The Revolution in the Digitalization of Analog Measuring Instruments

Many are faced with the problem of how to integrate their tried and tested but outdated machines into a modern, data-driven environment without having to make massive investments in new equipment. As part of our
InnovateSAP
initiative, we have developed a groundbreaking solution based on the use of artificial intelligence to automatically read analog data displays.

The Challenge

The challenge is to introduce existing analog machines that have done reliable work for decades into the digital world. In particular, analogue measuring devices, which are indispensable for the collection of critical data, face integration problems into modern digital infrastructures.

Our solution

Our solution at HO2 combines advanced AI techniques with the use of live camera data directed at these analog devices. Here, the live feed is analyzed by our AI, the data from the analog measuring devices is recorded and converted into digital formats. This innovative approach not only reduces costs, but also significantly minimizes the manual workload of employees.

 

From idea to implementation

Our approach was innovative and practice-oriented at the same time. We used a pre-existing model for recognizing things in imagery as a starting point. The architecture of the model has been adapted and specially trained for the detection and evaluation of dial gauges. Providing the data as a residual service enables the AI to seamlessly process the live data directly from the camera. We then store the transferred data in a database from where we can access this data for analytical or security purposes.

Results and outlook

The results are promising. By implementing our solution, companies can continue to use their proven machines while reaping the benefits of digitalization. This approach is not limited to complex machines, but can also be extended to simpler applications, such as monitoring pipelines using AI to collect pressure and flow data.

Here are some example results with the detected characteristics (minimum, tip, center, maximum) from which the current meter reading can be determined:

The possibilities are manifold and extend far beyond pure machine integration. With our InnovateSAP initiative, we offer companies the opportunity to transform their analogue dilemma into a digital solution and successfully lead their production into the digital age.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards digitizing your production, contact us today. At HO2, we’re here to guide you through this change and future-proof your operations.

Success Story – Hybrid Mobile SAP UI5 App with Offline Capability for Utilities

Are you faced with the challenge of providing services even under the most difficult conditions? HO2’s InnovateSAP initiative presents the optimal solution: a tailor-made hybrid mobile SAP UI5 app, perfect for the energy sector. Discover how we work with our customers to break down barriers and redefine efficiency.

The Challenge

In the utility sector, teams often encounter the problem of a patchy internet connection, especially in basements or remote areas. This makes it more difficult to preserve evidence in the case of measures such as turning off the electricity to defaulting customers. Data such as time, location, meter reading and photos of the sealing must be recorded accurately and securely. The solution? An offline-capable, natively running APP on your mobile devices.

HO2’s approach

Our strategy is based on the development of a mobile, offline-ready app implemented using SAP’s Hybrid App Toolkit and Web IDE. Using an encrypted SQLite database on the device secures the data from unauthorized access until an internet connection is restored. Then the data can be reliably transferred to the Netweaver Gateway OData Service. This innovative approach guarantees data security in every situation.

Our Approach

1. Requirements: Together we determine what exactly you need.
2. Development of prototypes with SAP Build Classic: We create the first models of your application.
3. Examination of technical feasibility: We pay special attention to encryption and offline capability and storage of large amounts of data (photos).
4. It was evaluated whether the capabilities of the browsers could be sufficient (Local Storage, IndexedDB…) or whether more powerful libraries (SQLite…) were necessary.
5. Evaluation of whether an integration of OData services through the Netweaver Gateway can be carried out sensibly here. The goal was to smoothly supply the app with data.
6. Implementation of the requirements with SAP UI5 and Cordova plugins: For a seamless user experience.
7. Deploy the app with MobileIron: So everyone in the field can work without delays.

The Result

The result is a powerful, offline-ready app that addresses the complexities of the utility sector. It brings efficiency to work processes and enables precise data collection and backup, regardless of the Internet connection. This allows teams to work professionally and successfully even in the most challenging environments. The app was automatically rolled out via MobileIron, so that it could be installed directly by employees and automatic updates could be carried out without any problems.

Ready for change?

Would you like to learn more about how our SAP UI5 app development (web, hybrid or native) can revolutionize your business? We are happy to integrate services of any kind (OData, generative AI, analytics, non SAP, JSON…) into your APPs.

HO2’s InnovateSAP initiative is here to show you the way. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and start turning your challenges into opportunities.

