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Status

  Approved

Owner

HE-ext, Cindy 

Stakeholders

GAHRIN-ext, Vlad , Aliaksandr Autsiushkou, NICASTRI-ext, Michele Michele Nicastri, Faust Feu Montero, AGUADO-ext, Alvaro 

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.


DimensionsKey Functionalities
Business Processes
  1. Inbound Logistics

Support inbound logistics for both IM - and EWM - Managed warehouses.

  • Goods Receipt (GR) 

    • Scan and register incoming deliveries (inbound deliveries and returns).

    • Support barcode scanning for accuracy and speed.

    • Support unloading and packing the inbound delivery.

    • Support goods receipt with or without HU.

    • Real-time posting to SAP (material document creation).

    • Generate and print relevant labels.
  • Putaway
    • System guided putaway (IM - Inventory Management or EWM - Extended Warehouse Management).

    • Confirmation of putaway via scanning.

    • Support putaway with or without HU.

2. Outbound Logistics

Support outbound logistics for both IM - and EWM - Managed warehouses.

  • Picking

    • Display picking list with priority and location information.

    • Scan items for confirmation.

    • Multi-order picking (if applicable).

    • Picking with or without HUs.
    • Picking with or without Serial Numbers.
    • Picking exception handling.

  • Packing

    • Assign materials to handling units.

    • Assign / verify serial numbers.
    • Support unpack/repack/multi-level packing.

    • Generate and print shipping related labels.

    • Support for packing instructions.

  • Loading
    • Support loading by HUs or w/o HUs.

  • Goods Issue (GI)

    • Confirm GI against outbound delivery, or via confirming shipping document.

    • Update stock in real time when operating in online mode.

3. Internal Warehouse Processes

Support internal warehouse operations for both IM - and EWM - Managed warehouses.

  • Stock Transfers / Transfer Postings 

    • Storage Location (SLoc) - to - SLoc transfers, including transfers between IM and EWM Slocs. 

    • Bin-to-bin transfers.

    • Transfer postings, eg. stock status change and special stock transfer etc.

  • Cycle Counting / Physical Inventory

    • Support for ad hoc or planned inventory counting.

    • Barcode scanning for faster data entry.

    •  Support counting for HUs and SNs.

4. Production Integration

Support production integration for both IM - and EWM - Managed warehouses.

  • GR from production
    • Support GR with or without HUs.
    • Support GR with or without SNs.
  • Material staging 
    • Support GR with or without HUs.
    • Support GR with or without SNs.
  • Material consumption
    • Support GR with or without SNs.

5. Stock Management and Visibility

Manage stock and visibility for both IM - and EWM - Managed warehouses. 

  • Stock Overview

    • View stock on hand figures at different levels, such as plant/SLoc/bin/material/batch/HU.

    • Drill-down for HU, batch and serial number details.

  • Batch/Serial Number Handling

    • Capture and validate batch/serial numbers during movements.

  • HU Management

    • Create, manage, and move HUs.

    • Support nested HUs if required.

6. Other Processes

  • Transportation management (TM) - nice to have.
  • Support transaction reversals at least for key operation such as goods receipt.


Usability and User Experience
  • Support Offline Mode
    • Synchronize and store data for operations in areas with weak connectivity or network disconnection.
  • Unified Entry
    • User select handheld Apps based on business processes for example Goods Receipt App, rather than technical differences, such as IM or EWM.

  • Simple and Touch-friendly Design

    • Support current Zebra handheld devices.

    • Support explosion proof mobile tablet - ATEX mobile phones.
  • Multi-language 
  • Quick transaction postings


Architecture and Technical Integration
  • Built on Neptune DXP: UI5-based Fiori-style apps optimized for rugged devices
  • Integration with SAP S/4HANA via OData or RFCs etc.

