OUR SOLUTUIONS
PLM System Integration
Create a Single Digital Thread, From Initial Design to End of Life
Saptix’s PLM System Integration (PLMSI) is an add-on for SAP ERP 6.0 EHP7/EHP8 and SAP S/4HANA 1809 or newer. It allows seamless integration and transfer of product-related data without needing extra middleware.
For many companies, separate engineering and business processes have caused problems. PLMSI solves this by giving customers real-time, end-to-end integration of product models, simulations, business data, feedback, and performance information.
To keep data accurate and reliable for later steps, the integration uses consistent data logic. This lets you set up your processes without interruptions.
Main Integration Challenges:
No standard, ready-made integration for common scenarios
Custom integrations are costly and complex, needing changes on both systems
No built-in support for two-way process integration
How Can PLMSI Help Your Business?
What Does PLM SAP Integration Do?
PLMSI supports two-way synchronization between your PLM system and SAP ERP or S/4HANA. Based on the chosen integration method, this synchronization can run in real time or on a set schedule. It ensures that engineering and business teams have access to the same up-to-date product data in both systems.
Key synchronization capabilities include:
How Does PLMSI Work?
This solution helps enterprises break down process and information silos, boost productivity and flexibility, and speed up innovation. In the case of PLMSI, the two systems communicate through a shared Meta Domain Model — the core concept and intermediate layer of PLMSI that connects SAP with a third-party PLM system.
The Meta Domain Model is made up of related objects such as materials, BOMs, documents, change records, classifications, and more. It enables smooth and seamless exchange of all product-related data.
How the Integration is Implemented
PLMSI supports various technical ways to integrate PLM systems with SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA. The best option depends on your system landscape, target architecture, and PLM system features.
Common implementation methods include:
Other, less common methods include:
PLM System Integration Roadmap
The integration connects the SAP ERP/S/4HANA software portfolio with an external PLM system, creating a single digital thread from design through operation until the end.
Follow six main steps when working with Saptix experts.
FAQ
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What is PLM system integration?
PLM System Integration (PLMSI) is a standard SAP add-on that provides a framework to connect a third-party PLM system (such as Teamcenter or Windchill) with SAP ERP or S/4HANA. Its main goal is to avoid expensive, fully custom-built interfaces. It uses a central "Meta Domain Model" to map and translate data between the two systems, ensuring consistency without major changes to either system.
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What is the difference between PLMSI and SAP Engineering Control Center (ECTR)?
SAP ECTR is designed to integrate specific CAD authoring tools (like SOLIDWORKS, Creo, etc.) into SAP so engineers can manage design files within SAP. PLMSI, however, integrates entire PLM platforms that manage the lifecycle of this data. Simply put, ECTR integrates the design tool, while PLMSI integrates the data management system.
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How is data ownership or 'mastership' determined in bi-directional integration?
This depends on your business processes. Generally, the system where the data is created is the "master." For instance, the Engineering BOM (EBOM) is usually mastered in the PLM system. When transferred to SAP, it becomes a Manufacturing BOM (MBOM), mastered in SAP. PLMSI is set up to enforce these rules and avoid conflicts.
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When should a company choose real-time versus scheduled data synchronization?
It depends on the business needs. Real-time synchronization suits critical, time-sensitive events like engineering change orders that must immediately halt production or trigger procurement. Scheduled synchronization (e.g., every few hours or overnight) is better for less urgent or large, complex data sets, to reduce system impact during busy hours.
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How is the PLMSI add-on licensed?
PLMSI is a separately licensed SAP product. Licensing depends on the integration scope and complexity and is independent of your current SAP S/4HANA or third-party PLM licenses. A detailed assessment helps determine the required components and costs.
