Question 1

What benefits have other customers experienced when transitioning to SAP S/4HANA?

Accepted Answer

Many of our customers have successfully transitioned to SAP S/4HANA, experiencing significant enhancements in system performance and process efficiencies. With our comprehensive technical and professional support, they have been able to leverage advanced analytics, improved user experiences, and streamlined operations, leading to better decision-making and increased business agility.

Question 2

What support is recommended for transitioning to SAP S/4HANA using a greenfield approach?

Accepted Answer

For a greenfield approach, which focuses on establishing new systems without prior constraints, we recommend engaging our process consultants to leverage their technical expertise.

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Question 3

What support is necessary for transitioning to SAP S/4HANA using a brownfield approach?

Accepted Answer

In a brownfield approach, which involves upgrading existing systems, the focus is primarily technical. We recommend involving our technical consultants.

We are happy to advise you on this

Question 4

Do you have experience with shell conversions to SAP S/4HANA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have supported numerous projects involving shell conversions to SAP S/4HANA.

Question 5

Which cloud models of SAP S/4HANA does ifm support?

Accepted Answer

Our software is compatible with private and hybrid cloud environments. Several of our applications are also optimized for use in the public cloud.

Question 6

What distinguishes Supply Chain Excellence (SCX) from GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

Unlike GIB Suite, which only operates on SAP ECC 6.0, Supply Chain Excellence runs on SAP S/4HANA and features a broader functional range and a modern Fiori interface, enhancing user experience.

Question 7

What does the SCX indicator show? What do the process indicators show?

Accepted Answer

The main SCX indicator reflects a cumulative supply chain quality percentage across five process steps. Detailed process indicators for Demand Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement, Inventory Management, and Sales & Distribution identify areas of strength and improvement.

Question 8

Where does the data for the indicators originate?

Accepted Answer

The data for the indicators are sourced directly from SAP Core.

Question 9

Is it transparent which KPIs the SCX indicator system is based on?

Accepted Answer

Yes, users can trace back from the main indicator to the specific KPIs that influence each process indicator, all calculated from the SAP Core data pool.

Question 10

What is the purpose and benefit of these indicators?

Accepted Answer

These indicators allow for objective process comparability within a company and against industry standards, providing transparent insights from SAP Core into all supply chain segments.

Question 11

Is an ifm solution necessary to utilize the SCX indicator system?

Accepted Answer

The SCX indicators are currently only licensed with at least one ifm solution, however our indicators are integrated within SAP Core.

Question 12

Which design interface does Supply Chain Excellence utilize?

Accepted Answer

Supply Chain Excellence primarily uses the Fiori interface but also supports the traditional SAP GUI if needed.

Question 13

Is Supply Chain Excellence available as a Fiori app?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all functionalities that are suitable are available as Fiori apps, offering a user-friendly and modern design.

Question 14

Will SAP GUI continue to be available in Supply Chain Excellence?

Accepted Answer

While new functionalities, such as the indicator model, are available through the new Fiori interface, classic functionalities remain accessible via the traditional SAP GUI.

Question 15

Is Supply Chain Excellence focused more on strategic or operational planning?

Accepted Answer

Supply Chain Excellence integrates strategic concepts but primarily enhances operational implementation, serving as a tactical link between strategic SAP solutions and daily operations.

Question 16

Can Supply Chain Excellence run on SAP ECC 6.0?

Accepted Answer

No, Supply Chain Excellence is exclusively available for SAP S/4HANA.

Question 17

Does Supply Chain Excellence replace GIB Suite in SAP S/4HANA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Supply Chain Excellence not only replaces GIB Suite but also expands significantly on its capabilities. It provides unique indicators and enables both operational control and strategic planning of the supply chain.

Question 18

Can simulations be conducted within Supply Chain Excellence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, simulations are a central feature in Supply Chain Excellence, allowing for the evaluation of different scenarios at crucial points.

Question 19

Can graphics be created within Supply Chain Excellence, or is data export necessary?

Accepted Answer

Supply Chain Excellence supports graphics and visuals within most overviews and tables, providing immediate visual insights without the need for data export.

Question 20

Does Supply Chain Excellence have to be purchased as a complete suite?

