Implementation of SSAM at Ardagh Group
7 October, 2024Updated at: 18 March, 2026The road to predictive maintenance begins with improved input of maintenance data. This leads to higher data quality and greater engagement from maintenance staff.
What is the first step toward predictive maintenance?
Ardagh, a producer of glass and metal products, strives for continuous process improvement. Predictive maintenance is an important goal on the horizon for the organization. But how do you work toward this? Ideo, a long-standing partner of Ardagh, was asked to help think this through. To be able to predict maintenance, high-quality data is required. Therefore, the first step within the project was the implementation of the SAP Service & Asset Manager (SSAM). This solution contributes to improved data quality, enabling Ardagh to close the PDCA cycle.
About Ardagh
Ardagh Group, headquartered in Luxembourg, produces glass and metal products. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown into one of the largest international metal and glass packaging companies.
The Moerdijk site was established in 1996 as a joint venture between a machine manufacturer and one of the world’s largest international beer producers. Every day, the facility produces approximately 3.5 million bottles.
When it comes to high-quality products and service, Ardagh is regarded as a leading supplier in the industry. There is a continuous focus on improving processes and setting ambitious goals. To achieve this, the company uses the most advanced inspection and production control systems.
The challenge
Improving data quality
Ardagh Europe aims to translate process improvements into concrete actions. An important part of this is asset management for production installations and improving the quality of asset data. This makes it possible to implement predictive maintenance, resulting in higher Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Previously, technicians had to return to a computer after completing their work to finish their administrative tasks. This was not only inefficient for them, but it also negatively affected the quality and quantity of administrative data.
Chosen solution
SAP Service & Asset Manager (SSAM)
To improve data quality, SSAM was implemented in 2022. Ideo configured the standard SSAM solution and expanded it with the Ideo SSAM add-on. This provides technicians with a tailored workflow and user-friendly input screens. The solution maximally supports technicians in their daily maintenance activities.
Easy documentation of work
With this (offline) mobile SAP application, maintenance technicians can view all necessary information on user-friendly tablet screens while on site. This allows them to easily report and document their work immediately after completion.
Structured way of working everywhere
The project is currently being rolled out rapidly to various other plants across Europe. The enthusiasm of the users essentially “sells” the solution on its own. This leads to a structured way of working across all plants. At the same time, it marks the first step toward improved asset data quality and the optimization of the asset management process.
With SAP Service & Asset Manager, we are prepared for the future. Due to the high adoption rate of the ICT tools among technicians, data quality improves. This enables Ardagh to close the PDCA cycle.
Project approach
Ardagh has been working with Ideo for many years in the field of SAP Plant Maintenance. More recently, the mobility offerings also attracted attention. After an extensive pre-selection process together with Ideo, Ardagh chose the SSAM solution.
Implementing this standard application was step one. After that, the focus shifted to expanding the application based on Ardagh’s requirements. The goal was to make the process flow for technicians as simple as possible. In addition, the application places greater emphasis on aspects that Ardagh considers important, such as easily adding notification details or performing a HACCP check (a risk assessment for producers). The project team worked hard on this, with very positive results.
The go-live in Moerdijk went almost without any issues, and the technicians are very enthusiastic about how easy it is to manage maintenance administration using the application. However, it is crucial to arrange all internal prerequisites properly in advance, such as reliable internet connectivity in the factory. This helps avoid potential challenges.
In 2024, Ardagh therefore began further rolling out SSAM to several other factories across Europe. In the near future, the SAP Inventory Clerk will also go live. This solution plays a crucial role in efficiently managing inventory and ensuring data accuracy in the SAP system. This also contributes to a smoother and more effective business process.
Further Development of SSAM
In a later phase, SSAM was further enhanced, with the Inventory Clerk persona being expanded and optimized for use on the shop floor. In addition to adding inventory management functionality, the mobile user experience was further improved—particularly for use on handheld scanners.
This allows technicians to book materials directly from the warehouse during their work using a centrally available scanner. As a result, they can remain on the shop floor and no longer need to return to a workstation to update inventory in SAP. This leads to a more efficient process and better alignment between maintenance and materials management.
Facts
Client: Ardagh Group
Industry: Manufacturing Industry
Service: SAP implementation
Product: SAP Service & Asset Manager (SSAM)
Lead time: six months
