Issue

The Mobility solution streamlines logistics and warehouse execution by providing automatic real-time data capture and updates, and facilitates the effective and efficient processing of the inbound, outbound and internal goods movements. Therefore, Syensqo has implemented Neptune-based Mobility Solution (In short, Neptune Solution), which is a set of mobile applications developed based on Neptune platform integrating with SAP ECC backend programs. 

• As transitioning into SAP S/4HANA, it is a good opportunity to review and optimize the current highly customized Neptune solution, and also assess some other options to implement a standard, simplified and future proof mobile solution across Syensqo. 
• As part of current Neptune Solution, different apps with similar functionalities were developed for 2 SAP instances (WP1 and PF1) used in Syensqo. Consolidation of functionalities is reasonable moving forward to SAP S/4HANA.   
• KDD014 - Future-proof Warehouse Operations describes that as part of the transition into SAP S/4HANA, the SAP WM module is obsolete. Also for that reason, the current mobility solution should be reviewed.
  

Recommendation

The recommendation is to use Future Neptune-based Solution, which offers both online and offline capabilities to ensure users can perform daily tasks seamlessly even during network disruptions. The Neptune Solution also provides warehouse users tailored apps with unified view of both logistics and warehouse management functionalities. Furthermore, change management is limited since the users are familiar with the Neptune App navigations.  

However, it’s still worth exploring apps prebuilt by third-party vendors later during detailed design. This might discover a valuable solution without the complexity of building from scratch.

Background & Context

Neptune is a Norwegian company that sells and distributes Neptune platform to design and deploy mobile applications which can interface with SAP. In Syensqo the Nereid project rolled out the Neptune-based mobility solution across the organization. 

Syensqo Neptune Solution, sitting on Neptune DX Platform Planet 8 module, includes a set of business tailored applications which support and manage on the site logistics and warehouse management operations.   

Some examples of Neptune Apps are:

• Goods Receipt for purchase order
• Putaway in Warehouse Management
• Pick and Load
• Pallet / SU (Storage Unit) Creation
• PP-PI, PP-REM Material Consumption
• Inventory Counting for IM (Inventory Management) and WM (Warehouse Management) 
• IM/WM Location Moves
• Bin to Bin Movement
• Label Printing etc.

Assumptions

• The current Neptune solution covers functionalities of Logistics, Warehouse Management (WM) and Plant Maintenance (PM). The Plant Maintenance Functionalities are covered in the EAM - Mobility Solution KDD and not further discussed in this document.
• The business requirements for mobile functionalities are expected to be refined further during the detailed design phase.
• Language requirements for the mobile applications are covered in a separate KDD in detailed design. 
• This document assumes the recommendation of KDD014 (Future-Proof Warehouse Operations) is followed in the future design meaning EWM will be implemented. 
• For sites to be rolled out the mobility solution, the scale of required hardware and infrastructure will be assessed during the detailed design phase.

Constraints

By understanding the below challenges, we can mitigate risks and optimize the Neptune-based mobile solution to meet the Syensqo specific needs.

User Experience (UX) in Mobile Context: Although Neptune allows for custom UX design, which can lead to a highly tailored user experience, however, inconsistencies or complex functionalities may impact user adoption and productivity. So to ensure the intuitive and efficient workflows that align with business processes, the UX design should focus on minimizing user inputs, utilizing device features such as barcode scanning, and providing clear navigation paths. 

Mobile App Lifecycle Management: Neptune solution is not an one-off implementation, but requires Syensqo to manage the mobile application lifecycle and ensure the mobility solution is compatible with evolving SAP releases, operating system updates, and device changes. This may involve continuous software update and version management etc., which requires proactive planning and regular maintenance.

Vendor Support and Roadmap: Dependency on Neptune as a third-party solution provider necessitates understanding their support policies, product roadmap, and future compatibility with SAP updates. Regular communication with Neptune regarding updates, patches, and new features is essential to stay current and leverage enhancements.

Impacts

Process and Functionalities: Although the future Neptune Solution can leverage the current designs and features, SAP S/4HANA will introduce changes in the processes, functionalities, as well as role definition and authorizations, therefore the current mobile functionalities will need to be reviewed to align with the ERP Rebuild solution designs.

User Training and Change Management: Users familiar with ECC-based processes will need training on new processes and features introduced in S/4HANA, which ensures smooth adoption of the new Neptune Solution. Sufficient and qualitative end user training across all relevant warehouses is required for a successful implementation.

Data Mapping and Conversion: Data structures and data models in S/4HANA differ from ECC. The new Neptune Solution must accommodate these changes and ensure data integrity.

Business Rules

• Potentially, the selected mobility solution should be rolled out to all the Syensqo Manufacturing Plants, DCs (Distribution Centers) which are operated and managed by Syensqo, R&I Centers and Spare part warehouses. Defined processes and further updates will be determined during the detailed design phase.
  
  
• Warehouses to be implemented of Mobility Solution will have sufficient mobile devices to support the execution of the daily operations and exceptions.

Options considered

Option A: SAP Standard Mobile Solution

• From logistics perspective, SAP offers the SAP Inventory Manager: 

SAP Inventory Manager is a complete wireless inventory management solution. It provides the company with the tools to improve and manage inventory levels, efficiently fill customer orders, and track the movement of materials using mobile devices with scanning functionality. The mobile application accesses the SAP Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solution and provide the technicians and warehouse staff with the ability to execute stockroom operations in an automated and seamless way.

Inventory Manager can be deployed on a wide range of mobile devices, such as phone, tablet and windows mobile devices. It supports19 different languages. Refer to List of Languages Supported by SAP Inventory Manager in below section See also.

