The objective when implementing an APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) solution is to strengthen the information system with respect to production optimization. Achieving easy, fast, seamless integration presents a major challenge. Having access to interface tools that are flexible and robust is just part of the solution. Proven manufacturing interface scenarios are the only guarantee that your enterprise will make the most of an APS solution. This is precisely what ORTEMS Adapter for Use with SAP® ERP offers – the best technology, combined with an efficient implementation strategy.

The POI (Production Optimization Interface) initiative was launched by SAP® to extend the possibilities of its production modules by enabling connection of an external optimization system. The technical and functional specifications of POI were developed in partnership with leaders in manufacturing planning solutions, including ORTEMS.

This interface enables transmission of both static data and transaction data. Once production orders are optimized and planned, they are retransmitted to SAP®. Like all Software Partner Program initiatives, SAP® certification was achieved through a rigorous, detailed process. ORTEMS solutions are certified by SAP® and can be used with SAP® 3.1, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, and mySAP®. ORTEMS is pursuing its program of close collaboration with SAP®, in particular, within the framework of certification for Netweaver, the new integration platform from SAP®.

 

ORTEMS Adapter for Use with SAP® ERP: Making the Most of your ERP

With more than 15 years of experience in manufacturing planning and integration of information systems, ORTEMS Adapter for Use with SAP® ERP is designed to give you the best of both worlds: the robustness of transaction functions of SAP®, coupled with the flexibility of simulation and expertise of optimization provided by the ORTEMS solutions.

• Optimized, finite-capacity planning of operations under continuous constraints.
• Automatic validation from Planned Order to Production Order, based on finite capacity and a configurable horizon.
• Automatic choice of machines (with variable production rates) based on the optimization strategy.
• Dynamic, graphical traceability of multi-level production orders with automatic propagation of changes to all levels.
• Optimization of production flows to ensure smooth manufacturing processes, and a realistic planning.

 

The data exchanges managed by ORTEMS Adapter for Use with SAP® ERP were developed from business integration scenarios and have been successfully used by many manufacturers. Implementation strategies adapted to the requirements of each industry are available for all ORTEMS planning and scheduling modules. If you are in the process of implementing SAP®, our experience can help you reduce the workload of your teams by streamlining data and creating visibility for your production processes. By entrusting your planning and scheduling configuration to ORTEMS, you can reduce your implementation times and achieve a faster return on investment for your information system.

 

ORTEMS Adapter for Use with SAP® ERP: architecture

The POI is based on proprietary SAP® technologies. Application Link Enabling (ALE) enables downloading of static and dynamic data. The data are transferred by IDocs (Intermediate Documents – a structured hierarchical file format) via ALE. The Remote Function Calls (RFC) system is used to upload data. ORTEMS has designed a middleware program specifically to manage these technologies. The mapping between SAP® and ORTEMS is then customized with ORTEMS VIC (Visual Interface Configurator).