8.3 VCPowerPack (Company: AICOMP Group)

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2 8 nhancements and Add-Ons in the SAP Partner nvironment Summary The Sybit Configuration Visualizer visualizes the product configured by the user. The visual image is displayed on an additional tab in the IPC, and it is updated after each characteristic value assignment. To ensure that you do not have to retain images for each possible configuration, the overall image displayed consists of layers of partial images. The Configuration Visualizer has a Visualization Modeling nvironment (VM) in which you can maintain partial images. Here, you manage partial images and reconcile them with each other with the click of a mouse. You can then use a simple logic rule to link the partial images with the characteristic values in the product model. For a relatively low maintenance effort, the Configuration Visualizer generates helpful overview images and provides valuable graphical feedback during the configuration process. Dr. Christoph Mangold from Sybit GmbH ( kindly contributed the above information to this book. 8.3 VCPowerPack (Company: AICOMP Group) As one of the first partners of SAP, AICOMP Group has integrated the solution and product portfolio (incl. VCPowerPack) completely with SAP NetWeaver Business Client (NWBC). This section describes the benefits of VCPowerPack, which was developed based on SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC). This native SAP software add-on has built rapid momentum in industries in which the product configuration is the cornerstone of design, costing, pricing, and shop floor control and the usability of the configurator, internally and externally, is of prime importance. It promises to vastly improve the response time and accuracy of customer communication, along with improved planning, scheduling, and forecasting. Until recently, product configuration has been done using two different methods: using LO-VC/IPC or an external configurator with subsequent interface to SAP RP. 480

3 VCPowerPack (Company: AICOMP Group) 8.3 Owing to the complexity of configuration and its specific requirements, many users choose the second method, using external configuration software. However, this process is very time-consuming and cost prohibitive. Large amounts of master data must be gathered and structured outside the system, calculations must be processed, and the resulting data has to be returned to Variant Configuration LO-VC through a custom SAP-internal interface and processed there. VCPowerPack is radically changing the current concepts and bringing the configuration back home where it belongs: SAP RP. The system permits the construction of a complex configurator in SAP RP, with many advanced functions: complex calculation possibilities, custom screen layouts, faster system performance, and more detailed error analysis with structured instructions for troubleshooting. This advanced functionality therefore represents a useful alternative to the standard solution provided by LO-VC/IPC How VCPowerPack Works VCPowerPack consists of four distinct modules: CoreVC, SmartVC, SmartMD, and SmartPR. These modules are designed from the ground up to work seamlessly together or as individual components based on the complexity of customer requirements. The following sections explain how to use modules VCPowerPack CoreVC The architecture built using one central core leads to standard concepts used across the whole enterprise. This results in the following: Seamless integration of each requirement into the SAP flow of information. Data integrity within one model, distinguished by customized master data not by additional programming. This ensures a solid design base without legacy data structures. An adaptable system setup of the CoreVC allows the configuration of complex industry requirements through master data not custom programming. CoreVC allows the quick and structured development of standard interfaces with SAP and non-sap systems. 481

4 8 nhancements and Add-Ons in the SAP Partner nvironment VCPowerPack SmartVC VCPowerPack primarily aims at user-friendliness. The tree structure replaces the characteristic name characteristic value restriction of LO-VC/IPC. The product properties-oriented screen and menu controls provide a new way to configure products; from a tab-oriented navigation of screen controls to a production- and assembly-oriented tree configuration, the interface is very intuitive. In addition, real-time consistency checks and validations of all entries keep the configuration results high and the frustration level low. Consistency validation can be compartmentalized, whereas specific error messages and troubleshooting tips provide a clear user interface that improves the overall configuration experience. SmartVC provides a full set of configuration objects to take advantage of the native tree structure, beginning with the free definition of levels and manufacturing details such as machines and work centers, consumption materials, and design structure (see Figure 8.12). Figure 8.12 SmartVC Configuration Screen (xample Flexible Packaging) 482

5 VCPowerPack (Company: AICOMP Group) 8.3 SmartVC also allows for the integration of CAD (including the transfer of values), documents, and master data with the configuration dialog (see Figure 8.13). Figure 8.13 SmartVC Document Management (CAD Integration) VCPowerPack SmartPR VCPowerPack enables smart pricing transactional, as a mobile app or as a web plug-in. The underlying principle is simple: Significant characteristics are queried based on a reference configuration via a freely definable scenario to create a quotation specifically referring to a quantity or customer through simulation. In this context, SmartPR is compatible with any web browser and can be displayed universally on any operating system. 483

6 8 nhancements and Add-Ons in the SAP Partner nvironment Figure 8.14 Pricing via Smartphone Integration (Mobile iphone Application) Figure 8.15 Pricing via Web Interface (OS: Apple 10.6/Browser: Mozilla Firefox) 484

7 VCPowerPack (Company: AICOMP Group) VCPowerPack SmartMD SmartMD enables you to accelerate the process chain and perform master data work in a standardized and automated process. It automates the material master data creation, calculates costs, updates conditions, and maintains customermaterial info records at the touch of a button. It thus replaces the time-consuming maintenance of master data in SAP RP. By using a core framework you can define SmartMD according to your requirements. Intelligent filters prevent the creation of redundant master data. Figure 8.16 SmartMD Log of a Successful Master Data Creation VCPowerPack Industry Solutions ven though AICOMP was originally spawned by the needs of the paper and packaging industry, VCPowerPack was designed and built from the beginning to be used in multiple industries and market segments. With CoreVC and SmartVC, AICOMP Group enables a more convenient usage of SAP configuration. CoreVC and SmartVC support you in design, material, or routing, for example. In other words, all of the components are equipped with the same assembly principle. Moreover, several different parts can share the same molecular elements. This provides for minimal custom development, encapsulated in ABAP classes, for screen processing, and for business-specific calculations Project Acceleration VCPowerPack enables the configuration of common business functions, which leads to logical documentation, less training, and less custom development. The implementation time is reduced for the following reasons: 485

8 8 nhancements and Add-Ons in the SAP Partner nvironment Less custom development owing to highly flexible system configuration. Master and process data can be created automatically from functional descriptions. Setup of multiple configurable products in parallel owing to a highly modular system with little or no programming required. Increased response to business process changes owing to flexible system configuration. The VCPowerPack configuration and the RP system are directly integrated out of the box Summary VCPowerPack allows for the mapping of industry-specific needs. Moreover, it provides a cost-efficient implementation without the burden of extensive custom development. VCPowerPack enables your company to meet your individual configuration needs by controlling the processes from acquisition to quotation to production, processing all relevant calculations, and automating the flow of master data. If you have a restrictive project budget or timetable, VCPowerPack is the solution to your complex configuration requirements. This section was edited by Jens Hennecke, Sascha Rauhe, and Rainer Förster of AICOMP Group ( 8.4 it.cadpilot (Companies: itelligence AG and ACATC Software GmbH) Products are often essentially described using Computer Aided Design (CAD) models and drawings. This is also the case for configured variants within a product range. nterprises require CAD models for these variants to respond to customer inquiries. Later, they require CAD-based production drawings and assembly drawings for their own order processing or the service itself. In the standard SAP system, Variant Configuration can be used to determine and derive the following product data in a rule-based and automated manner: prices, 486