At the ‘Power up your SAP chain’ event, you’ll discover how successful organizations are strengthening their SAP chain with reliable data, smart processes and integrated systems.
Following an S/4HANA transition, many organizations struggle with challenges relating to the IT infrastructure, such as making the standard system user-friendly – for example, through app development. Flexibility proves to be a major challenge, as a cluttered core system often means you are not upgrade-proof. Systems do not integrate well with one another, which slows down processes and makes it increasingly difficult to implement changes.
In many organizations, asset information is scattered across different systems and departments, and different definitions are used. As a result, there is no comprehensive overview, and without such an overview, it is impossible to manage performance and risks effectively, meaning that decisions are based on assumptions.
This issue affects the entire supply chain:
Users work around the system rather than with it. The data used to be reliable, but its quality is deteriorating because the system is no longer being properly populated or because data is not making its way into the system.
Complex applications mean that technicians spend too much time on administrative tasks. What’s more, outdated techniques and applications are putting off new, younger technicians from coming to work for you.
You are working in a complex environment with many interdependencies. Integrations are difficult to manage and changes entail risks. Shadow IT is emerging within the business.
In practice, we see that organizations that simplify and integrate their IT landscape make a real difference. As Bart Elshout, Director of Technology, puts it:
“Many organizations, for example, have only just completed an S/4HANA transition. In doing so, they have often once again incorporated too much customization, which frequently fails to meet ‘clean core’ standards. As a result, they lack flexibility or are forced to revert to the standard and best practice. Users are then unable to work with the system because they do not recognize it.”
“In practice, this gives rise to all sorts of bottlenecks. Staff have to switch between systems in which information is not always up to date or available in full. This leads to errors and delays that are immediately apparent in operations and decision-making. By treating systems, data and processes as a whole, you create an IT foundation on which your supply chain can function effectively.”
“This sustainable IT foundation then creates scope for innovation. Think of modern user interfaces and mobile applications that ensure employees – from the office to the field – always have access to the right information. In addition, platforms such as SAP BTP make it possible to implement integrations, extensions and innovations outside the core. This allows you to implement innovations such as AI, data analytics and IoT more quickly, enabling you to further automate your processes. You can then better substantiate your decisions with real-time insights without disrupting the stability of your core. The ‘clean core’ principle is therefore very important.”
“Innovation requires not only the implementation of technology but also leadership. These days, IT is shifting from a more supportive role to that of a strategic partner that ensures coherence between processes, data, systems and people. In this way, you can work with the business to create a process chain that is more coherent and brings greater peace of mind for everyone.”
Would you like to explore this in more depth? During the ‘Power up your SAP chain’ event, our experts will demonstrate in the sessions ‘From AI hype to production’ and ‘Flexible where it matters. Stable where it counts’ how to combine innovation and flexibility with a stable and manageable SAP landscape.
The SAP Business Technology Platform is a cloud-based platform that enables you to integrate and extend data, processes and applications. By utilising this future-proof platform, you can run more flexible and efficient processes. However, the platform often remains underutilised.
Read the whitepaper to find out about:
A robust IT foundation is built by making informed choices that are tailored to both the organization and its processes. Our team has experience in making informed decisions, for example in developing a clear IT roadmap that aligns with the process chain, the smart integration of systems and automation of processes, the development of targeted extensions and applications that are practical and relevant, and the application of architectural principles such as Clean Core to strike the right balance between standardization and customizability.
Take a look at our products and areas of expertise:
From disjointed links to a robust SAP chain. Be inspired by real-life stories from organisations such as the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Twence and Croonwolter&dros, and discover how to create greater cohesion between processes, data and systems.
