SAP's PLM solutions for Toyota F1 project

TMG is using SAP's fully integrated solutions to eliminate the complexity and cost of its former standalone systems, which are deployed by a workforce of more than 600. The SAP systems are intended to link key information across all the team's operations and to enable each unit more efficiently to execute its core operations.

TMG began its rollout of the 'SAP for Automotive' portfolio in January 2003, including 'mySAP PLM', 'mySAP Supply Chain Management', 'mySAP HR' for human resources, and 'mySAP Financials'.

"Applying knowledge effectively translates into competitive edge," said TMG's IT general manager, Thomas Schiller. "After our evaluations of several vendors, we found that SAP could best enable the solid data foundation that is critical to our business. With integrated solutions and powerful scope of functionality, SAP enables us to execute decisions effectively and accelerate our production and supply chain processes."

'mySAP PLM' will enable TMG to increase transparency across its planning and execution processes while standardising best practices for event planning, production, control and technical change processes. The company will integrate 'mySAP PLM' with its CAD system to gather data where it is generated.

The Panasonic Toyota Racing F1 operation is said to involve over 20,000 made-to-order parts which must be highly available, readily analysable and quickly deliverable across the enterprise. The PLM system will enable TMG to maintain an overview of the complete lifecycle of each racecar, its physical assets, equipment and components. The asset lifecycle management system will store comprehensive information (such as last use in which chassis and in which race) and a development and repair history on TMG's inventory of thousands of components, each with a barcode for identification.