The view into the cloud

For supply chain software, which usually has to be implemented, customized and optimized in lengthy projects together with customers, the app store approach is still new, but a declared goal for SAP and thus also for GIB from Siegen.

As an expert for supply chain optimization in the SAP environment, GIB is currently taking its first steps into the cloud and is thus exploring the terrain of a visionary future.

Enriching already installed applications with additional functionalities from the cloud, which the customer can use immediately - without time-consuming, cost-intensive implementation. This is the core idea behind the new technologies from GIB, which are primarily oriented towards SAP.

"SAP is our most important partner and as their development and service partner, we always keep a very close eye on the direction SAP is taking. We also integrate the new technologies into our GIB products so that we can act in parallel with SAP's strategy.

says Nikolaj Schmitz, responsible for SAP technologies and partnership at GIB.

But the implementation of this new strategy should not and cannot be done on the side.

"In order to bring our solutions to the cloud, we have to put everything to the test: Which functions can be transferred, and which of them are even suitable for the cloud in terms of content?

But there are also many questions on a fundamental technological basis. For example, which programming language we will work with, i.e. whether with the Abap cloud version or with Java, and which advantages and challenges each of these brings with it. We are currently exploring this in detail"

Schmitz continues.

At the same time, GIB is already working on its pilot project for the cloud: The Mobile Maintenance Guide App will be the first GIB application to be available in the cloud, but will tread the happy medium with a hybrid approach.

The Mobile Maintenance Guide App is a function in the environment of the GIB Shopfloor Integration, an IoT solution for networking machine sensors and ERP system.

The mobile application, which is already available as an on-prem version, displays important data and key figures that are important and helpful for maintenance, such as the history of the machine with past downtimes and repair times, including forecasts calculated from this.

It maintains an overview of all important contacts as well as the current inventory of all spare parts including order deadlines.

In large machine plants, the maintenance technician can be navigated there via connection to a navigation app.

"Those who use the Mobile Maintenance Guide are usually on the road in large factory halls and tend to use it on a smartphone or tablet rather than on 'a stationary computer.

That is why this application is also particularly suitable as a hybrid solution with cloud connection. The app is anchored in the cloud, but allows access to the required ERP data, naturally in accordance with the strictest security requirements".

Schmitz explains.

Of course, this singular cloud application will not be the end of the story. At the same time as the Mobile Maintenance Guide app, GIB is also working on other cloud applications, such as the KPI Tower, a program for the clear presentation of important key performance indicators (KPIs) in a modern Fiori design.

In the future, it will enable the management level in particular to have an overview of the most important key figures at any time and any place and to take the necessary steps to avert imminent deficiencies if required.

Solutions from the cloud suitable for medium-sized businesses

The future, however, envisions a much bigger throw: making the new suite GIB-SCX - Supply Chain Excellence on S/4 Hana available as a cloud version.

Customers should then be able to select precisely which functions they actually need and use them immediately via key in the cloud without any great effort - there is then no need for major implementation work, which is a good solution for SMEs in particular, because on the one hand it only ties up a small amount of capacity, and on the other hand it also incurs significantly lower costs.

Release upgrades can also be carried out just as quickly and easily. The vision therefore describes nothing less than an SAP ERP system that offers exactly the functions that the user needs, is up to date at all times thanks to the cloud connection, and can be adapted quickly and easily to new requirements if necessary. Dreams of the future, but GIB is already tuning the instruments:

"There is still a lot to do before then, but our work on this is already in full swing"

says Nikolaj Schmitz.