Subject: SAP-for-Automotive
In the automotive industry, where product complexity and customization levels are continually rising, Configuration Management (CM) has become an indispensable discipline. It ensures that every component, system, and software version within a vehicle or production process is accurately defined, tracked, and controlled throughout its lifecycle. Leveraging SAP solutions, SAP-for-Automotive helps manufacturers and suppliers implement robust configuration management practices that drive quality, compliance, and efficiency.
Configuration Management is the systematic process of handling changes in product configurations — from design and production to service and disposal — to maintain consistency and traceability. It involves identifying configuration items (CIs), controlling versions and variants, managing relationships between components, and documenting change histories.
For automotive manufacturers, CM is critical because vehicles today comprise thousands of parts and software modules, each potentially customized for different markets, models, or customer preferences.
Modern vehicles are offered in numerous variants and options — engine types, safety features, infotainment systems, and more. CM ensures the right combination of components is assembled and documented for each vehicle.
Configuration Management enables traceability of parts and software versions, helping meet stringent regulatory requirements such as ISO/TS 16949 and ensuring safe, reliable products.
Engineering modifications, production updates, or supplier changes can be tracked precisely without compromising product integrity.
Accurate configuration data assists in diagnostics, repairs, and spare parts provisioning over the vehicle's lifecycle.
SAP’s automotive-specific solutions provide integrated tools to manage configurations effectively:
SAP VC allows companies to define complex product variants and options within the SAP ERP system. It supports:
SAP ECTR integrates with CAD and PLM systems to maintain configuration baselines and manage engineering change processes, ensuring design data aligns with production configurations.
SAP PLM tracks configuration items, change requests, and approvals, ensuring all changes follow controlled workflows and compliance checks.
SAP S/4HANA provides real-time access to configuration data across procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, supporting agile and error-free production.
Implementing effective CM in automotive requires:
SAP-for-Automotive solutions provide the framework and tools to overcome these challenges by unifying configuration data across the enterprise.
Configuration Management is a foundational capability in the automotive industry, critical to managing product complexity, ensuring quality, and meeting compliance requirements. Through SAP-for-Automotive, companies gain powerful, integrated solutions to control configurations from design through production and service — enabling them to deliver customized, reliable vehicles efficiently and confidently in today’s competitive market.