ZEISS: Reimagining access to critical information from multiple sources for new analysis and decision-making vision
A robust data integration solution provides insight
In the fast-paced optical technology industry where precision and innovation are paramount, ZEISS is leveraging real-time data extraction from transactional systems to enhance its analytical capabilities. With SAP HANA Cloud and the SAP Datasphere solution, critical information is now readily available for analysis and decision-making.
| Industry | Region | Company Size |
| Industrial manufacturing | Oberkochen, Germany | ~46,500 employees |
users on seven analytical platforms consuming data using one solution.
in expected cost savings per year.
records and 120 million modifications supported per day.
Solution Manager, Data Analytics, ZEISS Group
Urgently needing timely and precise data to inform decision-making
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics sectors. As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is rooted in and committed to responsibility in all its activities. The company continues to challenge the limits of human imagination as the pioneer of scientific optics. With its passion for excellence, ZEISS creates value for customers and inspires the world to see in new ways.
Given ZEISS’s commitment to excellence and innovation, it is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of today’s global landscape. In a world that is constantly changing and at a time when manufacturing companies face critical challenges from economic protectionism, geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviors, innovation is the key to progress.
ZEISS was addressing significant opportunities that highlighted the necessity for timely, precise data to inform decision-making. Real-time insights were vital, as outdated information impeded responsiveness. Data silos across transactional systems caused inefficiencies, restricting the ability to aggregate and analyze data effectively. Managing multiple data sources complicated matters, decelerating operations and diverting teams from strategic initiatives. Data integration was essential to resolve inconsistencies and delays, facilitating alignment across business processes.
The infrastructure’s limited scalability restricted new analytical initiatives and created a bottleneck by relying solely on the SAP Business Warehouse (SAP BW) application for data. These issues underscored the urgent need for a more efficient and scalable data management solution to improve reporting efficiency, user satisfaction, and operational flexibility while reducing costs and speeding decision-making.
Maximizing scalability and flexibility for new analytical initiatives
To improve data accessibility, maintain consistency, and enhance analytical capabilities across the enterprise, ZEISS made the decision to adopt an innovative approach using SAP HANA Cloud for better scalability and availability. Working with the SAP Early Adopter Care program during the initial proof of concept phase, the ZEISS team subsequently developed a solution linking the database with the SAP Datasphere solution and SAP HANA smart data integration, provisioning agent. SAP Datasphere improves governance and simplifies data access for third-party cloud data targets.
The project, known internally as Federated Real-Time Data Integration (FeRDI), proved how using federated data in SAP HANA Cloud on SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) could support innovation through new analytical initiatives. To implement the solution, premium engagements offerings through SAP Services and Support were leveraged in overseeing the testing and go-live phases.
At its core, FeRDI is built on a centralized, real-time data repository using SAP HANA Cloud continuously updated by raw data from transactional systems in its landscape, as shown in the diagram. The scalable database serves as the primary source for analytical systems, while SAP Datasphere exposes data from SAP HANA Cloud to cloud data lakes without persistency. This mitigates ongoing storage requirements while data sharing methods are customized for target systems. Real-time transfers are made using the provisioning agent.
Unlike SAP BW, which required waiting for data updates, FeRDI provides real-time data extraction from the SAP ERP application. For example, material master data is sourced directly from FeRDI to some production shop floor systems, reducing the need for additional ERP connections. There’s simplified data replication, and the compatibility with these production systems offered by SAP HANA Cloud makes third-party solutions unnecessary. The transition required minimal training, and adopting SAP BTP streamlined data integration and enhanced the solution’s stability.
Team Lead Data Science, ZEISS Group
Drawing on enhanced insights for quicker decision-making
The consolidation of multiple system interfaces into FeRDI has enabled ZEISS to mitigate performance risks, shore up stability, reduce user frustration, and foster a productive, reliable, and secure work environment. And in the six months since the implementation, ZEISS has seen significant improvements across the enterprise.
For some production shop floor processes, where evaluating specifications and measurements of components was prone to delays because of a lack of real-time data, FeRDI now provides real-time connectivity and just-in-time updates. With material master data now sourced directly from FeRDI, there’s no need for additional ERP connections. And access to real-time data means decision-makers can act efficiently, boosting productivity and responsiveness to production demands.
In terms of operational reporting, FeRDI allows analytics teams to access real-time ERP data and integrate it with other datasets, transforming data collection. This flexibility speeds insights, decision-making, and adaptability beyond traditional reporting methods.
By simplifying data access with a unified process, ZEISS has also freed application developers and data engineers from navigating complex system policies and extraction methods, allowing them to focus on core responsibilities.
In parallel, with raw data readily available, the time spent creating interfaces is redirected to meaningful tasks, boosting productivity and enabling innovation. And real-time data access reduces delays, empowering business leaders to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently and improving confidence and project adaptability.
What’s more, in another project focused on migrating ZEISS’s customer relationship management solution, FeRDI provided access to up-to-date data for data quality tools. This enabled efficient assessments and monitoring of data cleansing activities and supported a smooth migration process.
Head of Operations, Carl Zeiss Spectroscopy GmbH
Innovating with AI to automate performance monitoring and responses
In ZEISS’s manufacturing operations, performance issues must be promptly analyzed and communicated. But this is often a complex task due to various target systems and methods of data consumption.
To tackle this issue, ZEISS is currently developing a proof of concept for an AI-based monitoring tool that will analyze and summarize extensive, intricate system log files while recommending solutions from the web or the SAP Notes service. The plan is for this AI tool to address user inquiries such as “Search SAP HANA Cloud log files for errors,” by responding with a summary, time stamp, and recommendations. The planned response will include links to SAP Notes or a notification detailing the performance degradation detected and actionable insights.
Want to know more about ZEISS?
ZEISS Group: Combining Process Innovation and Digital Transformation to Reshape Manufacturing in a Highly Regulated Environment (SAP Online Customer Story)
Carl Zeiss AG: Managing a Global Business Transformation with SAP S/4HANA (SAP Business Transformation Study)
Transforming the Optical Technology Industry with Real-Time Data (SAP Innovation Awards 2025)