Data migration made easy with SQL Workbench/J

Have you ever faced the challenge of migrating data from one database to another, perhaps even between different DB providers? Whether you are switching from an on-premise Netweaver Portal solution to SAP BTP, from a HANA DB to PostgreSQL on SAP BTP for cost savings, changing the provider of the database or moving to a new database management system – data migration is often essential, but can also be very complex.

Why use SQL Workbench/J?

The free tool support provided by SQL Workbench/J can provide a solution to such challenges. As part of our InnovateSAP initiative, we rely on SQL Workbench/J to solve migration challenges.

The required connection to source and target databases as well as the maintenance of predefined and additional JDBC drivers (e.g. for HANA) is relatively uncomplicated. A HANA JDBC driver has been created here:

Here is a PostgreSQL connection (which uses an SSH tunnel to SAP BTP):

SQL Workbench/J supports a wide range of databases, including (sometimes more, sometimes less officially): Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, DB2, Sybase, MS Access, Firebird, Apache Derby, HSQLDB, Informix, InterSystems Caché, MariaDB, Netezza, Pervasive PSQL, SQLite, Teradata, Amazon Redshift, Vertica, Greenplum, SAP MaxDB, Snowflake, Amazon Athena, Apache Hive, Google BigQuery, Presto, SAP HANA. This broad support makes it possible to handle virtually any data migration project in the SQL area.

Common migration hurdles

For example, one of the common challenges is blob fields (binary data of almost unlimited size) that cannot be exported as CSV, Excel or JSON with Oracle’s Oracle SQL Developer, for example. These files could become extremely large due to binary data.

In these cases, a manual export and import of files, which is already very labor-intensive, is not only error-prone, time-consuming and difficult to reproduce – it is simply impossible.

Creating Data Structures

Depending on the application, the creation of tables, indexes and, if necessary, functions can be done either via SQL directly or through your development tools. Artificial intelligence can be of particular help here, for example when creating the new data model based on the old data structure or adapting the Create SQL scripts to a new manufacturer or namespace. ChatGPT 3.5 is already a good aid here.

Implementation

With SQL Workbench/ J’s Data Pumper , you can perform data migration efficiently. Once the connections to the source and target databases have been established, the migration can be controlled with a comprehensive set of options:

• Selecting the Data Source (Table or SQL Select) and Destination – Here using SQL Source instead of a table:

• Manual assignment of table columns, if necessary
• Specifying the Mode to Control Update/Replace Existing Values in the Target
• Setting Batch Size for Optimized Performance

A key aspect of this process is the choice of mode to determine how or if existing values should be replaced. An incorrect selection will lead to errors at runtime. Possible modes are:

• Insert
• Update
• Insert+Update
• Update+Insert
• Upsert

For performance reasons and to avoid errors, it is advisable to choose the mode that allows successful operations more frequently, i.e. insert on non-existent keys or upsert to update existing values or add new records. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to insert or update records in batches, typically in sizes of 100 records per batch, to avoid excessive commits.

With the support of SQL Workbench/J, data can be migrated effectively and quickly.

Exportable script

To perform a data migration as scheduled, SQL Workbench/J allows you to export the Data Pumper function as a script. In this way, you can create an executable script step by step with one WB Copy command per table. The migration is then carried out at the push of a button. If necessary, normal SQL commands can also be used in the script.

Here is an example where a table is migrated from Oracle to SAP ASE (formerly Sybase SQL Server) using a SQL query and default values are set.

WbCopy -sourceProfile='p75 sys'
       -sourceGroup=intranet
       -targetProfile='p1x sysdba ase'
       -targetGroup=intranet
       -targetTable=SAPSR3DB.TCM_EMPLOYEE_DATE
       -sourceQuery="SELECT ID,
       CONTACT_INTERN,
       IS_BACKOFFICE,
       NVL(HIRE_DATE, TO_DATE('2099-01-01','YYYY-MM-DD')) as HIRE_DATE,
       NVL(FIRE_DATE, TO_DATE('2099-01-01','YYYY-MM-DD')) as FIRE_DATE,
       VACATION_DAYS
FROM SAPSR3DB.TCM_EMPLOYEE_DATE

"
       -ignoreIdentityColumns=false
       -deleteTarget=true
       -continueOnError=false
       -batchSize=100
;

Such a script makes data migration between different database providers simple and straightforward.

Contact

We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have about data migration and the InnovateSAP initiative. If you have any challenges or specific requests, do not hesitate to contact us. Together we will find a solution!