Tag Archives: digitalization

BMW

World premiere: BMW Group introduces the first Car Creator in Fortnite

The BMW Group is leading the way in the automotive industry’s transformation and digitalization, while also setting new standards in gaming and digital experiences. The latest innovation is the world’s first Car Creator in Fortnite, a popular online video game developed by Epic Games. In collaboration with Epic Games, the BMW Group has created a virtual city called “Hypnopolis” within Fortnite, where players can explore and complete challenges centered around the new BMW iX2.

“Hypnopolis” is a visionary city that represents the BMW Group’s innovative and sustainable vision, combining futuristic technology and nature. It features prominent BMW landmarks, including the “Four Cylinder” headquarters, BMW Welt, and the BMW Museum. The virtual world also includes subtle BMW branding and entertaining game elements.

Stefan Ponikva, Vice President BMW Brand Communication and Brand Experience, explains that the BMW Group uses the potential of Web 3.0 to create unique digital brand experiences and engage with the Next Gen target groups through the Fortnite platform. He adds, “We are especially pleased that BMW is the first brand to give players the opportunity to customize a digital vehicle in Fortnite.”

The highlight of the “Hypnopolis” experience is the Car Creator, a world premiere feature within Fortnite. Located beneath the double cone in BMW Welt, the Car Creator can be unlocked by completing various challenges. This unique in-game experience allows players to design their own BMW iX2 according to their preferences. Initially, players can choose from a limited palette of gamified paint schemes, rims, and trunk contents. After October 11, 2023, additional options, such as series paint finishes, rims, and interior choices, will also be available in the Car Creator.

The BMW Group’s pursuit of virtual experiences extends beyond gaming. The company is also integrating virtual world and experience solutions into various areas, including production, development, sales, and aftersales. Through collaborations with innovative tech start-ups, the BMW Group is driving the advancement of virtual experiences and seeking unique ways to engage customers. The winners of the BMW Group Supplierthon 2023, a program that scouted for innovative ideas in different categories, will be integrated into the BMW Group’s partner and supplier network to support the implementation of their concepts.

The BMW Group’s approach to virtual worlds is based on three pillars. The “Corporate Metaverse” utilizes virtual work platforms for collaborative development, spanning areas such as development, production, and human resources. The “Commercial Metaverse” aims to enhance the digital brand experience and create a vibrant community, making the virtual platform an experiential space for customers. Lastly, the “In-Car Metaverse” explores innovative technologies to transform vehicles into interfaces for Web 3.0, including seamless integration of third-party entertainment and communication solutions.

Please note that the Fortnite experience created by BMW is an independently developed project, not sponsored, promoted, or organized by Epic Games, Inc.

BMW

Successful Go-Live of New Production IT at BMW Group in Cooperation with SAP SE

Munich / Oxford. BMW Group has taken another step in the digitalization of its production by launching the new standardized BMW IT solution for production plants. The launch took place in August at the MINI Plant Oxford, making it the first worldwide implementation of the solution. The BMW Group and SAP SE have collaborated to develop a state-of-the-art technology that is based on modern, private cloud-based software and SAP S/4 HANA. This initiative aims to enhance the process and tool landscape for the entire automotive industry.

First Successful SAP S/4 HANA Go-Live in Automotive Production. The implementation at the Oxford plant serves as a blueprint for the digitalization of future automotive plants. The simultaneous rollout of new global logistics, finance, and customs process solutions forms the foundation for future global standardization using SAP S/4 HANA, SAP Analytics Cloud, and SAP GTS. This standardization enables mutual plant support, flexible employee deployment, synergy effects in support and training, and facilitates faster rollout of new solutions in the production network. Additionally, it ensures data consistency and transparency along the entire value chain. Utilizing data analytics and AI, the BMW Group aims to elevate plant management to a new level by linking relevant product, process, quality, financial, and cost data.

“The go-live at the Oxford plant is an important milestone in the digitalization process of our production. It is further evidence of the transformation that is anchored in the BMW iFACTORY. It is the starting point of one of the largest change projects in the history of our production network. The new IT standards will be implemented successively at our BMW Group production sites,” says Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production Network, Logistics at the BMW Group.

Defining the Future Orientation of BMW Group Plants and Manufacturing Technologies with BMW iFACTORY. In addition to aspects of LEAN and GREEN, the digitization of production is a central element of the transformation at BMW Group. Digitalization and innovative technologies have already impacted the entire production value chain and are further being developed in Smart Data Analytics, Smart Logistics, Innovative Automation & Assistance Systems, and Additive Manufacturing. The introduction of new production IT standards will particularly enhance BMW Group Logistics, Customs, and Controlling, increasing speed, quality, and flexibility.

“IT is business and business is IT. As one team, we have successfully implemented a highly complex project. As part of our digitization and harmonization strategy, with this new solution we are now able to link relevant product, process, quality, and cost data, enabling data consistency and transparency across the entire production chain. We are proud to be the innovation leader in the standardization of business processes and systems in the automotive industry,” says Alexander Buresch, CIO and SVP Group IT at BMW Group.

Oxford as the Hub of Process Digitalization and Harmonization Strategy. The MINI Plant in Oxford is the first plant in BMW Group’s networked factories to transition to a cloud architecture over the next few years. This will enable faster rollout of future innovations across all plants.

Co-Innovation of Two German Pioneers: BMW Group and SAP SE Set New Standards for the Automotive Industry. More than 1,000 colleagues from both companies have been involved in the project. SAP SE and BMW AG have enjoyed a strategic partnership for over 30 years, during which they have successfully implemented numerous co-innovation projects. They have now further developed the functionalities of S/4HANA specifically for the automotive industry.