights, an IIoT platform based on the AWS cloud that companies can use to individually map and control their SAP-based projects. Here, data streams from different SAP applications, IIoT apps and other systems flow together and are intelligently distributed, processed and analyzed. Relevant operating and process data collected via sensors is evaluated here with the help of analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models and provides new insights that can be used, for example, to increase production quality. The highlight: App templates, which consist of 80 percent standard solution and 20 percent individual configuration, enable companies with Synsights Implement a solution quickly and reap the full benefits of their data cycle in a timely manner.

SAP DMC and Synsights in practice - at HMI 2022

Under the motto "Make It Real: Digital Manufacturing in Practice", Syntax will be represented at this year's Hannover Messe Industrie by SAP and AWS at two partner booths. Here, visitors can experience how companies can take a big step towards digital manufacturing with SAP DMC and Synsights by means of concrete projects and a demo. You can find more information here.