Challenges in product development
There is a growing dynamic in the fields of research and development. Companies are facing new challenges, which also include increased requirements regarding the software solutions for Product Lifecycle Management | PLM.
- Shorter product development cycles require new products to be launched quickly and in line with the requirements
- Increasing product complexity and supply chain turbulences demand process automations and flexibility in order to comply with new requirements
- Corporate ecosystems need the possibility of exchanging product data across company boundaries
What are the possibilities of the PLM solutions from SAP?
True end-to-end process with PLM software from SAP
With PLM software from SAP, you can digitize the entire product lifecycle and integrate all product-relevant data and processes. From the first inspiring idea for a new product to the detailed development and manufacturing stages and even the end-of-life phase – PLM solutions from SAP enable you to manage the product lifecycle seamlessly and efficiently.
Product-relevant information is created in the SAP system, where it is linked intelligently and provided to follow-on processes. This way, you ensure that all teams are always up-to-date, make better decisions, and bring best-quality products to the market earlier.
At DSC, we call that Integrative PLM.
Flexible PLM solutions from SAP
With the flexible PLM solutions from SAP, you can choose whether to operate the system on-premise, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution – depending on what best fits your needs.
In this white paper, you will discover how hybrid scenarios combine your SAP S/4HANA system with cloud-based SAP solutions to offer your company maximum flexibility.
What is the right approach for your company?
SAP offers various options for end-to-end product lifecycle management:
Your product data is located in the ERP system, either in SAP ECC 6.0 or in SAP S/4HANA.
Using the strategic integration platform SAP Engineering Control Center | SAP ECTR, you can integrate data from various authoring tools.
Your benefits:
- Complete and consistent view of your product data
- Integration of development with downstream processes in areas such as manufacturing and purchasing
- Full in-house control of your data
Your product data is located in the ERP system in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition.
Using the strategic integration platform SAP Engineering Control Center | SAP ECTR, you can integrate data from various authoring tools.
Your benefits:
- Regular updates and upgrades provide flexibility and state-of-the-art functionality
- Data security and compliance are ensured through strict security requirements and comprehensive SAP support
- Fast data processing in SAP S/4HANA with its individually adaptable infrastructure guarantees performance and scalability
You use SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.
This ERP system allows you to map material master data and control logistics processes such as procurement, purchasing, and materials planning. In combination with SAP Business Technology Platform | SAP BTP, you will be able to implement seamless processes from engineering to manufacturing and beyond.
On SAP BTP, you have access to the new cloud-based functions, called capabilities, of SAP PLM – formerly known as SAP Enterprise Product Development | SAP EPD. These include, among others, the following capabilities:
- Engineering capability
- Product Data Integration capability
- Collaboration capability
- Visualization capability
The capability Product Data Integration | PDI is available for integrating product data from authoring tools. The capability is part of SAP PLM running on SAP BTP. SAP BTP offers additional deep integration capabilities into your SAP system based on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, which allow you to specifically enhance your ERP system with cloud-native solutions.
The best of both worlds
Hybrid solutions combine your SAP S/4HANA system with cloud-based SAP solutions, giving your company a maximum of flexibility. Sensitive data and critical processes can still be kept on local servers while benefiting from the scalability and innovative capacity of the cloud.
Advantages of this hybrid approach:
- Possibility for seamless integration of existing on-premise infrastructures with modern cloud services
- Agility and fast implementation times
- Flexibility of the pace and scope of transformation
Your product data is located in the ERP system, either in SAP ECC 6.0 or in SAP S/4HANA.
Using the strategic integration platform SAP Engineering Control Center | SAP ECTR, you can integrate data from various authoring tools.
Your benefits:
- Complete and consistent view of your product data
- Integration of development with downstream processes in areas such as manufacturing and purchasing
- Full in-house control of your data
Your product data is located in the ERP system in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition.
Using the strategic integration platform SAP Engineering Control Center | SAP ECTR, you can integrate data from various authoring tools.
