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zenon: Certified direct connection to SAP
COPA-DATA calls MES applications into question with its certified interface to SAP(R) ERP.
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are used in many production facilities as the link between the process level and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. What used to be an integral part of many industrial systems now becomes a questionably unnecessary cost factor; at least for those who are using SAP(R) applications and controlling their production with zenon. COPA-DATA has now created a direct connection: A certified bidirectional interface now connects SCADA with ERP. zenon and SAP work as a team to take over the tasks that used to be performed by MES or by manual data transfer.
COPA-DATA has opened its already communicative zenon to the world of SAP. The HMI/SCADA system interacts with SAP ERP applications via a bidirectional interface. This means it sends messages about any type of event to the ERP level and also accepts control commands from there. Companies can now directly link their process level with the ERP level making a closed information loop, producing a complete overview of their business – from order management, recipes and production to shipment.
zenon gives SAP applications access to the process level
ERP systems are increasingly required to be connected to processes and real-time data, their functionality increasingly takes over tasks that could or were performed by MES or similar systems. COPA-DATA integrates to these ERP systems – not by developing its own MES components, but rather by creating clearly defined standard interfaces for direct connection.
Thomas Punzenberger, CEO COPA-DATA: “We asked ourselves, what do you really need an MES for? Generally, zenon can communicate with any ERP system. SAP already covers a wide range of requirements with its applications – from order management, bill of materials, schedules, to production planning. zenon can fulfill further real-time process-level important tasks such as traceability, data acquisition, secure user management or maintenance management. So why should our users need a separate MES investment?”
The new interface by COPA-DATA allows SAP applications to have extended functionality that even with an MES would be difficult, that is direct interaction with the process level. zenon takes over commands – such as recipes and other data sequences – from SAP applications and executes them in cooperation with its integrated SCADA-logic straton. Once executed, the steps are reported back in a closed loop and new commands are acquired. The complete process is transparent with fast reaction times. COPA-DATA uses the widely accepted PP-PI interface to communicate with a wide variety of SAP(R) applications.
For example, it is used in the SAP ERP application to monitor stock in real time, with zenon delivering exact data about real resource consumption from the SCADA level. The SAP module is now in communication with real-time stock levels instead of planned or predicted levels. Just-in-time production, as well as long-term planning, become more precise and efficient, with cost savings and efficiencies associated with reduced work-in-progress and inventory holding.
Overview and control with zenon
zenon is already provided with a set of modules that allow the user to obtain a clear overview and the ability to think ahead. For example, the “Industrial Performance Analyzer” (IPA), which raises production efficiency, and its ingenious partner module “Industrial Maintenance Manager” (IMM), which organizes maintenance tasks in an economic and efficient way.
zenon is open to any hardware and many software packages, paving the way for new applications both in the discrete and process industries. It integrates seamlessly into existing systems through its automatic engineering and standardized integration features.
COPA-DATA and SAP optimize processes and save resources
The bidirectional connection between SCADA level and ERP level delivers many advantages for companies. Thanks to the direct exchange of data, two levels that used to be separated are now combined into a continuous system that controls everything from order to shipment, taking in to account actual production data and events – the unpredictable is now brought under control. This enables the optimal use of labor and material as the various tasks reflect the true production position rather than an off-line and therefore obsolete production plan.
Product manager Reinhard Mayr: “Our direct connection to the ERP level gives zenon users access to new ways of efficient and effective production planning. Why invest in an intermediate level, incur additional costs for implementation and maintenance and also increase risk of errors from an additional system?”
This cooperation with the market leader for ERP systems allows COPA-DATA to offer new and interesting applications, potential and benefits to its customers. The certified solution guarantees perfect interaction with SAP applications for zenon users.
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