Customer Success Archives | Category https://erp.today/category/customer-success/ The #1 media platform for ERP and enterprise technology Fri, 23 May 2025 15:04:23 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://erp.today/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-cropped-cropped-Logo_Black-1-32x32.png Customer Success Archives | Category https://erp.today/category/customer-success/ 32 32 From Mainframe to Microsoft: Semler’s Epic ERP Overhaul to Drive a Data-Powered, AI-Enabled Automotive Empire https://erp.today/from-mainframe-to-microsoft-semlers-epic-erp-overhaul-to-drive-a-data-powered-ai-enabled-automotive-empire/ Fri, 23 May 2025 14:58:37 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130528 Semler IT is undergoing a significant digital transformation by completely overhauling its legacy ERP system to a cloud-based solution with Microsoft Dynamics 365, integrating AI and enhancing user experiences, all aimed at future-proofing the company against industry changes while ensuring effective data management and user adoption.

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In Denmark, weather changes quickly—sunshine turning to downpours in a flash. And according to Morten Rye Christensen, CIO of Semler IT, that volatility is a fitting metaphor for digital transformation. “We had a lot of technical debt. Our old ERP system was reliable, but it held us back,” he explains. Today, Semler—a $6B Danish automotive juggernaut that imports, sells, services, and finances vehicles across Denmark and the Baltics—is orchestrating one of Europe’s boldest ERP transformations: a complete rebuild of its dealer management system on Microsoft Dynamics 365, with a healthy dose of Azure and AI.

It’s not just a tech refresh—it’s a bid to future-proof the company against industry upheaval and redefine what enterprise IT can deliver across a 6,000-user, 140-location footprint.

Semler’s legacy infrastructure included 45-year-old systems built on mainframes, Lotus Notes, and custom code. Reliable? Sure. Agile and scalable? Not so much.

“The system worked, but our customers demanded more,” says Christensen. “Volkswagen Group, our key OEM partner, expects digital innovation. Internally, our teams needed smarter workflows and real-time data. We couldn’t deliver that with old tech.”

Enter: a cloud-based ERP overhaul using Microsoft Dynamics 365, enhanced with Icelandic ISV Anetta’s automotive layer. With rollout scheduled for September 2026, Semler is staging a “big bang” go-live across 4,000 users in a single day. That means not just migrating data—but transforming processes, retraining staff, and building an entirely new operating model.—

Embracing Generative AI and Azure Innovation

Semler didn’t stop at Dynamics. The company has embedded Azure OpenAI into its ecosystem with a custom-built language model called “Semler GPT.” Originally a proof-of-concept Power App in 2023, the assistant has matured into a full enterprise AI companion.

“One use case is for our used-car sales advisors,” Christensen says. “They enter a registration number, and the AI pulls data from factory systems and our databases to generate a listing. It writes the ad with the right tone of voice—Audi luxury feels different than a Volkswagen Golf.”

Even more impressive? The tool also estimates optimal pricing by analyzing market dynamics and historical sales data.

But Christensen is clear: this isn’t about cutting jobs. “It’s about quality. Freeing up people’s time for more meaningful tasks. We’re not reducing FTEs—we’re raising the bar.”

Digital Adoption: Where Whatfix Fits In

Semler’s definition of transformation success isn’t just about deployment—it’s about adoption. “We talk about the J-curve,” Christensen explains. “Productivity drops right after go-live. But the faster we get our people climbing the curve again, the faster we unlock business value.”

That’s where Whatfix, a digital adoption platform, comes into play. “We’re integrating Whatfix with Semler GPT. So when users ask how to do something—like ‘create a sales order for a new car’—they’re not just shown a document. The AI starts the process for them. Eventually, agents may do the entire task.”

This “one interface to rule them all” vision is foundational to Semler’s user experience strategy. From booking time off to checking lunch menus, the enterprise interface is being simplified and reimagined through AI.

Data Readiness and Integration: Not Just a Checkbox

With AI, everything hinges on data readiness—and Christensen knows it.

