SAP S/4HANA Implementation: IT Operations and Process Harmonization

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Efficient SAP Rollout and Sustainable IT Stabilization in the Group

A multinational enterprise implemented SAP S/4HANA using a greenfield approach. Uninterrupted IT operations enabled process harmonization, efficient supply chains, and transparent cross-site management throughout the rollout.

Company

Company operating in four countries (Switzerland, Germany, Finland and the USA) and owned by a private equity company
Specialized in fine chemistry and crop science

Challenge

The CIO left company shortly after the company-wide SAP S/4HANA implementation kick-off
The company had a different ERP system in place. Hence, there was a strong dependency on the consulting company as the implementation partner
A greenfield approach was chosen for the SAP project, while at the same time key processes were to be harmonized and standardized across the group
The industry`s specific regulatory requirements had to be considered for this SAP project

Goals

Define a project plan & governance for the S/4HANA rollout
Provide uninterrupted and stable IT services

Measures

Operational improvement and stabilization of IT operations alongside the introduction of S/4HANA
Close cooperation with the consulting firm to ensure continuous demand for the contractually agreed services and prompt resolution of any identified defects
Collaboration with internal departments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, support change management initiatives, and drive implementation efforts.
Regular reporting and schedule alignment with senior management

Results

Within one year the first and most complex production site successfully went live with S/4HANA
The go-live led to significant improvements in supply chain efficiency, internal reporting and controlling, and cross-site liquidity planning
Ongoing IT operations were fully maintained, without disruption to 24/7 production