Introduction 

In the quest for operational excellence, building products companies are turning to process automation to stay competitive. Enterprise Automation with SAP is transforming how these companies integrate applications, identify inefficiencies, and automate procedures.   

However, with the abundance of content available online—ranging from demo videos to technical documentation—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you navigate this sea of information, we’ve developed this blog, “How to Get Started with Enterprise Automation,” to provide a comprehensive guide for integrating applications, identifying inefficiencies, and automating processes across diverse environments.  

Dive in to discover how RISE with SAP can transform your enterprise…… 

Connecting and Automating the Enterprise 

Companies worldwide are dealing with fluctuating client demand and increased expectations for faster timelines. To achieve operational efficiency, businesses must be heavily automated and well-connected with their network partners. 

Company A: Using a Non-SAP ERP System 

• Disconnected Departments: Limited access to the company network hinders quick responses. 

• Slow Information Flow: Inconsistencies in plan creation and sharing delay information exchange. 

• Operational Inefficiencies: R&D, sourcing, sales, manufacturing, and planning are out of sync, wasting time and money. 

• Limited Visibility and Cooperation: Reliance on manual contact with supply-chain partners leads to delays and significant error risks. 

• High Manual Involvement: Traditional systems result in extensive manual processes. 

Now, let’s explore Company B, which benefits from using an SAP ERP system. 

Company B: Using an SAP ERP System 

• Integrated Processes: Digital technology in plants and the supply chain department intelligently integrates manufacturing processes and supply chain networks. 

• Predictive Solutions: Predictive quality and maintenance solutions revolutionize how goods are generated, sold, and delivered. 

• Responsive to Changes: A connected organization can immediately respond to sudden network changes. 

• Improved Customer Satisfaction: Procurement, sales, manufacturing, and delivery are all in sync, enhancing customer satisfaction. 

• Digital Supply Networks: Linear supply chains transform into digital supply networks with all stakeholders operating simultaneously. 

• Enhanced Communication: Real-time analysis allows for better communication across departments and trading partners. 

Company B’s Intelligent ERP system, powered by the RISE with SAP package, supports a responsive digital network with real-time analysis, enabling enhanced communication across departments and trading partners. It allows for the automation of the entire organization, not just the shop floor. 

What is Enterprise Automation? 

Enterprise Automation with SAP is an AI-powered solution that seamlessly integrates applications, uncovers process inefficiencies, and automates workflows across diverse enterprise environments. This comprehensive approach includes process mining, automation, integration, and optimization, leveraging tools like SAP Integration Suite, SAP Signavio, and SAP Build. 

Key Tools for Enterprise Automation 

• SAP Integration Suite: This integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) offers thousands of pre-built integrations, APIs, and connectors for both SAP and non-SAP applications. It simplifies complexity across on-premises and multi-cloud environments, optimizing end-to-end business processes. 

• SAP Signavio: Provides deep visibility into business processes, identifying bottlenecks and root causes. It offers improvement suggestions based on extensive industry benchmarks and best practices, helping organizations optimize and automate processes. 

• SAP Build: A low-code solution that empowers users to create automations and applications with ease. It includes pre-built automations and connectors for SAP and non-SAP systems, enabling rapid addressing of process inefficiencies. 

Use-Cases and Pre-Built Content 

Starting with Enterprise Automation is easiest with pre-built content, which includes technical artifacts, best practices, and recommendations directly from SAP’s development team and partners. Key areas for automation often include: 

• Manual & Repetitive Processes: Automate mundane activities to reduce manual effort. 

• High Volume Processes: Focus on frequent scenarios to ensure a fast ROI. 

• Multiple Systems: Integrate processes across various SAP and non-SAP applications to streamline end-to-end scenarios. 

Examples of use-cases include automating invoice processing, improving new hire experiences, creating sales orders from Excel files, and managing credit blocks on sales orders. SAP Signavio Process Insights can help identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for pre-built content from SAP Build that map to your specific needs. 

Clean Core & SAP S/4HANA Transformation 

Enterprise Automation with SAP supports the migration from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA while maintaining a clean core. Extensibility allows you to address organizational needs without modifying the core system. By using SAP Build for automations and integrations, you can support migration efforts, ensure continuous process improvement, and leverage best practices for business processes. 

Getting Started 

To begin your Enterprise Automation journey: 

• Assess Your Situation: Determine if you are new to SAP Build Process Automation, SAP Signavio, or Integration Suite, or if you are already using third-party tools for RPA, LCNC-development, or process mining. 

• Governance Resource Center: Utilize the SAP Build Governance Resource Center for information on governance, change management, and establishing a Digital Center of Excellence. 

• SAP Business Technology Platform Setup: Activate your BTP account, generate a subaccount, and activate SAP Build Process Automation and SAP Integration Suite. 

• Signavio Setup: Use SAP Signavio to gain visibility into your current processes, identify bottlenecks, and receive improvement recommendations. 

Support and Enablement 

To ensure a successful implementation: 

• Self-Help: Utilize available documentation, enablement, and guided experiences. 

• Partners: Leverage the SAP Partner Finder to find partners that can provide tailored solutions and pre-built content. 

• Services: Engage SAP’s internal consultants and experts for workshops and implementation projects. 

Conclusion 

By adopting Enterprise Automation with RISE with SAP, building products companies can streamline their processes, enhance efficiency, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market. Take the first step towards transforming your enterprise today. 

For more information and support, contact KaarTech let us help you achieve the full potential of Enterprise Automation with SAP. 

 

FAQ’s 

1. What is Enterprise Automation with SAP?  

Enterprise Automation with SAP integrates applications, uncovers process inefficiencies, and automates workflows across diverse enterprise environments, leveraging tools like SAP Integration Suite, SAP Signavio, and SAP Build. 

2. How can Enterprise Automation benefit building products company?  

Enterprise Automation can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve communication across departments and trading partners, helping your company stay competitive in the market. 

3. What tools are included in Enterprise Automation with SAP?  

Key tools include SAP Integration Suite, SAP Signavio, and SAP Build, each offering unique capabilities for integration, process visibility, and low-code automation. 

4. How do I get started with Enterprise Automation?  

Begin by assessing your current situation, utilizing the SAP Build Governance Resource Center, setting up your SAP Business Technology Platform, and using SAP Signavio for process insights and recommendations.