Your benefits:
- Regular updates and upgrades provide flexibility and state-of-the-art functionality
- Data security and compliance are ensured through strict security requirements and comprehensive SAP support
- Fast data processing in SAP S/4HANA with its individually adaptable infrastructure guarantees performance and scalability
You use SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.
This ERP system allows you to map material master data and control logistics processes such as procurement, purchasing, and materials planning. In combination with SAP Business Technology Platform | SAP BTP, you will be able to implement seamless processes from engineering to manufacturing and beyond.
On SAP BTP, you have access to the new cloud-based functions, called capabilities, of SAP PLM – formerly known as SAP Enterprise Product Development | SAP EPD. These include, among others, the following capabilities:
- Engineering capability
- Product Data Integration capability
- Collaboration capability
- Visualization capability
The capability Product Data Integration | PDI is available for integrating product data from authoring tools. The capability is part of SAP PLM running on SAP BTP. SAP BTP offers additional deep integration capabilities into your SAP system based on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, which allow you to specifically enhance your ERP system with cloud-native solutions.
The best of both worlds
Hybrid solutions combine your SAP S/4HANA system with cloud-based SAP solutions, giving your company a maximum of flexibility. Sensitive data and critical processes can still be kept on local servers while benefiting from the scalability and innovative capacity of the cloud.
Advantages of this hybrid approach:
- Possibility for seamless integration of existing on-premise infrastructures with modern cloud services
- Agility and fast implementation times
- Flexibility of the pace and scope of transformation
Opting for a future-proof solution
The use of hybrid scenarios based on PLM software from SAP offers completely new and flexible possibilities for companies to support their product development processes. With these solutions, companies can make their transition into the cloud at their own pace – according to their individual requirements and specific conditions. At the same time, they don't have to compromise on the functionality and performance of tried and tested solutions. SAP’s binding maintenance commitment allows you to rely on a future-proof solution in the long run. Our consultants are happy to explore together with you the way that best fits your company’s needs.
What is the right time for a transition to SAP S/4HANA?
The long-standing partnership with our customers is crucial for us to jointly shape the path to digitalization. Providing expert advice, we will explore together with you the best way and perfect timing for your individual requirements.
Selected PLM solutions from SAP
Offers innovative solutions in the cloud
Accelerate your product development, reduce the time to value, and lower your costs with the SAP PLM Cloud Suite, formerly known as SAP Enterprise Product Development | SAP EPD. Provide relevant information to foster collaboration among development teams and accelerate your development processes.
Synchronize your product lifecycle by connecting all processes through a continuous Digital Thread. Your benefits:
- Software as a Service | SaaS solution for supporting the collaborative process from the initial idea to market launch.
- Bidirectional product data synchronization
- Central data source for product data
- Embedded collaboration and 360-degree overview for better analysis and more informed decisions
Learn more: SAP Product Lifecycle Management | PLM-Cloud and Co-Innovation
Product Data Integration capability from SAP PLM Cloud Suite
How to make data from authoring tools usable in the cloud: Authoring tools for MCAD or ECAD can be integrated with the Product Data Integration capability from SAP PLM Cloud Suite.
- Key to integrated product development:
PDI bridges the gap between authoring systems and product structure, bringing together all departments of product development - Boost for development processes:
Accelerated and more solid processes through innovative functions for engineering - Efficient collaboration:
Joint development of internal departments and external partners without error-prone import and export steps
Watch video: Powerful Perspectives: Optimizing Product Data Integration with SAP PLM
Holistic integration of engineering data for intelligent follow-on processes
With SAP Engineering Control Center | SAP ECTR, all engineering data can be integrated into your existing SAP ERP system and connected to your business data. This way, engineering processes are supported optimally and follow-on processes are directly integrated into SAP. The appealing user interface offers a great overview.
Your benefits:
- Access information from the entire product development process through a central, integrated platform
- Gain a comprehensive overview of information for product development, including data from mechanics (MCAD), electronics (ECAD), software, and simulation tools
- Benefit from optimal support for your engineering processes and integrate them directly into the SAP follow-on processes
Learn more: sapectr.com