Cloud Solution for Manufacturing Execution
Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for planning, executing, monitoring and documenting production processes
SAP Digital Manufacturing (SAP DM)
SAP Digital Manufacturing is SAP’s cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The solution is provided as Software as a Service (SaaS) and offers extensive functionalities for planning, executing, monitoring and documenting production processes as well as far-reaching options to improve transparency in production. Continuous performance improvement is built on real-time analyses – from data within one plant or across plants, from individual production areas to meaningful key figures for management.
When you introduce SAP Digital Manufacturing backed by our implementation experience, you are setting the course for modern and future-oriented production.
The integration of SAP Digital Manufacturing into your SAP Enterprise Resource System (ERP), which does not necessarily have to be a cloud solution, and the seamless interaction with SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM), create efficient flows of processes, information and ultimately material. The modern MES cloud solution boosts innovation in production
- quarterly software releases constantly expand the solution’s scope
- the Business Technology Platform (BTP) combined with the low-code approach simplify future expansions – artificial intelligence developments being a topical example
- end device independence paves the way for efficient, cost-optimized and targeted use wherever the information is processed or required
Core SAP Digital Manufacturing functions
Resource orchestration
Detailed planning tool for fine-tuning resources (employees, tools, etc.) at shop-floor level
- Scheduling and monitoring
- Human resource planning
- Comprehensive overview of current status of production orders, employees, workstations, machines and tools
Execution
Cloud-based production control system for detailed order planning and control as well as specific execution of the respective production processes
- Centralized production control system
- Dashboards for production employees
- Traceability
- Machine connectivity
Insights
Performance management solution that visualizes, analyses and evaluates large volumes of operating data in real time
- Production data analysis
- Based on raw data from production previously recorded by DMe
- Real-time production processes monitoring
- Flexible analysis and subsequent optimization of production processes at various levels (e.g. plant, production line, workstation and resources)
Our Service Offerings for Your SAP Digital Manufacturing Implementation
We provide tailored service bundles for every phase of your SAP Digital Manufacturing (SAP DM) initiative – from strategic alignment and validation to system migration. Whether you need a Discovery Workshop, a Proof of Concept, or support in migrating from SAP ME/MII to SAP Digital Manufacturing –
Here, you'll find structured service packages with clear objectives and measurable results.
Orientation & Strategy
Discover Day ×
Objective
The purpose of the Discover Day is to provide a compact overview of SAP DM with theoretical input, system insights and a focused deep dive.
Contents
- Introduction to SAP Digital Manufacturing
- Hands-on live demo in the system
- Overview of SAP DM functions
- Deep dive on prioritized topic (e.g. quality, analytics, execution,...)
- Derivation of required steps for an SAP DM implementation
- Factory tour & evaluation of actual processes
Deliverables
- Documentation of the key findings & conclusions
- Recommendations for further steps with SAP DM
Key Facts
Duration
1 day
Target Group
- Companies interested in SAP DM
- Project teams in S/4HANA implementations
- Departments in production e.g. production planning and maintenance
- IT
Format
- On-site
- Combination of presentation, live demo, factory tour & workshop
Lean 4.0 & Operational Excellence ×
Objective
The purpose is to develop a roadmap for the introduction of Lean 4.0 with SAP DM in order to achieve operational excellence through digital technologies.
Contents
- Introduction to Lean 4.0 and SAP DM, linking lean principles with digital tools
- Digital value stream mapping with pain points clustering & target image
- Use cases such as digital value stream mapping, 5S audits and trend analyses, E-Kanban & warehouse control, predictive maintenance
- Development of an individual implementation strategy
- Leadership & change management in digital transformation
Deliverables
- Practice-oriented use cases & best practices
- Rough concept of a roadmap for the introduction of SAP DM
- Recommendations for leadership, change & integration
ROI and KPI estimation for pilot phase
Key Facts
Duration
3 days
Target Group
- Plant & Operations Manager
- Head of Production / Operational Excellence
- Digital Manufacturing / Industry 4.0 Program Manager
- IT/OT Architects
Format
- On-site and remote
- Theory & live demos
- Analysis & workshop
- Interactive discussion & Q&A
Industry 4.0 & SAP DM ×
Objective
The purpose is to convey a strategic approach to digital transformation in manufacturing, with a particular focus on how SAP Digital Manufacturing can be embedded in a future-oriented Industry 4.0 roadmap.