“GDPR forced us to start cleaning customer data back in 2018,” he says. “Since then, every automation project has pushed us to mature our data governance.”

Even so, some use cases—especially customer-facing AI—are still out of reach. “We have high internal usage, like call-center assistants. But until data quality improves, exposing these tools externally isn’t feasible.”

To unify its systems, Semler built an integration platform in Azure. Over 200 integrations—ranging from OEM factory systems to tire partners—run through this layer. It’s not a traditional enterprise service bus, but rather a loosely coupled microservices model. “It gives us full control, auditability, and scalability,” Christensen says.

Industry Matters

Why Microsoft? The availability of a complete platform—ERP, cloud, AI, Power Platform, and Office 365—played a role, but Christensen says the ISV offering was the clincher.

“We needed a full-scale automotive solution,” he notes. “When we found out Anetta was building that on Dynamics, and that we already used Microsoft heavily, it made sense. That said, CE and Finance and Operations aren’t fully integrated. It’s not quite plug-and-play.”

Semler’s also helping shape the Anetta solution, providing requirements and helping the ISV meet Volkswagen certification standards. “It’s a co-build, not just an implementation,” Christensen says.

Looking Ahead: From AI to In-Car Commerce

Christensen sees the future filled with agentic AI, embedded services, and predictive analytics.

“We’re starting to support in-car commerce—apps people can buy directly from their car’s interface. That has to connect back to our ERP,” he explains. “We’re also investing in predictive inventory management. When you hold a car, you’re tying up a lot of capital. Forecasting demand more precisely will be crucial.”

As compute power increases and models evolve, Christensen expects more business decisions to be AI-assisted. But first? “Still a lot of data governance to do,” he admits with a smile.

What this means for ERP Insiders

ERP is now an ecosystem, not just a system. Semler’s transformation illustrates a broader market shift: ERP is no longer a monolith. It’s a foundation that’s only valuable when paired with cloud-native integration, AI augmentation, and continuous user enablement. Microsoft’s platform strategy—combining Dynamics 365 with Azure, Power Platform, and copilots—lets companies design modular, adaptive ecosystems. ERP leaders should not only focus on core functionality, but also on how AI agents, digital assistants, and self-healing data architectures amplify value across the entire process landscape.

AI is real, but readiness is everything. Semler GPT shows that even mid-sized companies can build custom AI assistants if they have the right cloud infrastructure, data models, and culture of experimentation. But most ERP customers are still in “data denial”—overestimating the cleanliness and usability of their information. Tech leaders must prioritize metadata enrichment, master data consolidation, and data governance policies now, or risk failing to operationalize AI even when tools like Whatfix or Microsoft Copilot become turnkey.

Digital adoption platforms could be the missing link. The biggest ROI blocker for ERP investments isn’t architecture—it’s behavior. Semler’s pairing of Whatfix with AI assistants provides a compelling blueprint for how to accelerate user adoption and shorten the post-go-live productivity dip. By embedding training, guidance, and automated workflows directly into the user interface, companies can shift from “train the user” to “empower the user.” For Microsoft Dynamics customers especially, combining Whatfix’s contextual guidance with Azure-native AI could be a game-changer for long-term ERP success.

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From SAP Sapphire 2025: Fluence Commits to ‘Speed Over Perfection’ on Hypergrowth Trajectory with SAP https://erp.today/from-sap-sapphire-2025-fluence-commits-to-speed-over-perfection-on-hypergrowth-trajectory-with-sap/ Tue, 20 May 2025 20:55:00 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130449 Fluence rapidly grew from $900 million to nearly $4 billion in two years under Dean Crounse's leadership by implementing a 99.7% clean core SAP deployment for digital transformation and supply chain orchestration, enabling them to manage large-scale energy storage projects while focusing on sustainability and AI integration.

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When Dean Crounse joined Fluence as VP of Enterprise Platforms, the company had just crossed the $900 million revenue mark. Two years later, it’s closing in on $4 billion. In that time, the global energy storage leader—born from a joint venture between Siemens and AES—has moved at breakneck speed to scale operations, deploy clean energy infrastructure, and modernize core systems, all while keeping its sights on a $10 billion horizon.

