Industry 4.0: Bosch and SAP Combine Expertise

SAP, Bosch to Collaborate in Software and Cloud Technologies

• Long-term strategic technology partnership increases customer benefit
• SAP adds SAP HANA database to Bosch IoT Cloud
• Bosch makes its IoT microservices available to SAP on SAP HANA Cloud Platform
• Bosch has expertise in device connectivity, SAP in IoT applications
• Both drive standards as part of the IIC and the Germany-based Platform Industry 4.0

Their joint approach promises to speed up manufacturing and logistics processes and to increase the safety and quality of products and services for customers.

'In order to make even better use of the major potential that connected industry holds, international companies must cooperate more closely than before, and they must base that cooperation on open standards,' said Bosch CEO Dr. Volkmar Denner at the signing of the relevant memorandum of understanding.

Bernd Leukert, member of the Executive Board of SAP SE responsible for Products and Innovation, added: 'New solutions that offer a high degree of customer benefit will appear only when companies concentrate on their strengths and their core competencies while also pooling their respective strengths.'

Customers Benefit from New, Smart Solutions

To this end, there are plans to enable customers to use the SAP HANA database in the Bosch IoT Cloud. The aim is to process large quantities of data for IoT applications in real time. In addition, Bosch and SAP will work to combine their software and cloud expertise in the future. Bosch IoT microservices will be available on SAP HANA Cloud Platform as a way to connect different devices and components. This includes enabling secure and more efficient connectivity for vehicles, manufacturing machinery, or tools with various, and preferably, open platforms. The aim is always to offer customers new, smart services.

For instance, connected cordless screwdrivers can report their location down to the nearest centimeter to the production system, which can then select the torque appropriate to each screwdriver's task. The result is increased efficiency in production. Databases such as SAP HANA are a prerequisite for saving, processing, analyzing, and presenting large quantities of data from connected industry. All the systems both Bosch and SAP develop are focused above all on data security and privacy. Both companies protect customer data with state-of-the-art technology. Customers can decide themselves whether to make personal data available and when it should be deleted.

Industry 4.0 Calls for Standardized Conditions

'To get IoT and Industry 4.0 solutions implemented universally, we need standards and reference architectures,' Denner said. On the topic of standardization, Denner and Leukert expressed their support for close coordination with the internationally oriented Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) and with the Germany-based Platform Industry 4.0. The aim is to institute a set of standardized conditions that will support the interoperability of machinery in the world of industry. 'Joint testbeds are a tried and trusted approach toward that aim, with partners working together to test the interplay of sensors, machinery, software, and cloud technology, and to derive standards from that,' Leukert said.

Reduced Outlay, Increased Efficiency

One specific example of cooperation between the two international companies is positional data for forklifts, increasing the transparency and efficiency in logistics. In an existing IIC-coordinated testbed known as Track and Trace, it is now possible to determine the location of forklifts in large warehouses, aircraft hangars, or industrial sites in real time and to the nearest centimeter. Zeno Track, a start-up founded by Bosch, pinpoints the forklifts using cameras, GPS, laser scanners, radio, and connected motion sensors. The location data is transferred via the Bosch IoT Cloud to the SAP Vehicle Insights application, a fleet management system. As a result, vehicle fleets can be managed intelligently and in a way that best supports the planning and fulfillment of transport orders or maintenance schedules. This reduces outlay and increases efficiency. The cooperation between Bosch and SAP shows how the interplay of sensors and software enables the creation of new services that go beyond individual companies.

Platform Technologies are Building Blocks for the Internet of Things

Moreover, the two companies aim to develop further solutions in areas such as automated and connected driving. These always produce great quantities of data that must be evaluated quickly and reliably. 'Databases and platform technologies are fundamental building blocks for new solutions in the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. We would like to put these at the disposal of customers, partners, and users worldwide,' Leukert said. Denner continued: 'Bosch can draw on extensive sensor systems experience in the areas of mobility, manufacturing, consumer goods, and connectivity. By combining all this, we aim to help our customers generate new sales.'

For more information, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

First IIC Meeting in Germany September 19-24: Bosch and SAP are leading European members of the IIC. This international network of companies and universities is driving the implementation of the Internet of Things in several areas, including industrial manufacturing. The IIC is holding its first-ever meeting in Germany September 19-24. SAP and Bosch support cooperation between the IIC and the Germany-based Platform Industry 4.0.

Press photographs and graphs: Photos of Dr. Denner and Mr. Leukert at the event as well as graphs will be made available for download at 13:00 CEST on September 21 from www.bosch-presse.de and https://www.sap-tv.com/stockfootage/medialist/1456.

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About Bosch

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. The company employs roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per December 31, 2015). The company generated sales of 70.6 billion euros in 2015. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and around 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in approximately 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing and sales network covers some 150 countries. The basis for the company's future growth is its innovative strength. At roughly 118 locations across the globe, Bosch employs 55,800 associates in research and development. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life. Our innovative products and services fascinate, and improve quality of life around the world. In short, Bosch creates technology that is 'Invented for life.'

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as 'Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.' The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-presse.de, http://twitter.com/BoschPresse

About SAP

As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device - SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable approximately 320,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

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For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:

Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24
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Hilmar, Schepp, SAP, +49 6227 7-46799, hilmar.schepp@sap.com, CET
SAP News Center press room; press@sap.comDirk Haushalter, Bosch, +49 711 811-38195, dirk.haushalter@bosch.com, CET

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