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The S/4 migration is underway, the cloud-first strategy is in place, and then the question arises: How will output actually work in the future? Delivery notes, labels, shipping documents: if these aren’t printed, operations come to a standstill. Output management is business-critical and is in the midst of transformation.
We repeatedly see three areas of tension here:
- Heterogeneous environments: SAP, Windows, engineering systems, mobile devices spread across many locations, often with legacy printing silos.
- Security & data residency: GDPR, EU hosting, sensitive documents. These requirements don’t disappear just because the path leads to the cloud.
- Less local infrastructure: Reduce servers, ease the operational burden, and make costs more flexible—but without losing control.
The good news: There isn’t *THE* right model, but there is the right model for your requirements.
One Platform, Three Operating Models
This means that on-premises, cloud, and SaaS can be freely combined. When you choose one model, you’re not choosing a different product—you’re simply choosing a different operating model.
Model 1: On-Premises, Full Data Sovereignty
The classic option: operation in your own data center, as a single server or in a cluster. If you need maximum control and data sovereignty—for example, in regulated industries—this is the right choice for you. Thanks to microservices architecture, you can also benefit from modern cloud advantages such as Kubernetes clusters even when running on-premises.
The trade-off: The operational overhead is higher. Patches, updates, and availability are the responsibility of your own team. However, on-premises is not a one-way street. Individual functions can be migrated to the cloud at a later date.
Model 2: Cloud-native and quickly deployed
The PLOSSYS® Output Engine is designed to be cloud-native from the ground up and is not a “lift & Shift” of legacy software. Our platform runs on AWS and Microsoft Azure and offers:
- Rapid rollout with minimal on-premises infrastructure
- Dynamic scaling: From 5 to millions of jobs per day
- Cost flexibility: OPEX instead of CAPEX, resources based on actual demand
- Future-proof: S/4HANA-certified
The Kubernetes-based architecture ensures self-healing, rolling updates without downtime, automatic load balancing, and maximum throughput. Ideal for time-critical scenarios such as label printing and POS.
Model 3: SaaS – “Solution as a Service”
SEAL Systems operates the infrastructure, completely relieving the customer of any burden: no patching, no monitoring, no availability concerns. EU hosting is available, which is an important consideration for GDPR requirements.
However: Our SaaS is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead of standard subscription-based access, we offer a customized, modular approach with “Solution as a Service”:
- Solutions are assembled from standardized modules depending on the use case (SAP integration, output management, distribution, conversion)
- Customization and configuration remain possible
- The software is standardized enough for efficient multi-tenant operation
The best of both worlds: Custom solutions, operated with the efficiency of SaaS.
Note: Conversion is not currently available as SaaS. A hybrid solution is required in this case.
Real-life example: Jungheinrich AG
A concrete example: Jungheinrich, one of the world’s leading intralogistics providers (21,000 employees), wanted to connect external warehouses to the corporate network without a VPN connection and reliably supply them with documents and labels.
By implementing SAP printing via the SEAL Cloud using a relay server, an elegant solution was created that can be seamlessly integrated into existing SAP systems without requiring extensive modifications or changes to the system. The SEAL Cloud integration offers a scalable and flexible infrastructure that meets the growing needs of modern warehouse logistics.
Data output via the SEAL Cloud is seamless and secure. It was important to us that the cloud be operated within the EU – and SEAL was able to guarantee that.
Hybrid: Combined Deployment by Function & Location
Operating modes can be specifically combined based on function and location. Two typical patterns:
- Pattern A: Printing from the cloud/SaaS, conversion on-premises – combining operational relief and control.
- Pattern B: Core in your own data center, external locations via SaaS – investment protection plus flexible connectivity.
With the PLOSSYS® Output Management Platform, SEAL Systems offers the right combination of SAP integration, output management, distribution, and conversion to meet your requirements—regardless of which deployment option is right for you.
Security Applies Across All Models
Whether on-premises, in the cloud, or as SaaS, security is an integral part of SEAL Systems – not just an add-on: end-to-end encryption, EU hosting for GDPR compliance, high availability with failover, and IBM Hyper Protect for the most demanding requirements. The cloud and compliance are not mutually exclusive.
Four Key Messages for Output Management as a Service
- One platform, three models: freely combinable on a shared foundation
- Cloud-native container operation: resource-efficient, low-maintenance, seamless
- SaaS as a customized modular system: tailored to your needs yet efficient
- Security applies everywhere: cross-model by design
You don’t have to choose between functionality and operating model. You choose the model that fits your requirements. We’re happy to help you decide on a model by conducting a detailed assessment of your output landscape and putting together a customized solution tailored to your needs.