  • Security and authentication (e.g., SSO, user roles)

  • Device management and support

  • Logging and monitoring of mobile transactions




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 in 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 fully support the above business requirements, the pre-built solution should also offer the flexibility and capability 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 Engagement

Based on the above requirements, a partner search has been conducted in Neptune Software website, and the following partners are the Neptune official partners who provide the pre-built logistics and warehouse mobility solution based on the Neptune platform. The matrix below presents an overview assessment based on the above business requirements. The complete assessment is provided in section: See also - Neptune - Partner Study.xlsx.

Solution PartnerOverviewFunctionalitiesUsability & User Experience

Architecture & Technical Integration

PreBilt -

The Config Team

The Config Team provides PreBilt™, a suite of mobile applications designed to digitize end-to-end supply chain processes within warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution centers. Built on Neptune Software’s DX Platform, PreBilt™ offers a highly configurable, low-code solution that streamlines supply chain operations.

  • Offers a suite of mobile applications designed to digitize end-to-end supply chain processes within warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution centers.

  • Provides a KPI and Analytics application that supports both EWM and WM, allowing enterprises to monitor performance and identify bottlenecks.

  • Highly configurable and out-of-the-box solution, enabling deployment in days.

  • Simplified user interface designed to reduce training time; one customer reported reducing new staff training time from four days to two hours.

  • Built on Neptune Software’s DX Platform, ensuring seamless integration with SAP systems.

  • Supports hybrid app development, allowing switching between platforms or mixed systems from iOS, Android, and Windows operations anytime.

HRC Software

HRC provides ready-to-use integrated applications for SAP Supply Chain & Maintenance and Procurement processes. 

  • Click here for Neptune partner details.
  • Click here for HRC solution introductions.

  • Provides ready-to-use web and mobile applications for Supply Chain (SAP WM, SAP HUM, SAP EWM), Maintenance (SAP PM), and Procurement processes.

  • Allows customers to fully integrate SAP documentation (SAP GOS, SAP DMS) within the process and adapt to their strategy with deep-linking between apps.

  • Designed and built by focusing on end-users, ensuring applications are optimized for industrial devices (PDA and tablet).

  • Installation of apps can happen within a 24-hour period, facilitating quick deployment.

 

  • Built on Neptune DXP, ensuring seamless integration with SAP systems.

  • Supports hybrid app development, allowing switching between platforms or mixed systems from iOS, Android, and Windows operations anytime.

 

Mygo Consulting

Mygo Consulting offers nxEWM, a comprehensive mobile solution for SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM). Built on the Neptune DX Platform, nxEWM covers the complete RF/EWM process, including goods receipt, putaway, picking, packing, and physical inventory.

  • Click here for Neptune partner details.
  • Click here for Mygo solution introductions.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: nxEWM encompasses the full RF/EWM process, including goods receipt, putaway, picking, packing, loading, ad hoc bin-to-bin transfers, and physical inventory. This broad functionality ensures that all critical warehouse operations are supported.

  • Prebuilt Applications: The solution includes 13 mobile applications tailored for EWM, developed using the Neptune DX Platform. Mygo Consulting has developed over 500 mobile apps for its clients, demonstrating their capability to create complex mobile applications efficiently. 

  • Rapid Development: Mygo Consulting can develop complex mobile applications in less than a month, allowing for quick deployment and adaptation to specific business needs.

  • Intuitive Interface: The nxEWM solution is designed with a user-friendly interface that simplifies warehouse tasks. Users can easily navigate through tasks, reducing the learning curve and enhancing productivity.

  • Minimal Training Required: Implementations have reported a 95% reduction in training costs due to the solution's intuitive design. Users can quickly adapt to the system, leading to faster onboarding and reduced operational disruptions.

  • Offline Capabilities: The solution supports offline operations, ensuring that warehouse activities can continue uninterrupted even in areas with limited connectivity.

 

  • Built on Neptune DX Platform: nxEWM leverages the Neptune DX Platform, a low-code application development platform that facilitates rapid development and deployment of applications. This platform ensures seamless integration with SAP systems, including both ECC and S/4HANA environments.