Accepted Answer

No, it is possible to purchase individual solutions: Demand Planning, Procurement, Inventory Management, Production Planning.

Question 21

What is the APEO principle?

Accepted Answer

The APEO principle — which stands for Analyze, Plan, Execute, and Optimize — structures and supports supply chain management with robust software tools designed to navigate complex processes.

Question 22

Are there any interface issues with the GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

NO. The GIB Suite is fully integrated into SAP and therefore runs without any interfaces.

Question 23

Does the GIB Suite include certification?

Accepted Answer

YES. The GIB Suite has both “SAP Certified – Powered by SAP Netweaver” certification and “SAP Certified – Integration with SAP S/4HANA” certification.

Question 24

Is the GIB Suite in competition with SAP Standard?

Accepted Answer

NO. The GIB Suite offers an operational enhancement with special functions that close the white spaces related to SCM in the standard SAP system. Furthermore, the GIB Suite focuses primarily on providing user-friendly solutions that can be rapidly implemented for small and medium-size enterprises.

Question 25

Is the GIB Suite also available in other languages?

Accepted Answer

YES. The GIB Suite is fully available in both German and English. In addition, around 20 other language variants are available for practically every application. The languages include Russian, Chinese, French, and so on. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Question 26

What is the benefit of the GIB Suite in comparison to Excel solutions?

Accepted Answer

The GIB Suite provides operational analysis capabilities that go far beyond those of a typical Excel spreadsheet. It also includes a greater range of functions and is much more user friendly, because GIB applications are fully integrated into the SAP system, which means that all activities and data are read and written in a direct exchange, in real time. This ensures that users have constant access to the latest information. There is no need to switch back and forth between applications, which also avoids transmission errors. Since everything is mapped centrally in one system, there are no information islands within the company.

Question 27

Does the GIB Suite map the S&OP process?

Accepted Answer

YES. The individual applications in the GB Suite communicate with each other. This ensures that the information from sales planning can be incorporated into downstream planning scenarios. Once the optimal plan has been established, the results and findings from the planning process and the simulation and implementation phases are incorporated into the optimization phase and have a direct influence on the subsequent analysis and planning process. The result is a planning cycle comprised of analysis, planning, execution and optimization.

The synergies from combining all the modules in the GIB Suite provide an even greater benefit than using each module individually. The use of the GIB Suite has led to more sustainable success and greater results than the sum of the success from using the individual modules.

Question 28

What is the implementation time for a GIB Suite solution?

Accepted Answer

The implementation times differ based on the scope and focus of the project. However, best-practice experiences have shown an unusually short introduction period. From the kick-off date to the go-live date, the GIB Suite modules can generally be implemented within two to three months on average.

Question 29

For which kinds of company is the GIB Suite suitable?

Accepted Answer

Our SCM solution is suitable for practically every sector and company size, and is especially suitable for small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Companies that currently deploy the GIB Suite are active in the automotive, aeronautical engineering, food and chemicals industries, machine and plant engineering and other sectors.

Question 30

What are the positive effects of introducing the GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of the GIB Suite has many positive effects. Some of the most relevant ones include:

Highly dynamic and constantly updated master data synchronization and adaptation
An increase in service levels alongside a reduction in stock levels
Continuous process mapping from sales planning to detailed production scheduling
Quick access to information for better operational and strategic decision making
Planning of dynamic supply chains through simulation scenarios

Question 31

How can I tell whether my master data is sufficiently maintained for the introduction of the GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

Experience has shown that master data maintenance is a weak point with negative side effects for many companies. For instance, weak master data can often lead people to bypass planning in the SAP system. As a result, the SAP system is no longer used as the principal system and its benefits to the user are lost.

The GIB Suite is fully integrated into SAP and therefore has access to the data in the standard SAP system, including data from material documents, MRP runs, BOMs, task lists, and so on. As a result, the implementation does not require a special depth of master data. Since well maintained master data is an important factor for success in optimizing supply chain processes, the GIB Suite assists with continuous updates.

Question 32

How is support and maintenance governed for the GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

A range of support and maintenance options are available in addition to the GIB Suite license, and free consultation on these topics is also provided. Once you have made your decision, appropriate agreements will be drawn up. We guarantee binding response times and extensive support services in German and English, including installation and upgrades to new releases, for instance.

