Issue

During Conceptual Design phase, it is been endorsed that Syensqo will use Future Neptune-based Solution for essential logistics and warehousing operations via mobility devices, which offers both online and offline capabilities to ensure users can perform daily tasks continuously even during network disruptions.

Potentially, there are two approaches to implementing the solution: Pre-built Applications versus In-house Developments. This KDD seeks to compare these approaches and evaluate the most effective option for the mobility solution.

Recommendation

Background & Context

Neptune is a Norwegian company whose Neptune platform is designed to create and deploy mobile applications that interface seamlessly with SAP applications. As a SAP-native solution, Neptune enables efficient integration while minimizing the need for middleware. The platform integrates multiple data sources and environments into a single launchpad or view.

Syensqo has rolled out the Nereid project to selected plants and warehouses. Nereid solution is a Neptune-based mobility solution, which sits on Neptune DX Platform SAP Edition, including a set of business tailored applications which support and manage the site logistics and warehouse operations.  

During the Conceptual Design phase, a decision was made to continue using the Neptune platform with the Future Neptune Solution, which will provide warehouse users with an unified view of both logistics and warehouse management functionalities within the SAP S/4HANA environment. It will not only offer online and offline capabilities to ensure operational continuity, but also minimize change management impacts, facilitating a smooth transition to SAP S/4HANA. More details are described in KDD025 - Mobility Solutions in Logistics and Warehouse Management Processes.

Depending on the future process design, the decision will be made in Detailed Design phase whether to develop highly customized applications in-house or utilize the third-party vendor pre-built applications with reasonable enhancements.

Assumptions

1. The scope of this KDD excludes the mobility solution for Plant Maintenance (PM).
2. Current handheld functionalities may be harmonized to align with the SyWay program principles. However, the future mobility solution must continue to meet all relevant business needs. 
3. This KDD also includes an assessment of the potential vendors offering pre-built Neptune solutions. 
4. Engagement with Neptune or any potential pre-built solution provider will be handled separately from this KDD.  
5. A separate assessment will be carried out to determine the scale of hardware and infrastructure required for sites planned to roll out the future mobility solution. 
6. A review of existing hardware and infrastructure will be conducted separately for sites have already implemented the currently mobility solution.  
7. It is assumed that the third-party Neptune partner solution is augmented, which can be expanded and enhanced to fit in the Syensqo specific business requirements. 

Constraints

Impacts

Business Rules

• The selected future solution should be implemented to sites where the current mobility solution is already in place.
• To rolled out the solution to other relevant Syensqo sites, the cost-benefit should also be evaluated while considering site-specific conditions/hardware regulations such as explosion and flammability risks. 
• Ensure to have sufficient mobile devices to support the execution of the daily operations and exceptions at sites to implement the future mobility solution.

Options considered

Business Requirements

A study has been conducted on the functionalities of the current Neptune solution. Due to the presence of two SAP instances, there are duplications, overlappings or inconsistencies in some functions. While the existing functionalities serve as the foundation for the business requirements, they need to be harmonized to align with the principles of SyWay program and adapted to meet the evolving business needs. For a detailed overview of current mobile functionalities, refer to section: See also - Overview of Current Handheld Functionalities.xlsx. 

Based on the analysis of current Neptune functionalities and insights gathered from business, to effectively support the logistics and warehouse operations, the Future Neptune-Based Solution should address the business requirements cross process, user experience and technical dimensions, as outlined in the table below.

Option A: Pre-built Solution with Reasonable Customized Developments

Solution Overview

With this option, Syensqo will select a pre-built solution from a third-party partner, and incorporate targeted customized developments to fulfill the specific business requirements Syensqo.

A third-party pre-built Neptune solution typically includes a suite of ready-to-deploy mobile applications that cover key logistics and warehousing operations, backend integration with SAP S/4HANA, and run Neptune Fiori-style Apps optimized on Android-based industrial handheld devices. 

To comprehensively support the above business requirements, the pre-built solution should also have the ability and flexibility to be tailored to Syensqo specific needs. The targeted customizations may include:

• Enhancements to pre-built apps (e.g. additional validation or operation logics)

• UI/UX adjustments for improved usability on handheld devices

• Integration with custom Z-processes or Syensqo legacy third-party applications 

• Localization or language support if applicable

Vendor/Partner Involvement

Mobility Solution: Vendor Selection Matrix DRAFT - Google Sheets

(** Separate file: Vendor Selection Criteria)

Option B: Full In-house Developments

Solution Overview

Implementation Team

Evaluation

	Option A  Pre-built Solution with Reasonable Customized Developments	Option B Full In-house Developments
Function Fit & Customization	Limited customization options, although many pre-built apps offer configuration settings.	High degree of customization, as Syensqo can design the solution to fit your specific requirements.
Scalability	Generally scalable, as they are designed for a wide range of use cases, and may have limitations in extreme scaling scenarios.	Scalability can be tailored to business needs Requires careful design and ongoing monitoring.
User Experience (UX)	Typically follow SAP Fiori UX design principles, which are user-friendly and familiar to users.	Syensqo will have full control over the design and user experience. To achieve a high-quality, intuitive UX may take more time and effort.
Integration with SAP S/4HANA	Out-of-the-box integration with SAP S/4HANA, leveraging standard APIs and predefined processes.	Can be tailored for specific integration needs but may require more development effort and testing to ensure seamless integration with SAP S/4HANA.
Time to Implement	If there are few customization requirements, in general, faster implementation and go-live, as they are ready-to-use with minimal configuration. Product unique skills are required, so will be largely rely on the expertise and availabilities from vendor.	Longer time frame required for design, development, testing, and deployment. Expertise base is much wider and generic. Has less limitation and constraints on the required skills.
Maintenance and Support  (** Country Base, Language etc.)	Regular updates from the vendor or SAP ensure the app stays up to date. Vendor updates may not always align with your timeline.	Syensqo will have full control over updates and maintenance but must allocate internal resources to manage it.
Security
Innovation and Future-Proofing	Likely to be continuously updated by the vendor. Vendor updates may not always align perfectly with your evolving needs.	Flexibility to incorporate new features and innovative technologies. Requires ongoing investment.
Cost Considerations	Initial Investment Licensing and subscription costs. Lower initial cost. On-going Costs Maintenance, updates, support costs. Ongoing fees.	Initial Investment Development costs (including resources, training, infrastructure). Higher initial cost. On-going Costs Maintenance, bug fixing, future upgrades, and resource requirements for ongoing support. Potentially lower long-term maintenance.

See also

Overview of Current Handheld Functionalities.xlsx

Change log

Workflow history