Siva Shankar, Practice Lead- Manufacturing & IoT Technology implementations today are perceived through the context of the business value that can be derived from it, rather than a mere software implementation. In this respect, the technology works as an enabler, and companies optimize the complete operational landscape by moving towards a more integrated system, enabling isolated silos to interact with each other. Embracing this approach, Stellium uses IoT as an enabler that connects machines and devices together into smart, intelligent systems to drive greater efficiency, productivity, and, lower costs. “The IoT architecture designed by us is simple, scalable and unified into an enterprise-wide data collection system,” says Siva Shankar, practice leader at Stellium. Stellium’s IoT architecture captures optimal data and applies advanced data intelligence to discover inefficiencies or problems in manufacturing plants—unlocking new levels of performance and factory optimization.
“If Stellium’s offerings are represented through a Venn diagram, we are at the intersection of SAP technologies and manufacturing and supply chain,” adds Siva Shankar. Being aware of the recent convergence between the operational technology layer and IT layer, Stellium merges both as they offer SAP solution implementation, in addition to connectivity layer. Customers approaching Stellium seek advisory services especially in cases of optimization or embracing a new technology to attain a more efficient and streamlined workflow. Stellium commences with a roadmap of the achievements that can be accomplished from an IT and SAP technology standpoint, in addition to the connectivity or IoT architecture that would suit that particular organization. “Our IoT architecture is designed to filter out irrelevant data or information at the lower end of the value chain with edge computing,” adds Siva Shankar.
Stellium’s solution connects to all devices in the connectivity layer, whether it’s programmable logic controller (PLC) or radio-frequency identification (RFID) or any other hardware solutions.
The IoT architecture designed by us is simple, scalable and unified into an enterprise-wide data collection system
If there is SAP or a device connectivity product, Stellium thinks it’s wise to avoid custom coding. Mostly because, in the case of an upgrade of the solution, this customized solution might act as a bottleneck. In the instance of an absolute requirement for customization, Stellium approaches the situation in a manner that the modification is positioned outside the standard system so that it doesn’t affect the entire solution architecture.
One of their clients, a reputed FMCG sought Stellium’s assistance to improve their overall equipment effectiveness. Stellium employed the design thinking approach, which offers greater visibility in terms of locating the source of inhibited production. The second phase includes collaborating with the financial system, in order to identify the value of that particular asset, ascertaining the extent of the employed capital that is not utilized. “The complete solution entails connecting the equipment, extracting data, performing data modeling and designing a user interface that is easily accessible while retaining user restriction—enabling a clear visibility of the company’s OEE performance,” adds Siva Shankar.
Stellium emphasizes that their employees should understand the business or process flows and welcomes expertise in the manufacturing and supply chain industry. They also train their employees in technology tool enablement, instructing them on how to utilize a technological tool to derive the desired client value. The company also shares an innovation lab with SAP, which is used for smart factory solution demonstration and training of employees. The lab also allows customers to evaluate the prototypes, enabling them to assess the outline of the to-be-implemented solution and its potential benefits.
In the near future, the company is planning to extend their customer base from big enterprises to medium size companies, by deploying a solution in SAP cloud that can be accessed by numerous clients in a cost-effective way.
