Automation of Manufacturing Support Processes at a Mid-Market Manufacturing Company, Utilizing SAP Solutions

Traditional manufacturing process automation initiatives have focused on direct manufacturing value-added activities (assembly, fabrication, material handling, etc). Logically, these activities are easiest to measure, to describe, to pinpoint deficiencies and to calculate improvement/ROI from automation projects. With the maturing of ERP software solutions and associated implementation methodologies, process automation projects can be successfully applied to white-collar support processes (accounting, customer service, production planning and control, supply chain management) as well. This case study illustrates the efforts to automate manufacturing support processes, using the SAP software solution, at the American Meter group of companies.