Leveraging TrakSYS Beyond MES: Supporting Brownfield Manufacturing Facilities During ERP System Upgrades
When most people think of TrakSYS, they think about a powerful Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed to improve operational efficiency and streamline production processes. However, TrakSYS’ utility extends well beyond its core MES functionalities. One such use case—the one we are delving into in this blog—is the platform’s ability to assist brownfield manufacturing facilities during complex system upgrades, such as migrating to a new ERP system like SAP S/4HANA.
These transitions come with significant challenges, including custom code management, data migration, downtime minimization, and change management. How does TrakSYS help businesses solve these challenges? Read on to find out.
Custom Code Management
Managing custom code is often one of the most complex aspects of a brownfield ERP upgrade. Legacy systems frequently contain a wealth of customizations tailored to the unique needs of the facility. Migrating this custom code to a new system requires detailed analysis, adaptation, and rigorous testing to ensure compatibility with the new ERP.
How TrakSYS Helps:
- Centralized Data Repository: TrakSYS serves as a centralized repository for production data and system configurations. In doing so, TrakSYS enables businesses to analyze how custom code interacts with operational systems.
- Simulation and Testing: By utilizing its simulation capabilities, TrakSYS enables teams to model and test custom code scenarios in a controlled environment before deploying changes to the live system.
- Streamlined Communication: TrakSYS’ integration with third-party tools ensures seamless communication between legacy systems and new ERP environments, reducing the risk of incompatibilities.
Data Migration Complexity
Data migration is another critical component of ERP upgrades. Brownfield facilities often deal with large volumes of historical data that need to be accurately transferred to the new ERP.
How TrakSYS Helps:
- Data Validation and Cleaning: TrakSYS provides tools to validate and clean production and operational data before migration. This ensures only accurate, relevant data is transferred.
- Intermediary Data Bridge: During the migration process, TrakSYS can act as a bridge, synchronizing data between the old and new systems to maintain operational continuity.
- Historical Data Access: Even after migration, TrakSYS can retain historical data that might not be imported into the ERP, ensuring no information is lost.
Downtime Management
Minimizing downtime during the transition is essential for brownfield facilities to maintain production schedules and avoid costly disruptions.
How TrakSYS Helps:
- Real-Time Monitoring: TrakSYS provides real-time monitoring of production processes, enabling you to identify bottlenecks and plan the cutover process more effectively.
- Incremental Upgrades: By leveraging TrakSYS as a modular system, you can implement incremental upgrades that reduce the need for prolonged system-wide downtimes.
- Resiliency Planning: With TrakSYS’ alerting and notification capabilities, you can quickly become aware of and respond to unexpected issues during the migration.
Change Management
Ensuring user adoption and a smooth transition is critical for the success of any ERP upgrade.
How TrakSYS Helps:
- Training and Documentation: TrakSYS offers intuitive dashboards and reporting tools that can be used to train users on new processes, bridging the gap between the old and new systems.
- Customizable Interfaces: By providing customizable interfaces, TrakSYS allows employees to access the information they need in familiar formats, easing the transition.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: TrakSYS facilitates collaboration across departments, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and engaged throughout the upgrade process.
Beyond MES
ERP upgrades are complex, particularly for brownfield manufacturing facilities where legacy systems and operational processes must be carefully managed. Whether it’s managing custom code, handling large-scale data migrations, minimizing downtime, or facilitating change management, when manufacturers leverage TrakSYS beyond its core MES functionality, they can streamline the transition process, reduce risks, and ensure a successful upgrade.FAQ
How does TrakSYS support ERP system upgrades beyond MES functionality?
TrakSYS helps manage custom code, facilitate data migration, minimize downtime, and streamline change management during ERP system transitions, such as migrating to SAP S/4HANA.
How does TrakSYS assist with managing custom code during an ERP upgrade?
TrakSYS serves as a centralized data repository, provides simulation and testing capabilities, and ensures seamless communication between legacy and new ERP systems.
What role does TrakSYS play in data migration?
It validates and cleans data before migration, acts as an intermediary data bridge to maintain operational continuity, and retains historical data for future reference.
How does TrakSYS help minimize downtime during system transitions?
By offering real-time monitoring, supporting incremental upgrades, and providing alerting and notification tools to manage unexpected issues efficiently.
What features of TrakSYS facilitate change management in ERP upgrades?
TrakSYS provides training and documentation tools, customizable interfaces for familiar user experiences, and cross-functional collaboration support to ensure smooth adoption.
Why should manufacturers consider TrakSYS during ERP migrations?
TrakSYS helps reduce risks, streamline the transition process, and ensure successful upgrades by integrating with existing systems while maintaining production continuity.