Products: Liquid UI for iPad | Liquid UI Server
Processes: Efficient SAP PM
Amcor, a global leader in the plastics industry, recognized the importance of SAP Plant Maintenance (SAP PM) in ensuring effective and efficient maintenance management.
In sectors heavily reliant on machinery and equipment, like manufacturing, SAP PM is the tool for minimizing downtime, reducing overhead costs, ensuring safety, and improving operational efficiency through data-driven decisions. The platform is designed to enhance plant maintenance by scheduling preventive maintenance, thereby extending the life span of machinery, optimizing resource use, and ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently.
However, these advanced capabilities can only be realized if the end-users fully engage with the system.
Amcor faced a significant challenge: the end-users found the SAP PM interface cumbersome and inefficient, leading to underutilization and resistance.
“Data input has always been a struggle when using SAP, and I don't want mechanics to have to become SAP wizards” Erik, Amcor’s Reliability Manager of North America
Amcor’s maintenance management faced several issues directly impacting its operational efficiency and compliance:
The inefficiencies in utilizing SAP PM not only hampered day-to-day operations but also posed broader implications for Amcor’s strategic objectives. The reliability of the entire production process was compromised, affecting output quality and consistency. Financially, inaccurate records could increase operational costs and potential revenue losses from unplanned downtimes. Strategically, the inability to leverage SAP PM’s full capabilities meant missed opportunities for preventive maintenance and optimized machine performance, critical for long-term asset management and cost savings.
To address these challenges, Amcor collaborated with Liquid UI to revamp and simplify the SAP PM user experience. The solution focused on two primary areas:
““The biggest feedback I’ve gotten from mechanics is how easy it is to enter information into the system now. Knowing where to put attention is the first step in fixing issues” - Erik
Amcor selected Liquid UI as their partner for this critical project due to Liquid UI's robust platform that supports easy, safe customization without risking the core functionalities of the SAP system
Recognizing the complexity and rigidity of native SAP systems, Liquid UI's ability to allow system owners to make user-friendly adjustments was a strong point. Moreover, the ongoing support and the partnership approach offered by Liquid UI ensured that Amcor's specific needs were met, facilitating a smooth transition and successful implementation
“User friendly, easy, intuitive interface - that was the primary goal”
| Transaction Codes | Liquid UI Customization | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IW31, IW32, IW41, IW44, IW38, PM01, PM02, PM07 | Work order process | Simplifies the selection of equipment, entry of basic information (such as description, priority, actual work time), and addition of components required for the maintenance task. |
| PM01, PM02, PM07 | Dynamic component addition | Allows dynamic addition of components to the work order as needed during the maintenance process, ensuring that all necessary parts and materials are included. |
| PM01, PM02, PM07 | Seamless integration with SAP backend | Maintains seamless integration with the SAP backend, ensuring that actions taken on the iPad (like saving a work order) trigger the necessary backend processes in SAP GUI |
| IW Transactions | Enhanced display of operation long text | Improves the display of operation long text by capturing and showing it in a pop-up window, thus streamlining the viewing process and enhancing user experience without accessing the long text editor. |
| IW Transactions | Shortcut for equipment detail page | Introduces a shortcut to directly access the equipment detail page, allowing users to quickly view equipment details and attachments, which is crucial for maintenance tasks requiring immediate information. |
By addressing the initial user engagement issues and transforming the SAP PM system, Amcor not only enhanced day-to-day operational efficiency but also strategically positioned itself for long-term success. The shift towards preventative maintenance, facilitated by more accurate and timely data, allows for better planning and resource allocation, minimizing downtime and extending equipment life.
This proactive approach not only reduces emergency repair costs but also aligns with Amcor’s sustainability goals by optimizing energy use and reducing waste. The overall improvements in maintenance management contribute to a more robust, reliable production process, which in turn increases product outline and enhances product quality and customer satisfaction.
“The amount of information that is being put into SAP has greatly increased because we’ve given them a tool that makes it really easy to do it… specifically in one plant they went from creating zero work orders to over 200 work orders in a few weeks” - Erik
The transformation led to significant improvements in maintenance management at Amcor:
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