  • Modular and Scalable: The solution's modular architecture allows for scalability, enabling businesses to expand and customize the system as their operations grow and evolve.

  • Device Compatibility: nxEWM is compatible with various devices, including Zebra handheld devices and tablets, ensuring flexibility in hardware choices.

 


 Option B: Full In-house Developments

Solution Overview

With this option, a Neptune-based mobility solution will be developed as part of the SyWay program. It will integrate seamlessly with SAP S/4HANA to support logistics and warehouse operations, fulfilling key functional and technical requirements.

  • In align with SyWay program principles and requirements
  • Enable real-time and off-line data capture, validation and access via mobile devices
  • Support core logistics and warehouse operations
  • Provide an unified entry for end user based on process, such as goods receipt or goods issue, rather than technical objects, such as IM, or EWM
  • Utilise current handheld devices
  • Leverage the lates technologies, including Neptune DXP (SAP Fiori-based UI) for frontend, OData services or RFCs to connect the mobile UI with the SAP backend, and user authorization via SSO or SAP user credentials
  • Support SAP S/4HANA integration with components such as Embedded EWM or TM
  • Multilingual support
  • Fiori-like responsive UI via Neptune
  • Mobile transactions queue management and monitoring report


Implementation Team


Evaluation



Option A 

Pre-built Solution with Reasonable Customized Developments

Option B
Full In-house Developments

Function Fit & Customization 

(minus) Limited customization options, although many pre-built apps offer configuration settings.

(plus) High degree of customization, as Syensqo can design the solution to fit your specific requirements.

Scalability

(minus) Generally scalable, as they are designed for a wide range of use cases, and may have limitations in extreme scaling scenarios.

(plus) Scalability can be tailored to business needs

(minus) Requires careful design and ongoing monitoring.

User Experience (UX)


(plus) Typically follow SAP Fiori UX design principles, which are user-friendly and familiar to users.

(plus) Syensqo will have full control over the design and user experience.

(minus) To achieve a high-quality, intuitive UX may take more time and effort.

Integration with SAP S/4HANA

(plus) Out-of-the-box integration with SAP S/4HANA, leveraging standard APIs and predefined processes.

(minus) 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

(plus) If there are few customization requirements, in general, faster implementation and go-live, as they are ready-to-use with minimal configuration.

(minus) Product unique skills are required, so will be largely rely on the expertise and availabilities from vendor.

(minus) Longer time frame required for design, development, testing, and deployment.

(plus) Expertise base is much wider and generic. Has less limitation and constraints on the required skills.   

Maintenance and Support 

(** Country Base, Language etc.)

(plus) Regular updates from the vendor or SAP ensure the app stays up to date.

(minus) Vendor updates may not always align with your timeline.

(plus) Syensqo will have full control over updates and maintenance but must allocate internal resources to manage it.

Security



Innovation and Future-Proofing

(plus) Likely to be continuously updated by the vendor.

(minus) Vendor updates may not always align perfectly with your evolving needs.

(plus) Flexibility to incorporate new features and innovative technologies.

(minus) Requires ongoing investment.

Cost Considerations

Initial Investment

Licensing and subscription costs.

(plus) Lower initial cost.

On-going Costs

Maintenance, updates, support costs.

(minus) Ongoing fees.

Initial Investment

Development costs (including resources, training, infrastructure).

(minus) Higher initial cost.

On-going Costs

Maintenance, bug fixing, future upgrades, and resource requirements for ongoing support.

(plus) Potentially lower long-term maintenance.

See also

Overview of Current Handheld Functionalities.xlsx


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Version Published Changed By Comment
CURRENT (v. 41) Oct 06, 2025 09:47 WENNINGER-ext, Sascha
v. 102 Sept 29, 2025 18:47 WENNINGER-ext, Sascha
v. 101 Sept 29, 2025 18:44 WENNINGER-ext, Sascha
v. 100 Sept 22, 2025 13:12 BIRSE-ext, Gary
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