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How did we help our agribusiness client migrate to SAP S/4HANA?

A major player in the French food industry, with close to 500 employees spread across multiple production sites, sought to modernize its information systems to support ongoing growth and operational efficiency. As part of its digital transformation strategy, the company decided to migrate from its legacy SAP ECC system to SAP S/4HANA, driven by the need for a more powerful and scalable platform.

CPG & Agribusiness

Modern ERP Cloud System

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The challenge

The existing SAP ECC system was crucial for the company’s operations. It managed a wide range of functions, such as finance, cost control, purchasing, sales, production, inventory, logistics, and maintenance. The system was deployed across factories, logistics hubs, and administrative sites. Disruptions during the migration could have severely impacted the business, which relied on smooth daily operations.

Over time, the company had developed numerous custom features that needed to be adapted for SAP S/4HANA. Additionally, the business worked closely with retail groups, making it critical to avoid even minor interruptions in the supply chain.

The solution

Given the complexity and importance of the project, the company chose VISEO as its partner. VISEO, with its long-standing collaboration with the client, had the expertise to ensure a smooth migration. The project began with a detailed scoping phase to identify the differences between SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA and to map out custom features for seamless integration.

Achievement unveiled

  • Customization and Gap Analysis
    VISEO focused on identifying the gaps between the legacy system and SAP S/4HANA. They mapped out custom features and ensured a smooth transition.

  • Testing and Validation
    VISEO and the client conducted multiple rounds of testing. These tests ensured the solution’s viability, built user confidence, and increased engagement throughout the migration process.

  • User Training and Change Management
    Early training programs were crucial to prepare the 300 ERP users for the new system. This proactive approach helped ensure they were ready to operate efficiently when the system went live.

The outcome

The project was completed on time, with minimal disruptions. Factory operations resumed smoothly after the migration, and reported issues were minimal. Thanks to early change management and comprehensive user training, the system transition was seamless, and employees adopted it with ease.

Lessons Learned

Key Insights and Lessons Learned

Several critical insights were drawn from the project:

  • Identify Complex System Interactions Early
    Address system interactions, especially with retail partners, early to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Adapt Custom Features to the New ERP
    Understand custom features thoroughly and adapt them to SAP S/4HANA during the migration.

  • Prepare for Key Concept Changes
    Moving from customer and supplier classifications to “business partners” required additional training and support.

  • Maintain Third-Party Connections
    Ensure that third-party systems, like business intelligence tools, continue to function smoothly after migration.

  • Plan for System Freezes During Migration
    Communicate early about any freezes on legacy system maintenance to ensure smooth migration progress.

Staged approach to migration

To reduce risks, the company took a phased approach to migration. Since they already used SAP HANA, the first phase involved migrating to SAP S/4HANA while maintaining the existing scope. Initially, the company retained the SAP GUI interface, with plans to roll out SAP Fiori gradually across different departments. This method allowed the IT team to adapt to SAP HANA before the full SAP S/4HANA transition and gave business users time to adjust to SAP Fiori at a comfortable pace.

Conclusion

The staged migration allowed the company to minimize disruptions and manage changes effectively. VISEO’s meticulous planning, robust testing, and early change management ensured the project’s success. With SAP S/4HANA now in place, the business is well-prepared for future growth and enhanced operational efficiency.

Transform without risks with SAP in Asia

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