Christa Prokos
We’re excited to share that SAP recently launched an SAP certified integration for Autodesk Vault Professional now available directly on the SAP pricelist. According to their announcement, this add-on connects Vault PDM to SAP ERP, offering you a smooth, out-of-the-box integration. You can read the full announcement by SAP here.
Why PLM, PDM, and ERP integration is essential
Integrating enterprise systems like ERP (enterprise resource planning), PLM (product lifecycle management), and PDM (product data management) is crucial for optimizing data flow and adding more business value, especially within the realms of product development and manufacturing. Here are some reasons why integration is essential:
- Unified data and real-time updates
Integration helps ensure that product-related data is stored centrally and accessible by all relevant systems. This eliminates data silos and keeps people in the organization working with the most up-to-date information. Changes made in one system are reflected in other systems for real-time data consistency.
- Enhanced collaboration and concurrent product development
Collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and other departments increases with integrated PLM, PDM, and ERP. For example, engineers can directly communicate design changes to the manufacturing team, ensuring that production aligns with the latest specifications. Multiple teams can also work concurrently on different aspects of product development, speeding up the overall process and time-to-market.
- Reduced errors and automation
Integrated systems help automate more tasks in and workflows, reducing manual intervention and the risk of errors. For instance, once a product design is finalized in PDM, the BOM (bill of materials) in PLM updates along with the ERP system data for procurement and manufacturing planning. Automated data transfer between systems minimizes manual data entry errors, thereby improving the accuracy of manufacturing instructions, inventory levels, and financial data.
- Efficient change management, cost control, and decision making
Design changes in the PDM system can automatically trigger updates in the PLM and ERP systems, so stakeholders stay informed and can act accordingly. This helps organizations efficiently track the impact of changes on production schedules, supply chain dependencies, and costs. With detailed visibility into costs at each stage of product development and manufacturing, organizations are more equipped for effective decision-making and response times.
These are just some business value examples of what’s possible with systems integration. There are numerous resources available for you to learn more about how to integrate business systems for the outcomes most important to your business.
Learn more
Take advantage of digital transformation and connected business processes through the SAP certified integration with Autodesk Vault. Engage with your SAP account team and learn more here: announcement by SAP here.