In today's hyper-competitive manufacturing landscape, data is your most valuable asset. But if your critical operational data is trapped within the complexities of your SAP systems, you're likely missing out on game-changing insights that could drive efficiency, reduce costs, and boost innovation. Traditional approaches to SAP data analytics are often slow, cumbersome, and fail to deliver the real-time, comprehensive view you need.You know you need to modernise, but the thought of a massive, disruptive SAP overhaul is daunting. The good news? There's a faster, more agile, and less risky path: building a Databricks Lakehouse for Manufacturing, powered by your existing SAP data. This isn't about replacing SAP; it's about unlocking its potential.The good news? There's a better way. The recently announced partnership between SAP and Databricks opens up exciting new possibilities for manufacturers to unlock the full potential of their SAP data. And at VE3, we're ready to help you make that happen – fast.

Why a Lakehouse is the Right Architecture for SAP Manufacturing Data

Forget the outdated debate of data lakes versus data warehouses. A Lakehouse combines the best of both worlds, giving you:

1. Scalability and Flexibility

Handle the massive volume and variety of data generated by modern manufacturing operations (structured data from SAP, semi-structured data from IoT sensors, unstructured data from machine logs, and more).

2. Data Governance and Reliability

Databricks' Delta Lake technology provides ACID transactions, schema enforcement, and data quality controls – essential for maintaining the integrity of your critical SAP data.

3. Real-time Analytics

Move beyond batch processing and enable near real-time insights into your production processes, supply chain, and quality control.

4. Advanced Analytics and AI

Leverage Databricks' powerful machine learning and AI capabilities to uncover hidden patterns, predict future outcomes, and optimise your operations.

5. Unified Platform

Consolidate all your data – from SAP and beyond – into a single, governed platform for simplified access and analysis.

The Accelerator for Your SAP Data Lakehouse Journey

At VE3, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers. We've partnered with both SAP and Databricks to create a solution that accelerates your data modernisation journey, delivering tangible results in weeks, not months. Our Accelerated SAP Data Lakehouse for Manufacturing provides:

1. Pre-built SAP Connectors

Seamlessly integrate data from key SAP modules, including:

2. Production Planning (PP)

Production orders, BOMs, routings, work centre data.

3. Materials Management (MM)

Inventory levels, purchase orders, goods movements, vendor data.

4. Quality Management (QM)

Inspection lots, defect data, quality notifications.

5. Plant Maintenance (PM)

Maintenance orders, equipment history, sensor data (IoT integration).

6. Sales and Distribution (SD)

Sales orders, deliveries, customer information. (And other relevant modules based on your specific needs)

7. Manufacturing-Specific Data Models

Pre-defined schemas and transformations optimised for common manufacturing use cases. This eliminates the time-consuming and complex task of building data models from scratch. Examples include:

8. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Calculation

Ready-to-use data model for tracking and analysing OEE.

9. Predictive Maintenance Schema

Structure for integrating sensor data and maintenance records for predictive analytics.

10. Supply Chain Visibility Model

A Data model for combining data from multiple SAP modules to provide a holistic view of your supply chain.

11. Optimised Data Pipelines

Automated and efficient data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) processes, leveraging the power of Databricks and SAP integration tools (like SAP Data Services and SAP BTP Integration Suite). These pipelines are designed for performance and reliability.

12. Proven Methodology

A structured, agile approach to implementation, ensuring rapid deployment and minimising disruption to your operations. We focus on delivering incremental value quickly.

11. Business Outcome Driven Approach

We have a structured approach for defining, realising and tracking the business outcomes.

Transform Your Manufacturing Operations with These Key Use Cases:

Our solution is designed to deliver rapid time-to-value across a range of critical manufacturing scenarios:

1. Predictive Maintenance

• Combine historical maintenance data from SAP PM with real-time sensor data (IoT) processed by Databricks.
• Utilise pre-built machine learning models (or customise your own) to predict equipment failures before they occur.
• Minimise unplanned downtime, optimise maintenance schedules, and extend the lifespan of your valuable assets.
• Example: Predict bearing failures on a critical production line based on vibration data and historical maintenance records.

2. Real-time Shop Floor Visibility & OEE Optimisation

• Stream data from SAP PP and QM, along with real-time data from shop floor systems (MES, SCADA).
• Create interactive dashboards to monitor production progress, identify bottlenecks, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) like OEE in near real-time.
• Empower your operators and supervisors to take immediate corrective action, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
• Example: Visualise OEE trends across different production lines and identify the root causes of performance dips.

3. Supply Chain Optimisation & Resilience

• Integrate data from SAP MM, SD, and external sources (e.g., supplier data, market demand signals, logistics providers).
• Use Databricks' analytics and forecasting capabilities to improve demand planning accuracy, optimise inventory levels, and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Build a more resilient and responsive supply chain that can adapt to changing market conditions.
• Example: Predict potential supply chain disruptions based on weather patterns, supplier performance, and geopolitical events.

4. Quality Control and Defect Reduction

• Analyse quality data from SAP QM, combined with data from other sources (e.g., machine vision systems, operator feedback).
• Identify the root causes of defects and implement proactive measures to prevent them.
• Improve product quality, reduce scrap rates, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Example: Identify correlations between specific machine settings and defect rates, allowing for process optimisation.

The VE3 Difference: Expertise You Can Trust

VE3 isn't just a technology provider; we're your strategic partner in data-driven manufacturing transformation. We bring:

1. Unmatched SAP and Databricks Expertise

Our team combines deep knowledge of SAP systems, data structures, and integration best practices with certified Databricks expertise in data engineering, machine learning, and platform optimisation.

2. Manufacturing Industry Focus

We understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers, and we tailor our solutions to your specific needs.

3. Proven Results

We have a track record of helping manufacturers achieve significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and profitability through data-driven solutions.

4. Business Outcome Focus

We focus on realising the business outcomes and tracking the progress.

Don't Wait – Accelerate Your SAP Data Modernisation Today!

The future of manufacturing is data-driven. Don't let your SAP data hold you back. With VE3, SAP, and Databricks, you can build a powerful Lakehouse that unlocks the full potential of your data and drives significant business value – faster than you thought possible.VE3's expertise in SAP solutions can help businesses in digital transformation. To know more, explore our innovative digital solutions or contact us directly.