Project
Streamlining maintenance operations with an automated front-end system
A leading medical device manufacturer was using SAP for business management, including maintenance management. However, the maintenance module was significantly underutilised, with technicians relying on manual “Maintenance Work Request” forms. This data was later transcribed into SAP, leading to inefficiencies and increased workload.
September 1, 2024
- SECTORS: Food & Beverage
- COUNTRIES: Ireland
Engaging stakeholders for effective solution design
FDT, now part of NIRAS conducted a series of workshops with maintenance technicians to develop a custom front-end system. This user-friendly interface mirrored the paper-based forms, making the transition seamless and encouraging adoption among the team.
Mapping new processes to ensure smooth integration
After designing the user interface, NIRAS mapped the controls to the SAP system and established a new “Corrective Maintenance Business Process” map. This step was crucial for automating transactions and aligning the new interface with existing workflows.
Automating SAP with innovative scripting
The final workshop focused on developing the automation scripts required to interface with SAP. NIRAS ensured that the new system could handle high-speed data entry, offline spare parts searching, and automated shift handover documentation, all while maintaining SAP's data security protocols.
Significant efficiency gains and cost savings
The newly implemented system resulted in a 24% decrease in corrective maintenance and a 47% improvement in mean time between failures within six months. The streamlined process saved over €61,450 in labour costs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the solution in enhancing operational efficiency and providing valuable business intelligence.
