Download the complete case study in PDF format

RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG

SAP Data Online: RUD Creates Internet Product Configurator with SAP Link

The internationally active company offers future-orientated problem solutions with chain systems and components for a wide range of applications: for lifting, pulling or conveying, the hoisting gear chains, fittings and conveyor systems from RUD guarantee quality, innovation and safety. On snow and ice and in harsh off-road conditions the non-slip chains enable safe driving in connection with innovative assembly systems and long life.

Company
RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG
www.rud.com

Location
Head Office Aalen, Germany; other production sites in Brazil, Rumania, China; sales offices world-wide

Type of Industry
Producing companies in the metal processing industry

Market position
World market leader

Employees
approx. 800 world-wide, 650 of whom are in Germany

Annual turnover
n.a.

ERP-System
SAP

Programs and Services
Intrexx Professional, Business Adapter for SAP, United Planet Consulting

Requirements

Most manufacturers of technical systems can no longer do without standardised but configurable products. But the process of creating a bid is often very complicated. Excel files are created with VBA or an independent configuration software for configuration of the products. The process requires a lot of paper, manual entry of the data and expensive updates when products are developed further. In order to tackle this problem innovatively, RUD introduced a Web-based portal solution which should also enable a link to SAP. The solution had to be simple and implementable without programming effort if possible and offer versatile design possibilities.

Solution

The portal software Intrexx Professional and the available SAP Business Adapter were ultimately chosen. This solution enables data to be called live from SAP and written back into SAP from the portal application. In addition to the read and write access to SAP, Intrexx also features fast, simple application creation and flexibility to meet any requirements. The most important application with extensive processes and SAP link was put into operation after 2 months. RUD created a configurator for a conveyor system consisting of standard RUD components. Customers can call this calculation tool on the Internet and enter their data (such as axle distances, gradient angles, conveyor width) there. The system accesses the SAP material master data via an adapter. These are interdependent and are checked automatically for permissible performance and limit values of the design. The configurator calculates the chain dimensions with these data and within a few seconds the customer receives an informative offer. This is a great relief for both customers and RUD.

Benefits

• Greatly simplified procedures
• Web-based solution with read and write access to SAP
• Data access between various locations
• High customer benefit already in the important inquiry and offer phase
• No media breaks
• Infinitely expandable portal system