At the heart of that journey: SAP. But for Crounse, this wasn’t a routine ERP upgrade. “This was not just about SAP—it was a digital transformation and simplification mandate,” he says. “We needed a platform that could orchestrate our global supply chain and help us deliver massive $300 million projects on time, or face serious financial penalties.”

Fluence doesn’t manufacture batteries—it orchestrates them. Its business model revolves around designing, delivering, and maintaining utility-scale energy storage systems that stabilize power grids around the world. That requires real-time visibility into a vast, globally distributed supply chain and contract manufacturing network—something Crounse says only SAP could deliver at scale.

After assessing their legacy platforms like NetSuite, Workday, and Salesforce, Fluence determined that they wouldn’t scale to $10 billion in revenue. The team initiated a 13-month SAP implementation covering finance, supply chain, analytics, and sustainability. The result? A 99.7% clean core SAP deployment on Google Cloud via RISE with SAP. “We couldn’t afford custom processes,” Crounse said. “Clean core and standardization were essential to scale at this velocity.”

Speed, in fact, has been a strategic mantra for Crounse. “Speed over perfection,” he says. “In hypergrowth, an MVP mindset is critical. You can’t wait for perfect—you iterate, pivot, and move.”

That mindset also shaped how Fluence approached its implementation partners. While Deloitte handled the front end, Crounse emphasized the importance of transition planning. “I didn’t want to be on the consultant drug forever,” he joked. “We deliberately brought in a boutique partner and built a global delivery model to move from lights-on support to sustainable internal operations.”

Fluence’s SAP footprint is large: it spans S/4HANA, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Sustainability Control Tower, and Signavio. “This wasn’t a finance-only project,” Crounse emphasized. “It was about end-to-end orchestration—from project inception to delivery and long-term asset maintenance.”

With installations across 24 countries and a growing physical presence in strategic markets like India, Germany, and the U.S., Fluence’s localization strategy relies heavily on SAP’s global capabilities. “Made-in-America is part of our strategy, but so is ‘sold-by-Germans-in-Germany’—it’s about being present where sustainability matters most,” Crounse said.

SAP’s role at Fluence also extends into sustainability and AI. As a green energy company, Fluence is exploring SAP Green Ledger and other emerging tools. “We were one of the first to sign up for RISE,” says Crounse. “But I’ve told SAP: I don’t want to be half-in. We need end-to-end cloud-native capabilities, especially as we lean into AI and agent-based operations.”

While Crounse doesn’t foresee AI fundamentally reshaping Fluence’s core engineering work in the short term, he does see operational use cases exploding. “Can I cut my development team by 20% with GenAI? Can we automate testing or generate telemetry insights from our battery systems? These are the questions I’m asking today,” he said.

Fluence’s systems already collect data from thousands of IoT-connected devices, calling home to report temperature changes, performance degradation, or potential safety risks. “Our Battery Management System (BMS) sends alerts like: ‘I’m overheating—turn me down or I’ll shorten my lifespan,’” said Crounse. “This telemetry is where GenAI and SAP tools like AI Core and the Sustainability Control Tower can have real impact.”

The value isn’t just internal. Fluence’s long-term strategy revolves around recurring revenue from post-installation service and maintenance—an area that increasingly relies on smart analytics, AI, and predictive maintenance driven by SAP’s integrated platform capabilities.

For those embarking on similar journeys, Crounse offers straightforward advice: “Keep moving. You won’t hire perfect candidates, you won’t scope perfect processes—but the faster you move, the faster you learn, pivot, and scale. That’s how we’re building Fluence for the long run.”

What this means for ERP insiders

Think clean core for real scale. Fluence’s 99.7% clean core SAP deployment allowed it to grow from $900 million to $4 billion in two years—without tripping over customization bloat. For CIOs facing hypergrowth, clean core isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a requirement. SAP S/4HANA’s standardized processes and modular extensions (like SAP BTP and Signavio) let companies move fast while retaining governance and future-proofing their enterprise stack.

