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The latest innovations within SAP Intelligent Asset Management
SAP has launched the latest version of SAP Intelligent Asset Management (IAM). This version, release 2105, is more user-friendly, more extensive and easier to deploy within your organization. Curious about what IAM can do for your organization? We have listed the most important new features for you. The new release brings the following functionalities: Option to test new functionalities in advance in the preview environment One cloud implementation that supports multiple SAP ERP systems Expansion of the assignment of functions to new objects Sharing work order operations with partners Improved usability of assessments Assigning spare parts to failure modes Controlling SAP ASPM and ERP feedback loop via workflow tasks SAP Intelligent Asset Management (IAM) Cloud Test new functionalities in advance in the preview environment SAP updates the cloud solution every three months. New functionalities can be tested in advance in a preview environment without disrupting the production environment. This way you can determine in advance which functions add value to your organization. You are perfectly prepared to use those components immediately after release. One cloud implementation supports multiple SAP ERP systems For organizations that work with different SAP ERP systems, the step to the cloud seems big. Should a separate cloud environment for IAM solutions be set up for each SAP ERP system? Is it necessary to integrate first before migration? As of the latest version, the answer to these questions is 'neither'. From release 2105, multiple SAP ERP systems can be integrated within one sub-account. These can be both SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA environments. Synchronize assets from the different systems within the platform with the IAM cloud solution. SAP Asset Intelligence Network (AIN) Expansion of the assignment of functions to new objects You purchase assets to fulfill a function. Take an oven for example; one of the functions of an oven is to produce hot air. The function of an asset determines the failure factors. In the case of an oven: what can hinder the production of hot air, and how can this be prevented? Instead of separate definitions per asset, it is now also possible to define functions for a model. Individual assets then inherit the functions from the model that is assigned. Instead of recording all functions for fifty ovens separately, you manage them based on one oven model. This reduces the administrative burden accordingly. Sharing work order operations with partners Maintenance of complex assets can be carried out by different parties. In the new version of SAP AIN, work order operations can be shared with partners. Individual operations can be assigned to subcontractors, who receive read and write rights based on their needs. For example, the person who maintains the conveyor belt can check what the attached machine is doing, but only write maintenance on the belt. Figure 1: Share work order operations with partners using SAP AIN SAP Asset Strategy & Performance Management (ASPM) Improved usability of assessments SAP has implemented a number of improvements for both the Risk and Criticality and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) analysis. When carrying out a Risk and Criticality analysis, it is now possible to gain insight into the weighting of the answers via the information button. In addition, a number of long texts are now also displayed for a more detailed explanation. Figure 2: Gain insight into the weighting of answers with SAP Assigning spare parts to failure modes The spare parts required depend on the failure of the asset. In SAP ASPM it is now possible to link spare parts to failure modes. This makes it immediately clear to employees which parts are needed. Figure 3: Link spare parts to failure modes with SAP ASPM Control feedback loop SAP ASPM and ERP via workflow tasks In SAP ASPM you define the maintenance strategy. SAP ERP generates the necessary work orders to perform this maintenance. In an earlier release, a workflow was created between SAP ASPM and SAP ERP with which recommendations from ASPM are assigned as a workflow task to SAP users within ERP. For example, if the maintenance engineer within ASPM determines that the number of visual inspections of a sensor needs to be doubled, a workflow task will appear in ERP. In the latest release, a new workflow task has been added with which additional information from ASPM can be requested. This is how it arises Get in touch Ready to make a business change? At Emixa, we'd be glad to share our comprehensive insights. Contact us to discover how our approach can help your organization thrive in the cloud era. Let's embark a journey towards enhanced efficiency and effectiveness together! Vincent Beumer Vincent is a marketing manager and highly experienced consultant with extensive knowledge on Digital Transformation and Analytics within the SAP-domain. Get in touch Ready to make a business change? At Emixa, we'd be glad to share our comprehensive insights. Contact us to discover how our approach can help your organization thrive in the cloud era. Let's embark a journey towards enhanced efficiency and effectiveness together!
