Production reporting in the Cloud
Today we have prepared another example of frequently requested automation in production for SAP. The Production Planning module, simply referred to as the PP module, is designed for production planning and reporting in SAP. It should be said at the outset that setting up production correctly in an information system is not a simple matter and, moreover, it requires correct, timely and accurate filling with real data for it to work properly. And it is the filling of data into the ERP system on time and in the required quality that tends to be one of the most common problems of manufacturing companies. In our customers we have often encountered paper records and consequently a large time gap when data from the paper was getting into the information system. In such a case, even the most modern system is not able to track the status of the work in progress in real time, which causes considerable problems for the “manufacturers” in managing the production process, whether in the process of effective planning, supply and finally the timely delivery of the product itself.
Since companies need production workers to be primarily dedicated to the production itself and also want to have an accurate and immediate record of the status of production, the only way to achieve this is to invest in automation, which will make the recording of the production process in the information system as fast and easy as possible.
For this reason, we have been trying for years to create simple applications for various specialised devices for production workers, which, in conjunction with information carriers, ensure simple, accurate and timely transfer of data from production to the information system. For automation, we typically use specialised mobile devices with built-in 2D code scanners and our SAP FIORI applications, which we deliver tuned to the exact needs of our customers. When developing applications, we base them on our pre-built application templates and therefore such a solution can be implemented quickly and efficiently. These applications are very intuitive, simple and in addition, they automatically perform all defined checks to minimize the possibility of operator error to a minimum. The applications typically use 1D or 2D barcodes or RFID tags for data transmission, especially for the speed and accuracy of data writing. Typical operator enrollment then consists of reading a number of codes, which typically contain information about the production order, the production operation, or data necessary to identify the worker, the workplace, as well as the material consumed or produced. If the situation allows, all this can also be delivered to the customer in the form of a fully automated mode without the need for human intervention, for example by integrating specialised production equipment and systems.
Applications created in the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) environment have a modern user interface and can be handled even by less experienced users. Applications hosted in the Cloud environment are ready to work with the traditional current version of SAP ECC as well as with the latest modern ERP system SAP S/4HANA, either in on-premise or Cloud form. The technology ensures secure, authenticated and reliable operator access from both the internal network and the Internet.
