Due to intense price competition, manufacturers are under constant pressure to deliver high-quality products at the lowest possible cost. A 2007 Aberdeen survey of senior executives indicated that the top priority driving initiatives of best-in-class manufacturers is cost reduction.

A key impediment to cost reduction is the widespread existence of disconnected enterprise and plant manufacturing systems. The impact of these siloed systems is out-of-synch business processes and inadequate use of resources.

World-class manufacturers are turning this challenge into competitive advantage by going beyond the traditional system integration and interoperability to dynamically align core operational business processes. This provides a 360-degree view of their manufacturing operations – enabling visibility and high efficiency across the operational continuum to drive down bottom-line costs and cycle-times, while increasing overall equipment effectiveness.

For example, a leading manufacturer of consumer home appliances achieved operational excellence across a network of 60 plants by using SAP software to tighten interactions between enterprise and shop-floor levels. As a result, this company realized manufacturing-related cost reductions and improved quality by reducing defects and rework. Furthermore, SAP's open approach to heterogeneous computing ensured seamless integration with more than 120 disparate corporate legacy systems.

Solutions Designed for Running Efficient Manufacturing Operations

Solutions from SAP and our partners can help you align manufacturing operations and resources between the core enterprise and plants. With highly efficient operations running as one, you can reduce total and unit manufacturing costs, consistently meet customer requirements, and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards – all key to surpassing the competition.

Gain Complete Visibility
End-to-end operational visibility can help you manage and control your operations and resources – from planning to execution. With simplified and personalized access to key information, your manufacturing staff can also make decisions and take actions more quickly.

Streamline Operations
With streamlined operations, you can manage plant-floor activities at Six Sigma levels to eliminate wasteful activities, while optimizing the use of critical resources and assets.

Ensure Compliance with Quality and Safety Standards
Transforming quality and safety requirements into differentiated value for customers is now possible with integrated corporate controls along the end-to-end manufacturing process.

Key to SAP's open approach to computing is the SAP NetWeaver platform. It can help dynamically, flexibly, and seamlessly connect your entire heterogeneous manufacturing network, enabling global coordination across all plants.

SAP Services can also help you analyze and assess your manufacturing processes by delivering a clear road map based on best business practices to rapidly achieve your key objectives.

Learn More

Get involved: Visit Inside Access.

Find out more about SAP partner solutions and services.