Serviceprovider in the spotlight: myOpenFactory

myOpenFactory within SCSN: Strengthening Digital Collaboration Through Complementary Networks

myOpenFactory is a service provider that enables companies to connect to the Smart Connected Supplier Network (SCSN). With its solution, myOpenFactory supports companies in exchanging business documents with customers and suppliers through an EDI platform that enables one-to-many connectivity. In this role, myOpenFactory helps make standardized digital collaboration within SCSN practical, scalable and applicable in daily business operations.

myOpenFactory originated from a research project carried out at RWTH Aachen University in 2006. This project focused on reducing complexity in electronic data exchange and resulted in the development of a redundancy-free EDI format, which later received DIN-PAS certification. Today, this format is used within the myOpenFactory platform as a technical translation layer, enabling reliable mapping between different ERP systems while aligning with network standards such as SCSN.

“We saw many companies struggling with fragmented data integrations, high manual workloads and error-prone communication between ERP systems,” explains Robert Lancé, who has been part of myOpenFactory for more than a decade. “Our goal was to support structured data exchange in a way that fits existing business processes and aligns with shared network standards.”

Complementary Networks, Shared Objectives

When myOpenFactory was introduced to SCSN, the fit was a natural one. Both share the same underlying vision: reducing complexity in supply chain communication by using a standardized data exchange.

“Instead of building and maintaining separate connections for each customer or supplier, SCSN enables companies to connect once and collaborate with many partners,” says Robert. “By connecting SCSN to our platform, we help extend that network reach and make standardized EDI exchange accessible to a broader group of companies.”

Supporting Adoption Across Digital Maturity Levels

As a service provider within SCSN, myOpenFactory brings experience in connecting different ERP systems, procurement platforms and other digital environments. This allows companies to start with a limited scope, such as orders and order confirmations, and gradually expand their digital collaboration within the SCSN network.

“All companies we onboarded to SCSN were approached by their customers,” Robert notes. “That pull effect shows the value of a shared network. Companies increasingly want to communicate via SCSN, and our role is to help them connect efficiently and reliably.”

Collaboration Within the SCSN Ecosystem

Within the SCSN ecosystem, myOpenFactory actively collaborates with other service providers, software vendors, and the SCSN Foundation. According to Robert, transparency and cooperation between service providers are essential. “A collaboration between networks only works if parties trust each other and align on quality. That approach is what makes SCSN strong.”

myOpenFactory also contributes to discussions on the further development of SCSN by sharing implementation experience from real-world projects. “Many companies are still exploring what SCSN means for them,” Robert adds. “Clear explanations and practical examples help show that SCSN is not abstract, but something that works in real business environments.”

Advice for Companies Considering SCSN

According to Robert, the long-term success of SCSN depends on this combination of standardization and practical implementation. “SCSN provides the framework, service providers bring it to life. That is how you build a sustainable ecosystem.”

His advice to companies that are still hesitant is straightforward:

“Just start. Connect with one partner and experience how standardized digital collaboration works in practice. From there, you can expand step by step. SCSN and myOpenFactory make it possible to grow at your own pace, while staying connected to a much larger manufacturing network.”

About myOpenFactory

myOpenFactory is one of the leading German providers of EDI solutions and operates one of the largest EDI platforms in Germany. With the myOpenFactory EDI platform, small, medium-sized and large companies communicate electronically with their business partners in the simplest possible way. A single interface is sufficient, from the user´s ERP system to the myOpenFactory EDI platform. myOpenFactory works with their customers on innovative solutions for the automation and digitization of business processes.

 

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