Make your supply chain predictive, not reactive. Fluence treats its global supply chain as a dynamic network, not a linear chain. SAP IBP and SAC provide forward-looking insights that help avoid penalties for late delivery on $300M projects. Tech leaders should invest in predictive analytics and supply chain orchestration platforms that turn data into timely action—especially in capital-intensive industries like energy, aerospace, and automotive.

Lean into sustainability and AI – but don’t get stuck in pilots. From Green Ledger to AI-generated code, Fluence is moving beyond buzzwords. CIOs should evaluate how SAP’s AI Core, Joule, and Sustainability Control Tower integrate with real business scenarios. Don’t pursue AI as a science project—pursue it to reduce headcount where possible, automate processes, and deliver smarter service to customers already demanding accountability and uptime.

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From SAP Sapphire 2025: How SAP Helps Jabil Achieve Resilience at the Speed of Industry https://erp.today/from-sap-sapphire-2025-how-sap-helps-jabil-achieve-resilience-at-the-speed-of-industry/ Tue, 20 May 2025 20:29:04 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130446 Chase Christensen, Jabil's Vice President and CIO, emphasizes resilience as a business imperative, showcasing how the company's strategic partnership with SAP enables operational efficiency and adaptability through a consolidated ERP framework, real-time analytics, and a focus on AI-driven augmentation of workforce capabilities.

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For Chase Christensen, Vice President and CIO of Business Units and Enterprise Solutions at Jabil, resilience isn’t a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. With operations in over 25 countries and 135 locations, Jabil is one of the world’s leading manufacturing services companies, serving customers across industries from healthcare to automotive. The company’s lean margins and massive scale demand precision, agility, and above all, technology that delivers measurable business value. That’s why Jabil’s relationship with SAP is more than just a legacy—it’s an evolving partnership rooted in performance.

“We needed a platform that could handle global scale, localization, and compliance right out of the box,” said Christensen. SAP provided that foundation early on, enabling Jabil to achieve SOX compliance while supporting lean, highly standardized operations. Over time, SAP’s role has expanded, powering everything from supply chain management to finance and regulatory compliance.

Today, Jabil runs the majority of its operations on just two SAP instances across 135 global sites. That’s an anomaly in the enterprise world, where 20 or more instances are not uncommon. “We’re consolidating even further,” Christensen noted. “And that simplicity is a strategic asset—it’s what gives us the ability to respond to tariffs, chip shortages, or pandemics in real time.”

That ability to respond swiftly and intelligently underpins Jabil’s definition of resilience. SAP, acting as the company’s single system of record for supply chain data, enables real-time analytics and scenario modeling across operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain turbulence, this data backbone allowed Jabil to make instant adjustments and reconfigure supply models—without waiting 12 hours for an analyst to re-run reports.

“It may sound simple, but having the right data at the right time changed how we survived disruption,” Christensen said. “That’s what resilience looks like.”

Jabil’s move from ECC to S/4HANA is another example of its pragmatic innovation. Initially, the company piloted a Greenfield implementation. But after assessing organizational impact, they pivoted to a Brownfield approach. That decision, supported by SAP MaxAttention and advisory services, enabled Jabil to migrate 250 accounts to SAP S/4HANA within 18 months—at enterprise scale.

SAP’s ongoing innovation in AI has caught Christensen’s attention as well. Jabil was an early adopter of AI and machine learning, using them to improve forecasting and automate processes through RPA and NLP. Now, with the rise of generative and agentic AI, Jabil is evaluating SAP Joule and other emerging tools—but with a healthy dose of skepticism.

“We exist in a hybrid environment—on-premise, cloud, Rise with SAP—and we’re not going to rewrite everything overnight. We need to understand how tools like Joule complement our current stack and where the ROI really is,” he said.