• From Warehouse Management perspective, SAP EWM is offering an extended RF framework. It enables various warehouse activities, such as picking, putting away, packing, counting, and more, to be managed efficiently and accurately. Screen personas can be used to adapt the screens with greater flexibility and limited complexity.
  
  This is an example of the basic RF menu to display for the warehouse operators.
  These menus are easily adjustable on warehouse operator level.
  
  
  

Option B: Future Neptune-based Solution

Utilize the intuitive and customizable UI/UX in Neptune platform to design, build, deploy and maintain mobile apps integrating with SAP S/4HANA, to meet Syensqo logistics and warehouse management business requirements. This future Neptune Solution will be built with leveraging the current mobile functionalities with the below principles: 

• Functional Requirements: Meets all essential and applicable functionalities in both online and offline environments.
• Technical alignment with S/4HANA for seamless synchronization.
• User Experience (UX): Aligns with Fiori UX and ease of use by warehouse personnel.
• Unified View: Provides a consistent entry for warehouse operations even if use different SAP functionalities.

Option C: Third-party Vendor Solution

There are other mobile solutions can be considered, which are prebuilt by third-party vendors and specialized in enterprise mobility. They can integrate with SAP S/4HANA, and often provide rapid development capabilities with pre-built templates and connectors. Offer additional features such as analytics, workflow management, and offline capabilities. However, cost of licenses, maintenance, and support will need to be thoroughly assessed. Also need to ensure compatibility and adherence to SAP standards for integration and security.

The examples for third party solutions are:

• PreBilt^TM SAP supply chain mobility solution from The Config Team (Prebilt)
• HRC procurement and warehouse solution from HRC Software 

Option D: SAP Mobile Design Solution

Based on business requirements, Syensqo can also utilize SAP Fiori or Mobile Services to build customized applications with leveraging the current functionalities. 

• SAP Fiori Apps: SAP Fiori is SAP's user experience (UX) design system that provides a set of applications that can be used on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. It offers a consistent and intuitive user experience following SAP's design principles. Covers a wide range of logistics and warehouse processes. However, it will need customization for specific business processes beyond standard SAP functionality.
• SAP Mobile Services: Formerly known as SAP Mobile Platform (SMP), provides a framework and tools for developing, deploying, and managing mobile applications that integrate with SAP systems. It offers flexibility to build tailored mobile solutions for specific business requirements, supports offline capabilities and integrates with device management solutions. However, it requires development effort and expertise, may have cost implications for licensing and development.

Evaluation

Based on five different criteria, the matrix below compares the pros and cons of the potential options for logistics & warehouse management mobility solution.  

	Option A: SAP Standard Mobile Solution	Option B: Future Neptune-Based Solution	Option C: Third- Party Vendor Solution	Option D: SAP Mobile Design Solution
Functional Fit	Only SAP standard functionalities available. Syensqo specific functionalities are not supported. Inventory Manager is specifically designed for enterprise asset management (EAM) processes. Require additional customization for broader logistics operations.	Covers essential processes required by Syensqo.	A detailed assessment is required, however it is expected that many of the current functionalities are not available since it's a highly customized solution.	Covers essential processes required by Syensqo.
Integration with SAP	Native SAP mobile solution, which seamlessly integrates with SAP S/4HANA.	Although it can be tightly integrated with SAP, it is not as seamless integration as the standard SAP solutions.	Integration with S/4HANA is mandatory. This depends on the solution used by the vendor. More detailed assessment is required to ensure the integration.	Native SAP mobile solution, which seamlessly integrates with SAP S/4HANA.
Usability	Provides real-time access to SAP data. Users won't be able to continue transactions in mobile devices during disconnection or limited access to network. Different look & feel and even different logins for logistics and warehouse management functionalities.	Users will be able to continue transactions in mobile devices during disconnection or limited access to network. Unified view for warehouse users to perform both logistics and warehouse management functionalities.	Expected that these solutions are user friendly and easy to navigate.	Provides real-time access to SAP data. When using SAP Fiori Apps, users won't be able to continue mobile transactions during disconnection or limited access to network.
Offline Capabilities	No offline capabilities to support operations in a remote area without network if required.	Offline capabilities can support operations in a remote area without network if required.	Vendor can be selected based on offline capabilities if required.	SAP Fiori Apps have no offline capabilities to support operations in a remote area without network if required.
Implementing Efforts and Change Management	Thorough and comprehensive user trainings are critical. Major development efforts are required to fit to the Syensqo specific needs.	Development is required to fit to the future S/4HANA solution design. However, efforts can be reduced by leveraging the current functionalities.  Users are familiar with navigation within Neptune Apps.	To liaise and work with both SAP and third-party solution provides adds the complexity to implementation and change management.	Major development efforts are required to fit to the Syensqo specific needs.

As shown in the matrix, the Future Neptune-based Solution provides tailored apps with unified view of logistics and warehouse management functionalities. This can better fulfill the specific Syensqo business requirements. With both online and offline capabilities, this option ensures business operation continuity.  

However, depending on the level of standardization in future processes, it may still worth to further assess the standard functionalities prebuilt by third-party vendors at later stage to avoid the efforts of building the solution from the scratch.

See also

1. List of Languages Supported by SAP Inventory Manager

• ar - Arabic
• cs - Czech
• de - German
• es - Spanish
• fr - French
• he - Hebrew
• hu - Hungarian
• it - Italian
• ja - Japanese
• ko - Korean
• pl - Polish
• pt - Portuguese
• ro - Romanian
• ru - Russian
• sh - Serbian
• sk - Slovakian
• sv - Swedish
• tr - Turkish
• zh-CN - Simplified Chinese

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