IAM news flash from ASPM to APM and better integration with S4HANA
SAP is always working to make their new cloud solutions even better. New functionalities are released every quarter and this also applies to SAP's Intelligent Asset Management (IAM) suite. In this blog we talk about the latest development at SAP IAM with the ASPM and PAI solutions. We are also talking about the integration with the classic S/4HANA systems, which has been improved with this new development. Merging and improving SAP ASPM and PAI with the new APM solution The fact that SAP often changes the name of its IT solutions is not new. Asset Strategy and Performance Management (ASPM) and Predictive Asset Insights (PAI), part of the entire SAP Intelligent Asset Management suite, will now be combined in the updated SAP ASPM solution, called 'Asset Performance Management (SAP APM)'. The SAP APM solution now contains two components, namely Asset Strategy and Asset Health. These two components come from the SAP solutions: ASPM and PAI. Figure 1: The possibilities with the updated SAP APM solution that now includes both Asset Strategy and Asset Health The image below shows how SAP APM now complements all classic EAM functionalities. Figure 2: The addition of SAP APM to the entire IAM suite Optimal integration of SAP APM to Intelligent Asset Management in S/4HANA and ECC Strong integration is often SAP's strength. SAP is therefore always busy trying to integrate 'young' solutions, which are still in one of the first development phases, even more strongly with S/4HANA and ECC. This also applies to the integration between ASPM and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). This integration has now been addressed and improved by SAP in the updated SAP APM solution, which makes the solution even more attractive for handling and carrying out the right maintenance at the right time. The integration between APM and EAM is extremely important. Both APM and EAM are necessary to cover all desired, necessary functionalities for the entire Maintenance and Asset Management process. All functionalities of APM and EAM are now maintained with strong mutual integration. That is exactly where the power of the updated APM solution lies. All necessary functionalities are now integrated with each other via SAP APM. This makes it even easier to use the right maintenance strategy. Figure 3: All necessary functionalities integrated into SAP APM In order to define the right maintenance strategy, to be able to implement it properly in the IT system and to then correctly monitor, plan and subsequently analyze all assets, it is important that ASPM and EAM work together. That is now happening in APM. The image below shows this visually. Figure 3: The collaboration between ASPM and EAM in the updated SAP APM solution Vincent Beumer Vincent is a marketing manager and highly experienced consultant with extensive knowledge on Digital Transformation and Analytics within the SAP-domain. Get in touch Ready to make a business change? At Emixa, we'd be glad to share our comprehensive insights. Contact us to discover how our approach can help your organization thrive in the cloud era. Let's embark a journey towards enhanced efficiency and effectiveness together!
What SAP S/4HANA deployment options are there available?
SAP continues to emphasize ERP in the cloud. With monthly new releases, S/4HANA Cloud has become SAP's flagship. Regarding the implementation of the solution, SAP offers three options: S/4HANA Cloud Essentials Edition, S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition, or S/4HANA AnyPremise. In this blog, we compare the three deployment options. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different options, and which option best fits your organization? S/4HANA Cloud Essentials Edition (ES) With the SAP S/4HANA Cloud Essentials Edition (ES), previously known as S/4HANA Multi Tenant Edition, you opt for a state-of-the-art ERP system with a full cloud approach. The software is hosted and managed by SAP, with SAP making quarterly upgrades available with new configurations and functionalities. Infrastructure & License The infrastructure involves a public cloud shared with other customers and hosted by SAP. The license is sold in a Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription model. Quarterly configuration and software upgrades are fixed and cannot be installed at any other time. Functionalities S/4HANA Cloud ES consists of Core ERP, encompassing all processes expected from an integrated ERP system. The country-specific (42*) and industry-specific (26*) configuration options allow for customizing the software for an organization. Additionally, SAP offers products and cloud suites with more advanced functionalities, including SAP Intelligent Asset Management (asset management), SAP Hybris (marketing), and Enterprise Portfolio & Project Management (projects). Read about available SAP Best Practices & Model Companies here. *These numbers are as of August 22, 2019; new languages and industries are added every 3 months. Scalability S/4HANA Cloud can be