Windchill SAP Interface: SF SAPchill – consistent, synchronised and process-integrated

Windchill SAP Interface: Why separate systems slow down product development

Headline: Seamless integration of SAP ERP and PTC Windchill – in both directions

SF SAPchill provides a bidirectional link between Windchill PDMLink and SAP: documents, material master records, bills of material and change processes are automatically synchronised. Users work in their familiar system – the interface runs smoothly in the background.

In manufacturing companies, product data is generated in two separate environments: Windchill PDMLink manages CAD models, technical drawings and design documents. SAP requires approved neutral formats, material master records and bills of materials. The two systems often operate separately – resulting in manual data transfers, duplicate data maintenance and inconsistent data.

SF SAPchill establishes a direct link between the two systems: as a bidirectional Windchill–SAP interface that ensures product data remains consistent throughout the entire product lifecycle – without users having to switch systems and without the need for manual synchronisation.

Bidirectional

The source and target systems remain online throughout the entire migration – only a brief ‘frozen zone’ is required for the final switchover.

Consistency

Documents, material master records and bills of materials are always up to date and synchronised in both systems.

Process integration

Approval workflows, change processes and classifications are mapped across all systems.

Stability

EPMDocuments, WTDocuments, WTParts and eBOM/mBOM data are migrated in full and in a structured manner.

Windchill SAP Interface: SF SAPchill in detail

Full data synchronisation

SF SAPchill synchronises all relevant product data bidirectionally: documents and drawings (PDMLink WTDocument and EPMDocument with SAP document info records), material master records (PDMLink WTPart with SAP material master records) and design bills of materials, including creation and updating in SAP.

Cross-system change processes are also covered – PDMLink ECN and SAP ECM are seamlessly integrated. The PDMLink approval workflow automatically controls the transfer of data to SAP.

Features of the Windchill SAP interface

SF MERGE migrates all relevant object types in full and with version fidelity:

Bidirectional integration between Windchill PDMLink and SAP ERP
Synchronisation of document data, drawings, material master records and bills of materials
Cross-system change management process (PDMLink ECN and SAP ECM)
Integrated search for SAP material master records directly within PDMLink
Time- and event-driven data transfer and initial migration from SAP

Value lists and SAP classifications are available directly within PDMLink – and can be configured to suit individual customer requirements. This means that users can continue to work in the system they are familiar with, whilst still having access to cross-system information.

Initial migration and ongoing operations

SF SAPchill supports both the initial data transfer from SAP to PDMLink as part of an implementation project and ongoing operations in the production environment. Time- and event-driven data transfer ensures that changes are reflected promptly in both systems.

Supported versions and customisation

SAPchill is available for the latest versions of Windchill supported by PTC. Data mapping, synchronisation rules and workflow integration are configured to suit each customer’s specific requirements.

SF SAPchill – bidirectional interface between Windchill and SAP

Concept

We analyse your processes and define the scope of the interfaces between Windchill and SAP.

Implementation

SF customises SAPchill to your exact requirements – including data mapping, workflows and IMAP configuration.

Operation

We provide support for the go-live, testing and ongoing maintenance of a stable Windchill–SAP interface.

Enquiry & advice

Describe your requirements – our experts will show you how SF SAPchill seamlessly connects your systems.

General enquiries about SF SAPchill

What is SF SAPchill and how does the Windchill SAP interface work?

SF SAPchill is a bidirectional interface between PTC Windchill PDMLink and SAP ERP, developed by Software Factory and it-motive AG. It automatically synchronises documents, material master records, bills of material and change processes using IMAP middleware.

What data is synchronised between Windchill and SAP?

SF SAPchill synchronises documents and drawings, material master records, design bills of material and cross-system change processes. Value lists and SAP classifications are also made available in PDMLink.

Is the Windchill SAP interface bidirectional?

Yes – SF SAPchill supports data exchange in both directions: from Windchill to SAP and from SAP to Windchill. Both the initial migration and ongoing bidirectional operations are supported.

Will users have to change their usual workflow?

No – SF SAPchill runs in the background from a technical perspective. Users continue to work in their usual system whilst still having access to cross-system information.

Can SF SAPchill be integrated into the Windchill approval workflow?

Yes – the interface is integrated into the PDMLink approval workflow. Approved design data is transferred to SAP automatically and in accordance with predefined rules, without the need for manual intervention.

How is the search for SAP material master records supported in Windchill?

SF SAPchill offers an integrated search function for SAP material master records directly within PDMLink – by material number, short text or SAP classification – without having to switch systems.

Which versions of Windchill are supported?

SF SAPchill is available for the latest versions of Windchill supported by PTC. Compatibility is continuously updated with new releases.

Can the Windchill SAP interface be customised to suit individual customer requirements?

Yes – SF SAPchill is designed for customised implementation. Data mapping, synchronisation rules, workflow integration and event control are configured jointly.