Digitalization after SAP S/4HANA Conversion
MTU is taking the next steps toward digitalization with Fiori Apps.
MTU Aero Engines is an expert in the development, production, and maintenance of civil and military engines across all thrust and power classes, as well as stationary industrial gas turbines. With its innovative propulsion systems, high-tech solutions, and comprehensive service offerings, MTU makes aviation more efficient, safer, and more sustainable. Its experts research, develop, and implement cutting-edge propulsion technologies to enable aircraft of all performance classes to achieve emission-free takeoff in the future.
MTU transitioned from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA as early as 2018 using a brownfield approach. The current objective is to migrate reports and custom developments into user-friendly, intuitive Fiori apps. The primary project goal is to establish a single point of truth within the Fiori Launchpad. Centrally providing data across MTU’s entire value stream enhances end-to-end transparency and, in combination with standardized tools and processes in SAP Fiori, increases efficiency in supply chain management.
Optimization of Supply Chain Processes after S/4HANA Conversion
Initial Situation
At MTU, particularly in the area of supply chain management, there was a heterogeneous system landscape in which a wide range of tools were used. Data quality and consistency were lacking, as some data was even maintained outside the SAP core system. This resulted in high manual effort for analyses and reporting, with a strong push approach rather than pull. However, in a volatile, complex, and increasingly digitalized environment, a high level of transparency and efficiency across the entire supply chain is essential. MTU’s goal is to realize this vision through the “SC-VIEW” project.
Challenges
Functional
- Developing functional concepts from ideas for which a business value can be determined.
- Addressing the high degree of process diversity and very complex planning processes resulting from MTU’s long procurement cycles and corresponding lead times.
Technical
- Lack of liveCache access in ePP/DS for CDS views (Core Data Services views). As a workaround, function modules had to be developed to read data from the liveCache and provide it in a tabular format to the Fiori app.
CONSILIO has already provided us with expert support during our S/4HANA Brownfield conversion.
Together, we are optimizing MTU’s supply chain processes beyond the S/4HANA transformation. With jointly developed Fiori apps, we are paving the way for the supply chain to move into the SAP standard and toward a Clean Core
Application examples
- With the introduction of the Change in Coverage app, a trafficlight system is used to visually indicate which components are affected by changes in the inventory coverage situation.
- The Change in Criticality use case introduces alert notifications in SAP Fiori. Using the bell icon, users receive a notification with additional information when the criticality of materials they are responsible for changes.
- The Master Data Check tool enables users to automatically receive notifications about changes to master data based on predefined rules.
- The SPOT use case allows supplier-maintained data (supplier WIP and confirmations) from “SPOT” to be integrated directly into the product view in SAP PP/DS.
Project Approach
The implementation of the Fiori apps follows an agile project approach with two subprojects.
- In the first—Use Case Conception—it is defined which application or report is to be replaced by a Fiori development.
- In the second subproject—Use Case Planning & Realization—teams create the concept, carry out the development, and implement the solution.
Through Digitalization and full Integration of Fiori Apps into SAP S/4HANA, MTU is moving toward the Future.
Project Benefits for MTU
- Automatically generated alerts highlight critical changes in the coverage situation. Root cause analysis (deep dives) is supported by detailed information on changes in goods receipts and requirements.
- Continuous and reliable planning through the implementation of the Master Data Check tool. This helps avoid potential inventory costs and ensures high delivery reliability. Deviations are identified quickly and effectively, increasing efficiency across the entire supply chain.
- Automatic delivery of key information through SAP Fiori Alert Notifications. This ensures information flow between all process participants and boosts efficiency through faster response times.
- End-to-end transparency through the availability of data across MTU’s entire value stream.
- Efficiency is further enhanced through standardized analyses, processes, and tailored configuration options.
