We have recently implemented a new internal production process at CoreDux which is fully transparent. Why? To enable our production managers to gain quick and easy insight into their process and give our production workers a clear overview of their activities and results. How did we do this? We teamed up with SAP expert Quinso, who helped us to implement Integrated Smart Manufacturing (ISM) – a software solution that Quinso specially-developed for the manufacturing industry.
In just 3 months, we integrated an end-to-end shop floor solution based on SAP’s Manufacturing Integration intelligence (MII). This solution establishes a direct connection between machines on the shop floor and the operational SAP ERP system. Now we are ready for our planned growth and can successfully meet the wishes and needs of our international clients now in the future.
Are you curious about how we implemented ISM so quickly and almost flawlessly? In this blog, our very own Rens Konings and Karin Lokers from CoreDux and Wouter Vervoort from Quinso share the 7 factors that made this implementation a success.
1.Support
First on the list is support. An implementation like this can only work if there is support at every level in the organization i.e. the board committee, management and users all have to be on board.
At CoreDux, everyone was 100% behind this project and understood it would be of great benefit to the company. An implementation such as ISM demands a lot from your organization and people. Our advice: work together and support each other to ensure a quick and easy implementation.
2.Focus
Secondly, focus is key. It is best to dedicate two teams who can focus entirely on the implementation project: one from your own organization and one from the implementation partner. It is vitally important that people at an organization are given sufficient time to think and act in the implementation. Also having minimal distractions (especially from daily routine) will help. Full focus on the project is a sure way for success.
At CoreDux, we formed a dedicated team for this task, which was an ideal starting point. In practice, it was a lot harder than we thought it would be. We found it difficult to focus on the future, whilst the current process also required our attention. So our top tip: focus more on the new situation, as this will prevent some of the questions and disruptions after going live.
A third success factor for a smooth implementation is to follow a clear approach with concrete steps. This is an area that Quinso are experts in. They developed a plan and were responsible for the supervision. The implementation was realized following these steps:
3.Clear steps in the implementation process
- The project started with the installation of SAP Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence (MII) with SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).
- The specific requirements were determined in workshops. We considered: What do we have now and what would we ideally like in the future.
- Priorities were set via the MoSCoW-method. This is a way of prioritizing which is often applied in software engineering. The requirements were classified by: Must haves, Should haves, Could haves and Won’t haves.
- Based on these requirements and priorities, we started using the SCRUM-method. In short sprints, working software was delivered which could be tested, evaluated and modified straightaway. This meant we could see and try the software throughout the development ensuring it was to our exact wishes while giving us continuous insight into the progress.
- After the implementation of all the requirements in the software system, extensive testing was carried out until the system worked perfectly. The acceptance test with users completed the test phase and ISM was able to go LIVE!
4.Know what you want
Knowing exactly what you want from the start will ensure you make the right choices together. Spend sufficient time on the requirements you place in the software. Look at what the options are and to what extent they match the current and, if possible, even the desired situation. ISM can be built to be very flexible (just as flexible as our stainless metal hoses, bellows, compensators and expansion joints at CoreDux). Reporting can also be customized to ensure the best results are achieved.
Tip: If you have clear requirements, you can also make the right choices about the priorities and where you want to make concessions. This worked for us at CoreDux.
5.Master data in order
Perhaps an obvious point, but a very important one. ‘Garbage in, garbage out’: in other words, you need to ensure that your master data is in order before entering it into the new system. At CoreDux, we updated our master data before the start of the implementation process, which meant we had the correct data available straightaway during the transition to the new system.
6.Trust in each other
Probably one of the most important factors for success: trust between the organization and the implementation partner. The success of this implementation is mainly due to the mutual trust between ourselves and Quinso. Together we had the same goal: we wanted a successful implementation and go live within 3 months, and we are proud that we were able to make this happen.
7.Take the time you need
At CoreDux, we are thrilled we managed to realize this implementation in 3 months with Quinso’s guidance and we would do it all again tomorrow. However if you cannot answer the above points positively, it would be best to avoid disappointment and take the time you need. Think about what suits your organization and the pace the company and employees can handle.
If you are looking for an Integrated Smart Manufacturing solution, we at CoreDux can fully recommend Quinso. You can contact them here. They would be more than happy to talk you through your specific needs and explain how SAP ISM can benefit your organization.
Read our previous blog post about the MII launch here.
