SAP BNAC: Digital asset collaboration as the key to successful transformation

Learn how to successfully implement SAP BNAC and optimize your asset lifecycle management in the long term.

The better the cooperation between operators, manufacturers, and maintenance providers, the more benefits can be derived from asset management—for everyone involved. The unhindered exchange of documents and information is crucial in this regard. This includes everything from operating and maintenance manuals to specifications and spare parts lists to sensor data that provides information about the current condition of the asset. Until now, however, this is often where the problem lies. Operators, manufacturers, and maintenance providers keep their knowledge to themselves—because they are not yet aware of the technical possibilities, fear economic disadvantages, or lack the technological prerequisites for simple and convenient exchange. This is something they all have in common. However, operators, manufacturers, and maintenance providers still face specific challenges when it comes to cooperation and data exchange:

Exchange via cloud-based platform – a ‘LinkedIn’ for assets

With SAP Business Network for Asset Collaboration (SAP BNAC), SAP is consistently taking the next step towards networked, intelligent maintenance. This cloud-based platform enables operators, manufacturers and service partners (maintenance providers) to securely exchange information on technical assets and their maintenance across companies. What has long been taken for granted in the private sphere through social networks – sharing information with relevant contacts – is now also becoming a reality in the industrial world: a ‘LinkedIn’ for assets.

For example, maintenance orders, including plant master data and documents, can be provided by the operator to the service provider, giving the latter immediate access to all the information needed for maintenance. This not only improves transparency, but also the response speed and efficiency of maintenance and service.

What is SAP BNAC?

SAP BNAC is part of the SAP Business Network and enables seamless digital collaboration across company boundaries. The platform combines functions for managing asset information, structuring maintenance and service processes, and collaborative use of technical documentation and digital twins.

The four core functions of SAP BNAC:

1. Collaboration platform: Operators, OEMs, and service providers exchange asset-related information, organise maintenance measures, and maintain a continuous flow of information in real time.
2. Centralised database: Technical documents, parts lists, maintenance instructions, and service histories are standardised and stored in a central digital twin – accessible to all parties involved.
3. Secure network: The cloud-based infrastructure enables secure, scalable collaboration – both internally and externally, with clear roles and access rights.

Integration with SAP S/4HANA: Integration with the master data and operational processes in S/4HANA enables maintenance processes to be fully digitised across the entire company.

What added value does SAP BNAC offer?

For operators:

• Central interface to all relevant manufacturers and service partners.
• Improved data quality through standardised and up-to-date asset documentation.
• Reduced effort for manual maintenance and searching for information.
• Direct communication with OEMs and service providers, including status reports and recommendations for action.
• Reduction in life cycle costs through targeted maintenance recommendations.
• Higher plant reliability through higher data quality and sound decision-making bases.

For manufacturers (OEMs):

• Close cooperation with operators and service partners enables new business models such as Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS).
• Improved visibility of product use increases customer satisfaction and reduces warranty costs.
• Consistent maintenance of technical documentation across all connected partners.
• Targeted communication and individualised service offerings possible.

For maintenance providers:

• Structured access to information from multiple operators and manufacturers via a single channel.
• Greater transparency regarding changes to assets and technical documentation.
• Reliable data basis for precise maintenance measures.
• More efficient maintenance implementation through better access to information.
• New digital services and maintenance models are easier to implement.

Conclusion: Sustainable benefits through collaborative asset management

The introduction of SAP BNAC is much more than just a technological investment. It opens up the opportunity to holistically optimise asset lifecycle management and create collaborative structures that sustainably improve transparency, efficiency and decision-making quality. Companies that take this path benefit in the long term from increased operational reliability of their assets, optimised maintenance costs and increased competitiveness.