Question 33

Can changes be made to the scope of functions provided with the GIB Suite at a later stage?

Accepted Answer

YES. As a solution with full SAP integration, the GIP Suite provides a wide range of layouts that allow you to independently integrate additional information. User training is provided in the GIB Academy.

Furthermore, GIB provides a convenient ticket system that all customers can access and use to submit individual change requests. We provide a detailed estimate of the time and effort required so that you can factor this into your decision making. Once your order is placed, our GIB experts can simply make the program changes remotely.

Question 34

How often are new releases provided in the GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

A new release of the GIB Suite is made available for download by our customers once a year as part of the maintenance agreement.

Question 35

What is the authorization concept for the individual function modules in the GIB Suite?

Accepted Answer

Following their purchase of the GIB Suite, customers are provided with their own authorization concept based on SAP authorizations. This concept is intended as an “all-round hassle-free package” for each application module for the various areas of responsibility within the company.

Alongside tailored sample authorization roles, GIB provides its own authorization objects for controlling the tasks in the application modules. Access to tables is also provided through custom table authorization groups.

Question 36

Is the GIB Suite on SAP ECC 6.0 still available for purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the GIB Suite is still functional and will continue to be maintained until SAP discontinues the SAP ECC 6.0 release. As far as possible, further developments of the successor product Supply Chain Excellence on S/4HANA will also be downgraded. However, this is not technically possible for many features.

Question 37

Is SFI an MES system?

Accepted Answer

No, SFI is a universal interface for integrating IoT (Internet of Things) data into SAP ERP processes. This data often, but not exclusively, comes from production environments. SFI can also record data that is not relevant to MES systems, e.g. compressed air consumption, valve wear or oil quality.

Question 38

Does SFI require middleware?

Accepted Answer

SFI does not necessarily require middleware, but this is often the ideal way to integrate sensor data. The middleware turns big data into smart data and offers additional functions such as monitoring of limit values and detailed fault analysis. Furthermore, middleware ensures a high degree of scalability for the shop floor environment.

Question 39

Which processes in SAP ERP are supported?

Accepted Answer

SFI is designed for integration in any ERP process, with integration for SAP PM (plant Maintenance) now available as well.

Question 40

Can I implement SFI on R/3 and migrate to S/4?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can seamlessly implement SFI on R/3 and migrate to S/4.

Question 41

How can I reduce my spare parts inventories?

Accepted Answer

By measuring actual wear and tear on parts, you can reduce spare parts inventory, thanks to needs-based maintenance.

Question 42

What requirements must be met on the SAP side to use SFI?

Accepted Answer

SFI supports ERP 6.0 EhP7 or later and S/4HANA 1709 or later.

Question 43

How compatible is it with products from third-party providers?

Accepted Answer

SFI is generally open to IoT hardware and platforms from other providers.

Question 44

Which IoT source systems can be connected to SFI?

Accepted Answer

Any condition monitoring systems (CMS) and IoT/IIoT platforms that have an open API can be connected. At present, connections to the ifm LR SMARTOBSERVER and the io-key cloud are available straight out of the box. A connection to ifm moneo is currently being implemented. There are also other platforms on the roadmap.

Question 45

How is the data captured?

Accepted Answer

Data is collected from sensors and controls, passed to middleware via edge components, aggregated, stored, visualized, and pre-processed before being sent to SFI.

Question 46

Which sensor manufacturers are supported?

Accepted Answer

SFI is compatible with all standard sensors from different manufacturers.

Question 47

Which data can be captured and transferred?

Accepted Answer

SFI focuses on sensor and controller data relevant to maintenance, but its potential uses are vast.

Question 48

What expenses do I have to factor in for the rollout of SFI?

Accepted Answer

The first proofs of concept (PoCs) are available in roughly two project weeks, followed by the implementation of up to three application scenarios (e.g. vibration analysis, valve monitoring, motor current monitoring from the controller).

Question 49

How quickly can I connect a new sensor?

Accepted Answer

A sensor from an IoT platform can be integrated in SAP in under 10 minutes.

