_Initial Order Process Application (IOP App) for Schaeffler Group  

Summary

The Schaeffler Group, a manufacturer of precision components and systems for engines, transmissions, and chassis, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a wide range of industrial applications, is one of the world’s largest family-owned companies. With approximately 120,000 employees across more than 250 locations in 55 countries, it is also recognized as one of Germany’s most innovative companies. 

As a long-standing partner of Schaeffler, Transition Technologies PSC was commissioned to design and develop a solution to reduce the costs associated with complex customizations of SAP applications, including those for sales. 

Target group 

Engineering 

• Project management 

• Application technology 

• Product development

Solution

A role-based application was developed using ThingWorx to enable a consistent order process across all systems without losing data or transferring it manually. This ensures cross-disciplinary collaboration between sales, engineering, and logistics. 

1. Sales order is created in SAP 

• Customer requirements for the mechanical product are recorded 

• Customer order is created 
  • Customer details
  • Quantities and prices

• Data relevant to the mechanical development process is automatically transferred to the IOP app from SAP

2. Order process integration in the IOP app 

• All relevant data from Sales and Scheduling (SAP) and Engineering (Windchill PDMLink) is consolidated in the IOP app  

• The most important milestones and achievements are defined 

3. Project data management in the IOP app 

• Order-specific data such as customer details, product description, project assignment, and production plant information are merged and organized 

• Roles for process responsibility (e.g., project managers, developers, industrial managers, configuration managers) are assigned 

• Possible product verifications are documented 

4. Application engineering in the IOP app

• Product requirements are analyzed in consultation with the customer 

• Acceptance documentation agreed upon with the customer, including product versions, is stored 

• A design team is defined for further development 

5. Scheduling in the IOP app 

• Timetables for the product lifecycle phases, from design to delivery, are agreed upon. 

• Departments involved are informed of deadlines, ensuring resources are available on time. 

6. Product design in the IOP app 

• Product designers confirm the actual design, ensuring compliance with client specifications and industry standards 

• 3D models, blueprints, and production components, including the product version, are stored 

7. Master Data Management in SAP 

• All essential engineering data about the product is stored in Windchill PDMLink 

• E-BoM is enriched or expanded with logistical data in SAP 

• Consistent and relevant data is made available to all involved departments 

• The status of this process is displayed in the IOP app 

8. Service creation in SAP 

• Production preparation is carried out, including work preparation and costing, from a production-relevant perspective 

• The status of this process step is displayed in the IOP app 

9. Planning the required material resources in SAP 

• The material procurement process status is transferred to the IOP app and displayed 

10. Purchasing process in SAP 

• The status of the purchasing process carried out in SAP is transferred to the IOP app and made visible there 

11. Quality assurance 

• The status of the quality assurance process carried out in SAP is transferred to the IOP app and displayed. 

Outlook

• Next step: OGP App for Automotive 

• IOP App Release 2.0