SAP and Hilti use Cloud Tech for Construction Efficiency

SAP, a global leader in enterprise software, and Hilti, a renowned provider of construction products and services, have announced a significant advancement in construction technology through their co-innovation. 

SAP, founded in 1972 in Germany, has long been at the forefront of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, while Hilti, operating in over 120 countries, has been a pioneer in construction innovation. 

Their latest collaboration focuses on integrating SAP's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions with cloud capabilities, aiming to streamline operations and enhance connectivity between business data, engineering and R&D departments. 

This development marks a pivotal moment in the digital transformation of the construction industry.

SAP and Hilti: Cloud impact on the construction sector

SAP's new cloud capabilities for its PLM solutions are designed to offer seamless integration with its cloud ERP and supply chain management solutions. 

This integration provides businesses with comprehensive visibility and control across the entire value chain, ensuring the delivery of the right product at the right time and price. 

By linking product data with business processes, companies can efficiently organise information, streamline workflows and foster cross-functional collaboration. 

This initiative is supported by partnerships with technology firms such as DSC Software AG and Cideon, which provide integration with third-party product data management and computer-aided design tools, significantly reducing implementation times.

Other major construction companies are utilising technology to improve lifecycle management.

Skanska and Autodesk

Skanska, a global construction company, enhances project management by using Autodesk Construction Cloud. 

Through tools like BIM Collaborate and Autodesk Build, Skanska connects workflows and teams, enabling efficient data sharing and reducing project risks, thus streamlining communication and decision-making.

Turner Construction and PlanGrid

Turner Construction, a major construction services company, uses PlanGrid, part of Autodesk, for seamless document management and team collaboration. 

This solution facilitates real-time updates and issue tracking, improving project oversight and reducing rework, thereby enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations.

Hilti's digital transformation journey

Hilti's adoption of SAP's cloud-native PLM solutions is a strategic move in its digital transformation journey. 

Known for its innovative construction products, Hilti is leveraging these solutions to enhance its product development processes, offering customers tailored and on-demand prefabricated products. 

The integration of a centralised repository for product data management within the SAP PLM portfolio simplifies data organisation, minimises errors and accelerates time to market by fostering effective teamwork across various stakeholders.

This partnership underscores Hilti's commitment to embracing digitalisation and future-proofing its IT environment, as evidenced by its migration to the cloud with RISE with SAP on Azure. 

This strategic shift positions Hilti to harness the transformative potential of cloud technology, ensuring it remains at the forefront of construction advancements.

Johann Stadler, head of large projects IT for Hilti, says: “By leveraging cloud-native SAP PLM solutions, we are not only enhancing our product development processes for customer-specific products, but we are making construction better”.

Dominik Metzger, head of engineering for SAP Digital Supply Chain, adds: "Integration is critical for companies modernising their manufacturing strategies and operational processes.

“Collaborating with Hilti not only demonstrates their trust in our product lifecycle management solutions but also allows us to shape the future of cloud-native SAP PLM offerings.”

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