Contents
- Overview of SAP Digital Manufacturing in the context of Industry 4.0
- Best practices from the digital transformation of production
- Identification and evaluation of relevant smart factory use cases with SAP DM and other technical solutions
- Discussion of organizational, process and IT-related changes
- Presentation and implementation of the end-to-end process for creating an Industry 4.0 roadmap
Deliverables
- Initial structure for a digitalization roadmap (short-, medium-, long-term measures)
- Evaluation and prioritization of specific SAP DM and smart factory use cases
Recommendations for action and next steps for implementation
Key Facts
Duration
2 days
Target Group
- Head of production
- IT/OT managers
- Digitization representatives
- Process and lean managers
Format
- On-site or remote
- Theory & live demos
- Interactive discussion & Q&A
Feasibility Assessment & Pilot
Discover Project & Proof of Concept (Small) ×
Objective
The goal is to analyze the current situation, provide basic knowledge of SAP DM, and generate concrete insights and recommendations for further steps through a proof of concept.
Contents
- Shop floor tour & end-to-end process assessment
- SAP DM basics training
- Deep dive into core SAP DM functions
- Definition of a suitable project approach (e.g. template-based)
- Execution of a proof of concept in io’s SAP DM system (without ERP and machine integration)
Deliverables
- Documentation of results and analyses
- Proof of Concept incl. use case(s)
- Management summary with recommendations for action
Proposal for further project steps (incl. high-level roadmap)
Key Facts
Duration
4-6 weeks
Target Group
- Business and process owners
- Digitalization officers
- IT leads, SAP architects, in-house experts
- Project managers and decision-makers
Format
- On-site or remote
- Interactive workshops with presentations, demos and discussions
Discover Project & Proof of Concept (Large) ×
Objective
The goal is to implement a realistic PoC scenario beyond the scope of the Small Package, including ERP and machine integration, with a conclusive, well-founded assessment of costs, schedule, and subsequent steps.
Contents
- Shop floor tour & end-to-end process assessment
- SAP DM basics training & deep dive into core SAP DM functions
- Definition of the PoC scenario including data provisioning
- Proof of Concept including ERP and machine integration in the customer system
- Analysis and integration of SAP DM into the existing IT/OT architecture
- Identification of relevant use cases & derivation of a business case
Deliverables
- Documentation of results and analyses
- Complete PoC including real system integration (ERP & machines)
- Management summary with recommendations for action
Proposal for further project approach (including high-level cost indication and roadmap)
Key Facts
Duration
>10 weeks
Target Group
- Business and process owners
- Digitalization officers
- IT leads, SAP architects, in-house experts
- Project managers and decision-makers
Format
- On-site or remote
- Interactive workshops with presentations, demos and discussions
Master Data Readiness Check ×
Objective
The goal is to support companies early on, ideally before an SAP DM project or during an S/4HANA transformation, in the analysis and preparation of their relevant master and transactional data.
Contents
- Introduction and application of the "Master Data Cookbook“
- Identification of affected processes and relevant data sources
- Analysis of the actual state and assessment of data quality
- Consulting on consolidation, supplementation, and cleansing of relevant master data
- Test runs for validation and ensuring system compatibility
- Derivation of an action plan for sustainable data maintenance
- Identification of data gaps to enable additional SAP DM functionalities
Deliverables
- Detailed analysis report with relevant master data structures
- Cleansed and enriched data for SAP DM
- Test protocols and validation reports
Action plan and toolset for continuous data maintenance
Key Facts
Duration
10 days
Target Group
- Master data managers
- Production planning / work preparation
- IT / ERP teams
Format
- A mix of workshops, data analysis, and remote sessions.
Lighthouse / MVP Implementation ×
Objective
The goal is to implement SAP DM quickly and focused within a defined pilot area in order to validate the solution and make it operational with a productive go-live.