Question 50

What do I need to know about the cloud?

Accepted Answer

Various cloud models in the SAP world are fundamentally different from the on-premises world. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages.

Question 51

Where can I find out more about cloud vs on-premises?

Accepted Answer

You can find more information in our three-part blog series:

Question 52

Is my data safe in the cloud?

Accepted Answer

There is much to suggest that data protection in the cloud is more professional than in a private cloud or a self-operated on-premises system. This is often due to the fact that professional cloud providers, because of their business model, always use the latest virus defence, carry out regular stress tests and keep their employees up-to-date with the latest developments. Companies that do not operate professional data storage often lack the means and possibilities to do this.

Question 53

Do you also offer consulting outside of your software solutions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can also request our experienced process consultants for your regular supply chain processes.

We are happy to take the time to answer your questions!

Question 54

Is process consulting available for the introduction of Supply Chain Excellence?

Accepted Answer

The subscription model includes one consultant day per quarter during the entire term. Additional days can be booked at any time

Question 55

Can you guide me professionally in the implementation of Supply Chain Excellence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both technically and in terms of content. We offer implementation workshops, key user training and individual coaching. Already included in the subscription price are two consulting days per year, on which our experts from process consulting are available to you.

Question 56

Is ifm (previously GIB USA) a SAP partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ifm (previously GIB USA) has been a SAP Silver Partner since 1998.

Question 57

Are the GIB products SAP certified solutions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our products are SAP certified and are recertified annually.

Supply Chain Excellence

SAP S/4HANA Cloud, extended edition
SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition

GIB Suite

ABAP Add-On Deployment for SAP Enterprise Resource Planning

Question 58

Do your solutions systematically map the entire value creation process?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The GIB Suite provides support throughout the SCM process, from sales forecasting, through demand and inventory management, materials requirement planning, operational requirement planning, controlling and detailed production scheduling, to vendor-managed inventory and intelligent order optimization.

Question 59

What does an initial meeting with you involve?

Accepted Answer

After we make contact, we will arrange a free-of-charge introductory appointment either at your location or through a web meeting. As part of this meeting, we will present the solutions relevant to your business and interests live on a demo system. If you already have specific requirements for your solution, we will address these in detail.

You can use the contact form to take the first step. We look forward to hearing from you!

Question 60

Do you offer Proof of Concepts (PoCs)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Proof of Concept (PoC) is available upon request. Please feel free to contact us.

Question 61

What is the GIB Dispo-Cockpit?

Accepted Answer

The original name of the SAP-based solution was GIB Dispo-Cockpit. This name was abolished in the course of the internationalisation of our software products, instead, we now speak of the GIB Suite.

Question 62

What are the GIB modules?

Accepted Answer

The GIB Suite, formerly GIB Dispo-Cockpit, has a modular structure. Initially, a solution was developed that was to be used specifically for the day-to-day business of scheduling: GIB Dispo-Cockpit Operations, later GIB Operations and now Operations. The Planning, Forecast and Controlling modules were soon added. Later, Vendor Managed Inventory and Buying were developed. The GIB Suite now comprises 6 modules.

Question 63

What is GIB Planning?

Accepted Answer

GIB Planning is a module of the GIB Suite on ECC 6.0. Today's Planning, formerly "GIB Dispo-Cockpit Planning", is used in production planning and serves to determine the best possible production plan. The user will also find the functionalities of GIB Planning in the new Supply Chain Excellence on SAP S/4HANA suite, namely in the Manufacturing process area.

Question 64

What is GIB Forecast?

Accepted Answer

The GIB Forecast is a module of the GIB Suite on ECC 6.0. Today's Forecast, formerly "GIB Dispo-Cockpit Forecast", is used in sales planning and serves to determine the sales forecast as accurately as possible. The user will also find the functionalities of the GIB Forecast in the new Supply Chain Excellence on SAP S/4HANA suite, namely in the Demand Planning process area.

FAQs: Answers to your supply chain software questions

Change to SAP S/4HANA

Supply Chain Excellence

GIB Suite

Shop Floor Integration SFI

Cloud vs. On-Premises

Process consulting

General questions

Glossary

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