By Mirko Theiß
PROSTEP also provides its PLM integration platform OpenPDM as Software as a Service (SaaS) with the aim of making it easier to integrate cloud-based enterprise applications. Based on our platform, we have developed a new, cloud-enabled standard integration between PTC’s cloud-based PLM solution Arena and the ERP solution SAP S/4HANA for a well-known medical equipment manufacturer.
The integration of cloud-based PLM systems with other enterprise applications poses a technical challenge, regardless of whether the latter are used in the cloud or on premises. PROSTEP has systematically made the software architecture of its PLM integration platform fit for use in hybrid cloud scenarios in order to master this challenge. We have also developed a number of standard integrations between the Arena world and other enterprise applications in close cooperation with the PLM vendor PTC. They provide a clearly defined range of functions and can be used out-of-the-box.
The new standard integration between Arena and SAP S/4HANA supports, for example, the engineering change process by synchronizing parts information from the PLM system with the material master data in the ERP system. The above-mentioned medical equipment manufacturer will use the integration to automatically transfer engineering data to the purchasing department and other downstream processes. The global company develops, manufactures and sells laser devices for cosmetic applications.
The Arena-SAP S/4HANA integration is a further development of the existing Arena-SAP R/3 integration. It uses the new OpenPDM SAP S/4HANA connector and provides support for the entire range of possible applications provided by the ERP solution, be it on premises or in a private or in a public cloud infrastructure. PROSTEP makes the integration solution available in the cloud as an SaaS offering that can be used out-of-the-box. It can, however, also be installed on premises if requested by the customer.
The new standard integration means that we have added a key component to our portfolio of ERP integrations. A ready-to-use ERP integration between Arena and MS Dynamics already exists. We have also created an integration between Arena and the ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) solution Jira from Atlassian that supports the synchronization of issues and error messages between the PLM and ALM worlds. The aim is to continuously expand the range of standard integrations that we offer as SaaS to ensure that we can provide our customers with the best possible support as they navigate their way to the cloud.