Due to the shift in the automotive industry towards more complex and sophisticated connectors, the sequential and largely manual processes for creating master data in SAP were no longer sustainable. An intelligent solution was sought that would streamline and accelerate the workflows for many of the manufacturer's departments.
Even before the search for a suitable solution, it was clear to the connector manufacturer that it would not be possible to overcome these challenges with the SAP standard alone. The requirements were defined by Amphenol as follows: Reduction of throughput times for master data creation through optimized processes. The eight departments involved in the process should be able to perform as many data maintenance tasks as possible themselves. The new tool had to be easy and intuitive to use for all users and not require a long introductory phase. Data quality should also be improved. The choice therefore fell on the fully SAP-integrated and certified APICON Data Master data cockpit.
To create new materials, the corresponding processes were mapped in the APICON Data Master task management system. This was done in close cooperation between the APICON project management and the Amphenol departments under the direction of the responsible project manager.
Now, in addition to the SAP material master, classification, parts lists, purchasing info records and other derived data can also be created quickly and efficiently. In some cases, a single mouse click is all it takes. Assignment rules determine field values automatically. This supports users and also improves data quality. The parallel processing of tasks has significantly accelerated the entire process.
The specialist departments can process their worklists individually, but the entire process is still controlled by the system.
Following the successful and timely completion of the pilot project, a number of functional enhancements have already been implemented. Thanks to the modular design of the APICON Data Master and the well-structured project approach, it was possible to initially put the most important functions from the extensive catalog of requirements into operation. New functions, including those based on new requirements, fit seamlessly into the overall system. Even with a smaller resource budget, extensions can be implemented within a short time.
It is therefore not surprising that extensions for additional specialist departments are already planned.
Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Automotive is a subsidiary of the US Amphenol Group, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. With over 80,000 employees worldwide, Amphenol Tuchel is one of the leading manufacturers of electrical connectors.
Amphenol Tuchel-Electronics GmbH employs over 700 people worldwide. As the inventor of the connector for contacting airbag and seatbelt tensioner modules, Amphenol has not only defined the standard for this market, but has also continued to develop it as the market leader through constant innovation.
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"Thanks to the APICON Data Master, we are now able to organize throughput times efficiently and reliably through parallel workflows. The material system is no longer a bottleneck in the project business, which is influenced by many factors. This is another important step towards optimum customer satisfaction!" Project manager at Amphenol-Tuchel