German Armed Forces Successfully Implements SAP
SAP for Defense & Security Industry Solution Provides End-to-End Logistics, Human Resources and Financial Management for Leading Defense Agencies Around the World
BONN, Germany - November 15, 2004 - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that the Bundeswehr, which comprises the German Armed Forces and its corresponding civil administration, has successfully deployed integrated SAP® software from the SAP for Defense & Security industry solution to drive human resources, logistics (including supply chain management as well as maintenance) and financial management processes. The Bundeswehr, which is at the leading edge of developing the SAP for Defense & Security solution to enable mobile operations, joins a growing number of defense organizations in countries such as the United States, Denmark and New Zealand using the SAP solution. SAP for Defense & Security will enable planning and execution, global access to readiness data, collaboration and decision support capabilities for combat commanders. As the software solution provider of choice for more than 14 NATO member country governments, SAP is uniquely qualified to fulfill the technological requirements of defense and security organizations around the globe.
SAP technology is the cornerstone of the Bundeswehr's Standard Application Software Product Families (SASPF) modernization initiative, established to ensure the comprehensive integration of core logistics and administrative processes to support domestic and deployed operations using mobile applications and decentralized ERP systems. For the Bundeswehr, critical information must be visible, accessible and timely when directing forces in a deployed scenario.
To meet these challenges, the Bundeswehr is extending its SAP rollout to include SAP® Mobile Infrastructure, technology that will enable commanders in the field to initiate and execute combat service support. With SAP's mobile technology infrastructure, logistics and core administrative processes can be carried out independent of a direct connection to a central or de-centralized ERP system. Synchronization of the mobile client will be initiated at a later point in time in line with the operational tempo, via tactical communications. If a military vehicle breaks down and the commander calls for service, the responding technician is equipped with a mobile-enabled laptop and can assess the problem, specify the required repairs, locate the nearest command center and order the needed parts so that when the vehicle arrives at the post it can be repaired and returned to field operations as quickly as possible.
"We have worked closely with SAP to ensure the success of the SASPF project and we are pleased with the results thus far," said Brigadier General Hans Herbert Schulz, Bundeswehr. "Our combined strategic development project, including the mobile functionality, has been a key differentiator in our overall decision for a single end-to-end solution using SAP for Defense & Security. This initiative will integrate and streamline operations across a single enterprise as well as provide the functionality for planning and managing deployed operations."
The successful rollout of SAP solutions and deployment of SAP's mobile technology are the results of a strategic development partnership between SAP and the Bundeswehr. The partnership is aimed at creating specific functionality to enhance efficiency and flexibility in planning and executing logistics and administrative processes while fulfilling the requirements of missions and exercises with mobile technology. In the near future, the Bundeswehr will be able to support deployed operations using decentralized ERP systems and SAP Mobile Infrastructure, including functions for the command structure, personnel, materiel and budgets, for all operations to better utilize resources.
"Mission success often depends on the effective use of available resources," said retired U.S. Air Force Major General John Barry, vice president, SAP for Defense & Security. "The integrated SAP solutions in use at the Bundeswehr are enabling mission-readiness, improved information sharing and knowledge flow while supporting mobile operations for deployed resources to operate as a single, connected team. At the same time, the commanding officers on location will be provided with a real-time depiction of available resources."
About SAP for Defense & Security
SAP for Defense & Security is an industry solution that combines mySAP™ Business Suite solutions with tailored functionality to meet the unique demands of military, security and non-governmental organizations who face an increasing and asymmetric threat, tighter cost controls and increased demands for higher intensity deployed operations. With installations worldwide supporting military forces and security agencies, SAP for Defense & Security provides foxhole-to-factory solutions for all service support processes, enhancing transformation and strategic decision making, improving the total resource visibility and profitability. Based on the open architecture of the SAP NetWeaver™ integration and application platform, SAP for Defense & Security helps organizations effectively save money, save time and save lives. (Additional information at http://www.sap.com/defense/)
About SAP
SAP is the world's leading provider of business software solutions*. Today, more than 24,450 customers in over 120 countries run more than 84,000 installations of SAP® software -- from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small and midsize businesses to enterprise-scale suite solutions for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver™ platform to drive innovation and enable business change, mySAP™ Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP industry solutions support the unique business processes of more than 25 industry segments, including high tech, retail, public sector and financial services. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP." (Additional information at http://www.sap.com)
(*) SAP defines business software solutions as consisting of enterprise resource planning and related software solutions such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, product lifecycle management and supplier relationship management.
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2003 filed with the SEC on March 23, 2004. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
Copyright © 2004 SAP AG. All rights reserved.
SAP, R/3, mySAP, mySAP.com, xApps, xApp, SAP NetWeaver and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Data contained in this document serves informational purposes only. National product specifications may vary.
For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:
Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24
United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)
For more information, press only:
Bonnie Rothenstein, +1 (610) 661-8867, bonnie.rothenstein@sap.com, EST
SAP Press Office, +1 (610) 661-3200, press@sap.com, EST
Carmen Edwards, Burson-Marsteller, +1 (202) 530-4632, carmen_edwards@was.bm.com, EST
Mirko Lueck, Burson-Marsteller, +49 (69) 23809-58, mirko_lueck@de.bm.com, CET