extended with all available SAP products. New applications and extensions are possible through whitelisted (approved) APIs and the SAP Cloud Platform. SAP provides a range of software components called the SAP Extensibility Framework for developing these applications. The SAP Compatibility Scope Matrix explains which existing SAP products based on R/3 are compatible with S/4HANA. Learn more about customization and customization in S/4HANA Cloud and future-proofing customization in ECC here. Configuration and Approach With this solution, there is always a completely new implementation, also known as a greenfield implementation. Fit-to-standard workshops are organized with the help of SAP and an implementation partner to determine the right application setup for the organization. The Fiori Launchpad, SAP's user-friendly interface, serves as the starting point for the interface. Configuration of S/4HANA Cloud is done using Self Service Configuration User Interfaces, also known as SSCUIs. SAP offers the Implementation Portal as a tool for project management of the ERP transition. Read the SAP Activate Roadmap for S/4HANA Cloud ES here. S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition (EX) The S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition, previously known as S/4HANA Single Tenant Edition, offers more flexibility and control than the essentials edition and the benefits of the cloud. The infrastructure, services, and SLAs are standardized. Infrastructure & License S/4HANA Cloud EX involves a dedicated landscape on a cloud infrastructure of choice. Here, one can choose SAP or a Hyperscaler such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. The license is sold in a Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription model. Upgrades are offered twice a year, which the user can plan themselves. Functionalities The S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition includes the full scope of functionalities, country- and industry-specific configuration options. The software already includes functionalities for 64 countries, 39 languages, and 25 industries. However, there are some limitations regarding the integration of third-party software. Read about available SAP Best Practices & Model Companies here. Scalability This edition of S/4HANA offers full extension capability, except for changes to the software. Adding extensions or enhancements is possible using the SAP Cloud Platform or adhering to the guidelines of the S/4HANA Extensibility Framework. Configuration and Approach With S/4HANA Cloud EX, there is a completely new implementation (greenfield) or selective data transition. Fit-to-standard workshops are also organized for this solution to determine the right application setup. However, there are some limitations. Configuration of this software is done using the Implementation Guide (IMG). SAP offers the Solution Manager as a tool for project management of the ERP transition. Read the SAP Activate Roadmap for S/4HANA Cloud EX here. Selective data transition is used for SAP ERP customers when a new implementation is not desired. Configuration data, master data, transaction data, and the ABAP repository (fully or partially) are converted and migrated to S/4HANA. SAP and selected data transformation partners help ensure that this does not impose restrictions on other SAP products or the SAP Model Company. S/4HANA AnyPremise With S/4HANA AnyPremise, one opts for a completely 'own' S/4HANA environment, where the organization itself or a supplier takes care of the technical management. This brings the following choice options: S/4HANA AnyPremise Managed Cloud S/4HANA AnyPremise Private Cloud S/4HANA On Premise The three options will be explained later. First, we outline the similarities between the S/4HANA AnyPremise solutions. Infrastructure & License S/4HANA AnyPremise involves a dedicated or customer-specific landscape on a hyperscaler of choice. Since this is a fully dedicated landscape, the organization retains its existing - perpetual or infrastructure subscription - license. New upgrades are made available annually, with the organization determining when to install them (adoption speed). Functionalities S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition includes the full scope of functionalities, country- and industry-specific configuration options. Read about available SAP Best Practices & Model Companies here. Scalability In addition to the extension capabilities of S/4HANA Cloud, S/4HANA AnyPremise allows for modifications and even customizations in the system. It offers the same extensions as the SAP ERP predecessor. Configuration & Approach S/4HANA AnyPremise offers all implementation options: a new implementation (greenfield), system conversion (brownfield), or selective data transition. Configuration is done using the full Implementation Guide (IMG). The starting point is a fit-gap approach; unlike a fit-to-standard approach, organizational needs are the starting point rather than the standards on which the software is developed. SAP offers the Solution Manager as