The challenge
The organization ran an older ERP where inventory and supply chain data were updated in batches, so the view of stock and demand often lagged reality. This made it difficult to balance availability against overstock.
Processes varied between parts of the business, which complicated planning and made consolidated reporting laborious. The aging core also constrained the adoption of more modern ways of working.
Leadership wanted a modern ERP core that would provide a more real-time view of the supply chain and standardize processes while protecting continuity across stores and the online channel.
Technology landscape
An aging ERP with batch oriented updates that limited the timeliness of inventory and supply chain information.
Process variation across business units that complicated planning and consolidated reporting.
Integrations to warehouse, store and ecommerce systems that had to remain stable through any transition.
Our approach
We assessed the landscape and designed a standardized core process template with controlled flexibility, aiming for fit to standard where it made sense.
We prioritized the core supply chain and finance processes that would benefit most from real-time data, then sequenced the rollout to manage risk.
We engaged planning and operations teams early so the design reflected how the business actually runs, easing adoption.
Implementation
We implemented SAP S/4HANA around the standardized template, re-platforming essential custom logic and integrating with warehouse, store and ecommerce systems to preserve continuity.
We migrated master and transactional data through repeated profiling, cleansing and mock loads, with business owners validating readiness before cutover.
We ran thorough integration testing, cutover rehearsals and training, followed by hypercare to stabilize operations after go live.
Outcomes
- A more real-time view of inventory and demand helped the business balance availability against overstock more effectively.
- Standardized processes simplified planning and reduced the effort behind consolidated reporting.
- A modern core made it easier to adopt improved ways of working that the older system had constrained.
- The careful rollout protected continuity across stores and the online channel throughout the transition.