Download PDF
Gaining the flexibility to grow and diversify globally with IBM and SAP
Technology Category
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Computing
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Storage Services
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Data Management Platforms
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Sales & Marketing
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain Visibility
Services
- Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
HANSA-FLEX, a hydraulics specialist, differentiates itself through the speed of its logistics processes. However, as the business grew, it faced the challenge of ensuring that its SAP landscape would keep up the pace. The company's previous server landscape, which was based on larger, monolithic servers, needed regular upgrades, which could lead to downtime. This was a significant challenge as HANSA-FLEX uses SAP ERP applications to operate a global network of branches and a fleet of express vehicles that enable its technicians to respond rapidly to failures and maintenance requests. The company needed a more flexible, modular configuration, where it could expand capacity as needed with minimal impact on its 12 production systems.
About The Customer
HANSA-FLEX is a leading global supplier of hydraulics components. Headquartered in Bremen, the company operates 393 branches and a fleet of 302 rapid-response service vans in 36 countries. HANSA-FLEX employs 3,394 people and generated a turnover of EUR405 million (USD453.51 million) in 2014. The company strives to deliver its range of 95,000 high-quality products within less than 24 hours. To achieve this level of performance, efficient stock management and advanced logistics are essential. For this reason, HANSA-FLEX uses SAP ERP applications to help it operate a global network of branches and a fleet of express vehicles that enable its technicians to respond rapidly to failures and maintenance requests.
The Solution
To boost scalability and flexibility, HANSA-FLEX migrated its SAP ERP applications onto a new infrastructure, built on IBM Power System 824 servers running the IBM i operating system. The company worked with IBM Business Partner BLUE Consult and BLUE STEC to redesign its IT architecture. To streamline its IT landscape, HANSA-FLEX implemented a virtualized storage landscape based on IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller. This created a single storage environment for all internal platforms. Today, the IBM Power Systems servers and the company's Windows environment rely on the same storage solution. Using IBM Easy Tier technology, the storage virtualization appliance automatically distributes data across ultrafast IBM FlashSystem 840 with MicroLatency technology and general-purpose IBM Storwize V7000 storage systems to maximize application performance on both server platforms without manual tuning.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
Related Case Studies.
Case Study
Smart Water Filtration Systems
Before working with Ayla Networks, Ozner was already using cloud connectivity to identify and solve water-filtration system malfunctions as well as to monitor filter cartridges for replacements.But, in June 2015, Ozner executives talked with Ayla about how the company might further improve its water systems with IoT technology. They liked what they heard from Ayla, but the executives needed to be sure that Ayla’s Agile IoT Platform provided the security and reliability Ozner required.
Case Study
IoT enabled Fleet Management with MindSphere
In view of growing competition, Gämmerler had a strong need to remain competitive via process optimization, reliability and gentle handling of printed products, even at highest press speeds. In addition, a digitalization initiative also included developing a key differentiation via data-driven services offers.
Case Study
Predictive Maintenance for Industrial Chillers
For global leaders in the industrial chiller manufacturing, reliability of the entire production process is of the utmost importance. Chillers are refrigeration systems that produce ice water to provide cooling for a process or industrial application. One of those leaders sought a way to respond to asset performance issues, even before they occur. The intelligence to guarantee maximum reliability of cooling devices is embedded (pre-alarming). A pre-alarming phase means that the cooling device still works, but symptoms may appear, telling manufacturers that a failure is likely to occur in the near future. Chillers who are not internet connected at that moment, provide little insight in this pre-alarming phase.
Case Study
Premium Appliance Producer Innovates with Internet of Everything
Sub-Zero faced the largest product launch in the company’s history:It wanted to launch 60 new products as scheduled while simultaneously opening a new “greenfield” production facility, yet still adhering to stringent quality requirements and manage issues from new supply-chain partners. A the same time, it wanted to increase staff productivity time and collaboration while reducing travel and costs.
Case Study
Integration of PLC with IoT for Bosch Rexroth
The application arises from the need to monitor and anticipate the problems of one or more machines managed by a PLC. These problems, often resulting from the accumulation over time of small discrepancies, require, when they occur, ex post technical operations maintenance.
Case Study
Robot Saves Money and Time for US Custom Molding Company
Injection Technology (Itech) is a custom molder for a variety of clients that require precision plastic parts for such products as electric meter covers, dental appliance cases and spools. With 95 employees operating 23 molding machines in a 30,000 square foot plant, Itech wanted to reduce man hours and increase efficiency.
