Smart CNC application for operator guidance and DNC processing
In the dynamic world of manufacturing, the (SAP) standard is not always sufficient to meet the specific requirements of companies. Custom developments offer the necessary flexibility to optimize processes and integrate individual functions.
One such custom development is conDNC, an extension for increasing efficiency on CNC machines.
conDNC enables the operator to, among other things:
View all pending work steps on a single interface.
Identify the tools required for installation and removal.
Call up the most recent drawings.
Compare NC programs and send them directly to the machine.
These developments are aimed at companies that want to integrate their manufacturing more deeply with their IT infrastructure and seamlessly expand existing processes.
Why are custom developments necessary?
Choosing the right deployment strategy affects not only performance and scalability, but also the maintenance, security, and governance of the solution. Depending on your requirements and IT landscape, different approaches may be appropriate. A clear strategy helps to:
- Optimize costs
- Ensure compliance
- Guarantee future security and flexibility
Especially in the context of SAP Digital Manufacturing in the Cloud, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the deployment options and weigh them against each other.
Deployment methods: overview and best practices
Deployment in the customer's SAP BTP:
Custom development is provided in the customer’s SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).
Best use cases
- The customer already has an extensive SAP BTP infrastructure
- Maximum control and data sovereignty are crucial
- Long-term in-house maintenance and operation of the solution planned
Advantages
- The customer retains full control over the system and data
- Adjustments and scaling can be made directly
- Compliance with internal security guidelines and regulatory requirements
Disadvantages
- Higher administrative effort and IT support on the customer side
- Costs for licenses and resources on the SAP BTP
Deployment in the consulting firm's SAP BTP
Custom development is hosted in the consulting firm’s BTP environment and provided as software as a service. The customer accesses it via secure interfaces.
Best use cases
- Small to medium-sized companies with small IT departments
- Focus on fast go-live and low operating costs
Advantages
- No extensive IT required at the customer’s site
- The customer only pays for usage; no operation of own resources necessary
- We take care of maintenance and security measures
Disadvantages
- The customer relinquishes a certain amount of control to the service provider
- Increased implementation effort
Onsite deployment in the customer's system (on-premises)
Custom development is installed and operated directly in the customer’s on-premises environment.
Best use cases
- Companies with sensitive data and strict security requirements
- Existing extensive on-premises infrastructure
- Latency-critical applications
Advantages
- Data remains entirely within the company
- No additional cloud licenses required
- Lower latency in relation to other systems such as machines
Disadvantages
- High initial costs, as the application must be installed on the on-premises server
- Maintenance and operation place increased demands on internal resources and expertise
- Limited scalability compared to the cloud
Recommendation and summary
The choice of deployment option depends heavily on individual requirements and the existing IT infrastructure:
- Cloud-first: When flexibility and scalability are required, the customer’s SAP BTP is the most future-proof choice.
- Speed and efficiency: For smaller companies, our consulting firm’s BTP can be a cost-effective and agile solution.
- Security and control: On-premises remains unbeatable when it comes to the highest security requirements or special hardware.
In practice, a hybrid approach often proves successful, with critical applications remaining on-premises while less security-critical developments are operated in the cloud.
Björn Rohde
Product Manager conDNC
Do you have questions about this solution, please contact me for a non-binding discussion!
+41 764650120