Case Study: Implementing a multi-site connected fieldworker solution for SAP

What does it take to implement a multi-site connected fieldworker solution successfully and ensure seamless integration with SAP?

In our latest article, we share insights from BlueScope Steel on how they implemented a connected fieldworker solution with Obzervr and as part of their global Asset Intelligence Program. __ BlueScope is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of metal-coated and painted steel building products. With operations in 15 countries, over 160 sites, and a workforce of more than 16,500, BlueScope plays a vital role in the global construction supply chain. In Australia, they are the largest steel manufacturer, and in New Zealand – the only one.

In 2020, BlueScope recognised the impact to operational efficiency globally of maintenance and operations teams still using paper-based checklists, forms, and logs for maintenance inspections and repairs.

This manual and paper-based approach was leading to:

• sub optimal storage of records
• fault reporting delays
• manual and double-entry of data into systems such as SAP
• limited visibility into asset health
• lack of data to enable predictive maintenance.

To address these challenges, BlueScope launched its Asset Intelligence Program in 2021 with the goal of digitising their asset management and empowering their workforce with technology and data.

The initiative was designed to deliver strategic transformation by:

• introducing 5 key digital platforms: Asset Strategy, Asset Information System, Connected Field Worker, Safe System of Work, Predictive Maintenance
• improving data collection through connectivity (IoT sensors and mobile devices)
• enhancing resource capability, and
• improving data visualisation and sharing.

And aimed to:

• Shift maintenance from preventative time-based maintenance to condition-based prescriptive maintenance
• Deploy smart wireless devices for real-time monitoring of assets
• Use advanced analytics tools to visualise and evaluate asset health
• Eliminate or automate routine manual tasks associated with asset management
• Transform data into useful and easily accessible information
• Build digital capability and literacy across their workforce.

For BlueScope, this wasn’t just a technology upgrade – it was a strategic digital transformation project focused on improving its people capabilities, processes, and overall operational performance.

The critical component – connecting field workers

Connecting their fieldworkers with SAP and other business systems was critical to the success of this program that is why BlueScope partnered with Obzervr to implement their digital work management solution as the mobile-first solution for inspections and servicing. Following a successful Proof of Concept, BlueScope commenced the roll out of Obzervr’s Digital Work Management including seamless integration with SAP.

For BlueScope, Obzervr’s Digital Work Management Solution provided:

• A mobile-first solution with an intuitive mobile app and offline functionality · Real-time data capture and auto-syncing back to SAP and other business systems
• Seamless integration with SAP ECC R3
• Structured data capture for improved accuracy
• Full audit trails and historical data for asset health trending.

With Obzervr’s Digital Work Management Solution, Technicians were now able to create notifications on-site without having to wait for desktop computer access or Supervisor input. This transformed how maintenance was being performed across sites.

Read the Full Article for more:

• BlueScope’s Implementation approach to ensure widespread adoption of these new technologies
• BlueScopes key takeaways and recommendations to others embarking on a connected fieldworker solution
• The improvements already being seen at BlueScope across efficiency, accuracy and workforce empowerment

Read the Full Article Here