a tool for project management of the ERP transition. Read the SAP Activate Roadmap for Transition to SAP S/4HANA here. A system conversion means that the existing SAP system is technically converted. All existing configuration, data, and customization are transferred to the new system. S/4HANA AnyPremise Managed Cloud In a managed cloud implementation, an on-premise environment consisting of proprietary hardware and infrastructure is hosted by a cloud provider. There are two types of cloud providers: SAP SAP partners SAP offers the SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud (HEC) as a managed cloud solution. The system is hosted on a hyperscaler of choice, with SAP providing continuous application support and management. This includes upgrades, backups, patches, recovery, infrastructure monitoring, and event detection. The so-called technical management that SAP takes care of can also be outsourced to consultancy partners like Emixa. When selecting a supplier, consider their management expertise and possession of a Partner Center of Expertise SAP certification. S/4HANA AnyPremise Private Cloud With S/4HANA AnyPremise Private Cloud, the customer manages and uses their cloud infrastructure. Hosting takes place in the cloud with a hyperscaler of choice. Possible hyperscalers for S/4HANA: Microsoft Azure Amazon Web Services (AWS) Google Cloud These hyperscaler options also apply to the S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition (EX) and the S/4HANA AnyPremise Managed Cloud. S/4HANA On Premise In an On Premise implementation, the software is deployed on servers within the organization. In this scenario, the organization itself is responsible for managing the software, infrastructure, and data. An on-premise implementation is the traditional approach, without using the cloud. This approach is suitable when companies want full control over all aspects of the IT environment and are willing to finance, operate, and maintain the environment themselves. How to Choose the Right Deployment Option? When choosing a deployment option, it's about balancing standardization versus flexibility. For corporate ERP users, the central question is whether they want to (continue to) perform technical management themselves. Additionally, existing SAP users will consider whether they want to retain existing customization and/or configuration. Choosing cloud and standardization helps organizations increase their agility, speed, innovation, and flexibility. Implementing a cloud solution is less complex, often cheaper, and means that the software vendor takes care of technical management. Standardization prevents issues with upgrades, ensures the future-proofing of IT investments, but requires more in terms of change management and SAP training. S/4HANA Cloud Essentials is the ideal solution from a future and cost perspective. There is a high chance that certain unique processes may not be supported by the system. It is not possible to reuse existing configurations and customization in this option. However, these disadvantages do not outweigh the benefits. It is logical to consider this option first. S/4HANA Cloud Extended is a solid intermediate option that will gain strong market share in the coming years. It is a choice for standardization, cloud, and the ability to retain unique processes. As an organization, you determine which Hyperscaler provides the cloud infrastructure and who, internally or externally, handles technical management. Existing SAP customers can retain part of their existing configuration and transaction data with Selective Data Transition, ensuring the future-proofing of the IT solution. S/4HANA AnyPremise is a choice for flexibility. The flexibility SAP is known for: anything is possible. This means that all existing customization from SAP R/3 can be carried over to the new system. Both internal SAP users and the IT department require few adjustments to workflows and knowledge. The risk of creating or maintaining an incredibly complex IT environment remains with all its consequences. Get in touch Ready to make a business change? At Emixa, we'd be glad to share our comprehensive insights. Contact us to discover how our approach can help your organization thrive in the cloud era. Let's embark a journey towards enhanced efficiency and effectiveness together! Vincent Weiss Vincent Weiss is a Solution Architect in the field of SAP Cloud and Mobile applications at Emixa. He has demonstrated experience in solving cloud and mobility issues, utilizing his expertise in the SAP Cloud Platform, SAPUI5, and native app development.
SAP re-certifies Emixa Enterprise Solutions as a Partner Center of Expertise
Global ERP giant SAP has re-certified Emixa Enterprise Solutions as a Partner Center of Expertise (PCOE) in the Netherlands. The consulting firm, headquartered in Den Bosch, a city in between the larger cities of Utrecht and Eindhoven, is specialised in process and IT consulting and has carried the PCOE status since 2012. At the time, it became one of the first consultancies in the Benelux to be handed the status.