Contents
- Kick-off & preparation workshop including current state analysis of the end-to-end order process and shop floor tour
- Integration with SAP ERP and execution of initial tests
- Conducting explore workshops (focus: execution & quality) with prioritization of work packages
- Configuration and unit testing of pilot functions
- Integration testing, cut-over preparation, and deployment in the production system
- Go-live of the pilot area including hypercare phase and optional functional expansion
Deliverables
- Configured SAP DM system for the pilot area
- Training of key users and supported go-live
Roadmap and recommendations for further rollout/extensions
Key Facts
Duration
3 months
Target Group
- Production Management
- Key Users (Production, Quality, IT)
- SAP Integration Team
- Project Management (Customer & Partner)
- Shopfloor Supervisors
Format
- Combination of on-site and remote workshops
- System configuration, testing, and training
Transformation & Migration
Migration Readiness: SAP ME/MII to SAP DM ×
Objective
The goal is to systematically evaluate the existing SAP ME/MII solution, identify migration opportunities to SAP DM, and derive concrete recommendations for the transition.
Contents
- Analysis and evaluation of current and future processes and requirements
- Consideration of future business goals and priorities
- Assessment of the current ME/MII implementation regarding its suitability and alignment with SAP DM
- Risk assessment and recommendation of a migration path to SAP DM
- Detailed examination of business processes in their various forms
- Definition and prioritization of work packages
Deliverables
- Fit-to-standard analysis (including gap list)
- Overview and prioritization of relevant work packages
Transformation roadmap with next steps
Key Facts
Duration
2 weeks
Target Group
- SAP ME/MII customers
- MES managers
- Digitalization managers
- Department heads & process owners
- IT leads, SAP architects, in-house experts
Format
- On-site or remote
- Interactive workshops with presentations, demos and discussions
Machine Integration Concept ×
Objective
The goal is to provide an overview of integration possibilities between the shop floor and SAP Digital Manufacturing, including architecture and machine connectivity.
Contents
- Assessment of the current machine connectivity
- Options for connecting machines to SAP DM
- Overview of connectivity models and integration strategies
- Presentation of typical production use cases with live demo
- Introduction to automation with SAP DM
- Fundamentals of fail-safety and data availability
- Discussion on technical feasibility and next steps
Deliverables
- Configuration guide with recommended actions
- Target architecture for machine integration
- Overview of supported business processes (status, data collection, alerts)
Possible next steps for PoC or rollout
Key Facts
Duration
2 - 4 weeks
Target Group
- OT/IT architects
- Manufacturing and process owners
- MES, automation, and digitalization teams
Format
- On-site or remote
- Combination of technical demos, use case reviews, and discussions
Target Architecture & Integration Concept ×
Target Architecture & Integration Concept
Objective
The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the technical architecture of SAP Digital Manufacturing as well as the integration mechanisms with SAP ERP and SAP EWM.
Contents
- Assessment of the current architecture
- Overview of the architecture and components of SAP DM
- Integration of SAP DM into existing ERP landscapes
- Connectivity to SAP EWM to support logistics processes
- Introduction to integration concepts and technical prerequisites
- Overview of security and communication structures
- Discussion of typical challenges and solution approaches
Deliverables
- Workshop documentation with architectural diagrams and recommendations
- Overview of possible integration scenarios (including technical options)
Recommendations for the system landscape
Key Facts
Duration
3 weeks
Target Group
- IT architects and system owners
- Project managers in digitalization & ERP projects
- IT managers responsible for production systems
- Optional: OT managers
Format
- On-site or remote
- Interactive discussion on integration options and best practices
Not yet using an MES but curious about how it can improve your production? Interested in a possible migration to SAP Digital Manufacturing?
Introducing SAP Digital Manufacturing and consistently directing your production towards the future, enhancing performance, usability and innovation is about much more than just slotting in an IT system. It also calls for a change in mindset and a new project approach. io has extensive experience not only in implementing SAP Digital Manufacturing (SAP DM), SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) and other SAP solutions, but also in designing complete factories and physical processes on the shop floor. This means we can provide expert advice and speak the language of all affected stakeholders – from business to IT, from the worker on the shop floor to senior management.
Talk to our experts. Together, we will
- evaluate the potential impact of SAP Digital Manufacturing in your company
- develop a customized roadmap for your route to SAP Digital Manufacturing and
- implement this roadmap, giving you the full benefit of our implementation experience and customized template approaches.
More
Find out more about SAP DM, the benefits and our proof of concept packages in our SAP Digital Manufacturing booklet.
Your contact
Gunaselan Raju
Managing Director
