Rémy Cointreau chose VISEO and SAP to switch its 1,300 SAP ECC ERP users to SAP S/4HANA
Customers around the world are looking for exceptional experiences; customers for whom a wide variety of regional producers means a variety of flavors. Their standards are commensurate with the Remy Cointreau Group’s expertise and refined knowledge handed down from generation to generation. It is for these men and women that Rémy Cointreau, a French family-owned group, protects its lands, cultivates exceptional centuries-old spirits and is committed to preserving their timeless modernity. The group’s portfolio includes high-end and unique brands, such as Rémy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs and Cointreau liqueur. Rémy Cointreau has one ambition: to become the world leader in exceptional spirits. To achieve this, it relies on the commitment and creativity of its 1,850 employees and its distribution subsidiaries located in the group’s strategic markets. Rémy Cointreau is listed on Euronext Paris.
The challenge
Rémy Cointreau faced a significant challenge when modernizing its Information Systems (IS). The company aimed to merge two SAP ECC ERPs into a single core model, streamline financial and logistical processes, and transition to SAP S/4HANA on cloud infrastructures. This ambitious project ultimately succeeded.
Business Process Harmonization and IS Modernization with SAP S/4HANA
In 2018, Rémy Cointreau set out to harmonize its business processes and modernize its IS. The company had two ERPs used by more than 1,300 users across 12 countries. The primary goal was to merge these systems into one and then migrate to SAP S/4HANA in cloud mode. Management’s commitment played a key role in driving this transformational project.
Olivier Ruault, ISD at Rémy Cointreau, shared: “We partnered with VISEO’s Progress Management (PM), who had been assisting us with SAP solutions since 2007. PM teams led all our deployment projects and maintain our SAP solutions. They deeply understand our business, systems, and the unique challenges of the Wines & Spirits sector, and have demonstrated expertise in SAP S/4HANA integration projects.”
The solution: a comprehensive review of the information system
The Cap One project launched in October 2019 and concluded in May 2021. For 18 months, Rémy Cointreau and PM teams collaborated to create a core model. This model, completed during the first lockdown in 2020, built upon the settings of the previous system while integrating key innovations:
- Standardizing certain processes, reducing specific objects by 80% during migration.
- Introducing new concepts, such as business partners and the material ledger, used for brandy stock development, a process involving aging over several decades.
- Merging the two ERPs led to consolidating account plans into a single international format, with books for local specifications.
- Implementing inter-company invoicing and transaction reconciliation processes, simplifying complex market routes.
- Redesigning the analytical structure for P&L monitoring by business, brand, and customer.
- Deploying Fiori tiles for key functions to enhance portability and reduce change management.
- Using the universal log for reconciled follow-up statements for finance and management.
Achievements unveiled
Global Deployment Amid the Pandemic
The first deployment took place in April 2020, covering France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Barbados. Despite the global pandemic, Cap One continued to roll out across other regions, including the UK, US, and six Asian countries, through April 2021. The entire deployment occurred remotely due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Our deployment methodology underwent a complete transformation,” explains Olivier Ruault. “Working remotely became an opportunity, as local teams had to take ownership. Ultimately, the health crisis accelerated our commitment.”
Transition to Cloud Infrastructure
Rémy Cointreau transitioned from fully dedicated servers to a cloud IS. The SAP S/4HANA ERP now runs on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), while other SAP tools are hosted on either GCP, AWS, or SAP’s cloud infrastructures.
The outcome
“The project was a success,” summarizes Olivier Ruault. “There were few technical or business disruptions during the migration.” By opting for the Hybrid or Shell conversion scenario, Rémy Cointreau minimized business impacts in areas requiring fewer changes. However, ongoing guidance will be necessary to support future system development.
To maintain progress, the company plans to update Cap One three times per year. “This is a faster pace than before,” Olivier adds. “Our challenge will be to engage enough teams to keep up. In November 2021, we will implement around 70 improvements. In 2022, our focus will shift toward new features and innovations, likely through an SAP S/4HANA version upgrade and expanded use of Fiori.”
ERP at the Heart of E-Commerce and Future Integrations
Rémy Cointreau’s ERP is central to its e-commerce operations, managing orders, financials, and logistics. Cap One will also need to adapt to ongoing changes, including the resumption of direct distribution for several brands and the integration of new entities like Maison Telmont, acquired in October 2020.
Transform without risks with SAP in Asia
Whether you’re transitioning to the cloud or creating new business models, our unique offerings help you transform without risk. Ready to to meet your unique business needs and achieve a competitive edge with VISEO and SAP?
By bringing together VISEO’s comprehensive industry insights and technology experience with SAP’s advanced capabilities, we can make our clients’ digital strategy a reality, allowing them to be more productive, innovative, and competitive.