Review AAS Tech Days 2023

Presentation: End-to-end digitized process for standardized material master data (ECLASS) in SAP applications

On September 15, 2023, Sebastian Böttjer, Head of Sales & Project Management from D&TS GmbH and member of the ECLASS Digital Expert Group, and Oliver Hillermeier, Standard Architect at SAP SE and board member of ECLASS, presented a groundbreaking talk at IDTA’s AAS Tech Days.

The current situation

During their presentation, the speakers made it clear that data is considered the new resource these days and that the current situation in many companies needs improvement. Data quality in systems leaves much to be desired, data is often not harmonized, data maintenance is not compliant and data interoperability is severely limited by non-existing standards. This is exactly where ECLASS comes in as a hierarchical standard for master data to classify and describe products and services. With over 25,400 properties, 48,371 classes and 16 supported languages, ECLASS offers a fully human- and machine-readable and open solution.

The D&TS solution

This challenging situation is where D&TS and its Data Services come into play. D&TS offers cross-industry solutions for the optimization of material and product master data. The services include data cleansing, classification, data preparation, harmonization, enrichment, validation and much more. In this way, D&TS helps to improve data quality, standardize data maintenance and its processes to increase data interoperability.

End-to-end digitalized process for standardized material master data (ECLASS) in SAP applications

During his presentation, Mr. Sebastian Böttjer discussed a new and innovative approach for managing material master data according to the ECLASS standard in a digital end-to-end process. This process enables an extremely efficient handling of ECLASS material master data, starting with its creation up to its complete processing. Manual work processes and media breaks are eliminated, resulting in accelerated and reliable data management.

This process begins with the seamless transfer of product information directly from the manufacturer into the engineering process. This ensures that up-to-date and accurate data is available right from the start.

In a further step, this information is made available as standardized material master data in the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) exchange format, developed by the IDTA working group. The Submodel Template is designed to enable straightforward creation and classification of materials in ERP, PDM, PLM and other leading systems.

Through advanced automation, the transfer of basic data and classification takes place in real time. This automation significantly reduces manual effort and minimizes errors.

Finally, this process integrates seamlessly with other processes along the value chain. This ensures that the right data is available at the right time and in the right place.

The major advantage of real-time data in a digital process is obvious, less effort for the user, higher revenue for the manufacturer.

Participation in the IDTA Working Group

Finally, the speakers invited to participate in the IDTA working group (Creation ans classification of materials in an ERP, PDM/PLM system).

The approach presented promises more efficient and reliable management of material and product data for companies embarking on the road to digital transformation. IDTA Tech Days was an inspiring event with high-level presentations highlighting the implementation of Digital Product Passport 4.0 (DPP40) with the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) and underscoring the importance of this endeavor.

Want to learn more about this approach? Write to us at info@dundts.com.