From March 2022 to January 2024, the switch from SAP R/3 to SAP S/4HANA will revolutionise not only enterprise asset management, but also commercial functions and peripheral systems. An ambitious project with a volume in the double-digit million range that captures the change in the corporate landscape in an impressive way.
Industry
Energy
Work area
SAP S/4HANA Migration management
Year
2021 – 2024
Project duration
about 2 years
Employees
about 3.000
Challenge
The transformation presented a variety of challenges. In addition to the conversion of the core processes, which were caused by the network operation (enterprise asset management) and the commercial processes, it was also necessary to adapt the interfaces to various peripheral systems.
Another challenge was to replace a specific peripheral system and integrate it into the overall context of the transformation. These complex adjustments required careful coordination and harmonisation in order to ensure smooth interaction between the different systems and processes.
Solution
The company has pursued a comprehensive solution strategy to overcome these challenges.
In 2021, an in-depth study was conducted to understand the requirements and implications of the transformation. In the following year, 2022, the preparations for the project were set up, creating a clear structure and planning for the upcoming steps. (Voluntary) upstream testing then took place in the first half of 2023 to check the functionality and integration of the systems and processes. In the second half of 2023, the final preparations were completed and the go-live was carried out to finally transfer the transformation to operations.
The project implementation was characterised by a targeted separation of the technical (network operator) and commercial side into two separate projects running in parallel.
This structure made it possible to prepare the content specifically during the project year and to fulfil the special requirements of each side. One of the challenging phases was to successfully combine the two sides as part of the end-to-end tests. This step-by-step and methodical approach enabled the energy supplier to effectively plan, test and successfully implement the transformation.
Technical & economic benefits
The result of the transformation at our customer is impressive:
Increased performance: The implementation of in-memory database technology led to a significant increase in performance. This enables faster data processing and significantly optimises the performance of the systems.
Simplified business processes and replacement of a peripheral system: The changeover to the new S/4 has simplified business processes, resulting in a more efficient way of working. The replacement of the peripheral system emphasises the move towards modern and future-oriented corporate structures.
Improved user-friendliness with indexed searches: The transformation to SAP Fiori led to improved user-friendliness. The introduction of indexed searches enables efficient navigation and facilitates access to relevant information.
Future-orientation and ensuring support from SAP: The decision in favour of S/4 ensures that the energy supplier is relying on a future-orientated platform. Ongoing support from SAP ensures that the company benefits from the latest developments and innovations in the SAP ecosystem.
Overall, the customer’s transformation has not only led to technological improvements, but has also contributed to increased efficiency, user-friendliness and future-orientation of the company.
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