That demand for value realization is a recurring theme. Christensen emphasized the importance of holding partners accountable—not just for delivery, but for outcomes. “I pay SAP a lot,” he said, half-joking. “I want net-new value from what I’m already paying, not just more licenses. That means tangible ROI from the tools we’ve already bought.”

This pragmatic mindset extends to Jabil’s entire innovation strategy. “We don’t invest in the shiniest object,” Christensen said. “We invest in what moves a metric. If we can’t see a business case in a few weeks, we shut it down.” That fail-fast, scale-fast mentality allows Jabil to stay competitive without becoming chaotic.

Jabil also leverages SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), SAP Integration Suite, and Signavio to drive business architecture maturity, connect legacy systems, and manage compliance across diverse regulatory environments. They’ve prioritized integration layers, document management, and GTM alignment tools to future-proof their SAP investment.

That investment is also about people. As AI agents evolve, Christensen sees the opportunity not as replacing jobs but as augmenting employees—especially in manufacturing and supply chain roles. “Yes, we’re rebalancing the workforce,” he said. “But it’s about removing the menial tasks so employees can do higher-value work. That’s the real power of AI.”

He also believes that workforce transformation will be driven by generation shifts. “More digital natives are entering the workforce, and they expect systems to work like their phones. We have to design for that.”

Ultimately, Jabil’s vision is one of controlled transformation—moving quickly, but never recklessly. “We have a North Star,” Christensen concluded. “And every technology decision—whether it’s SAP, AWS, or GenAI—is about getting us closer to that vision without losing what makes us operationally excellent.”

What this means for ERP Insiders

Prioritize simplicity in global ERP strategy. Jabil runs its global operations with just two SAP instances across 135 sites. For ERP leaders, that’s a compelling argument for consolidation and standardization. By minimizing ERP sprawl, organizations can unlock agility, reduce risk, and improve response times during disruption. SAP customers should evaluate the feasibility of single-instance strategies using SAP S/4HANA, Integration Suite, and BTP to centralize operations.

Embed real-time decision support in supply chain operations. Christensen highlighted that Jabil’s ability to re-run supply models in minutes was critical to their pandemic and tariff resilience. SAP customers should focus on embedding real-time analytics using SAP HANA Cloud and SAP Analytics Cloud to enable instant scenario modeling. Resilience is about responsiveness—and that starts with trustworthy, accessible data.

Invest in AI use cases that augment, not replace. Jabil’s approach to GenAI is rooted in augmentation—freeing up supply chain professionals and analysts to focus on what matters most. SAP customers can replicate this with Joule and SAP AI Core, targeting use cases like invoice reconciliation, contract analysis, and demand forecasting. When AI removes low-value tasks, humans can focus on strategic impact.

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From Greenhouse to Datahouse: How Metrolina Is Cultivating a Modern ERP Mindset with Sage X3 https://erp.today/from-greenhouse-to-datahouse-how-metrolina-is-cultivating-a-modern-erp-mindset-with-sage-x3/ Fri, 16 May 2025 18:11:54 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130417 Metrolina Greenhouses in North Carolina is transforming its operations by adopting Sage X3 to create an integrated, data-driven enterprise, emphasizing technological adoption and user-friendly systems for its diverse workforce, while also preparing for future advancements in precision farming.

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In the heart of North Carolina, where over 300 acres of greenhouses grow millions of plants every year, one of the largest horticultural operations in the U.S. is undergoing a transformation not just of crops—but of culture. Metrolina Greenhouses, a $200M+ business, is moving away from legacy systems and spreadsheets toward a fully integrated, data-driven enterprise with the help of Sage X3 and verticalized expertise from Practical Software Solutions.

Leading this evolution is Sharat Prakash, Senior Manager of ERP and Analytics, whose vision for operational excellence in a low-margin, high-volume industry like horticulture blends technology, education, and empathy. “This industry never makes the tech headlines,” Prakash said. “But precision farming needs precision systems.”

Metrolina had been running Sage MAS 500 for over two decades—but without fully using it as the source of truth. Production data was fragmented. Financials were isolated. Most decision-making happened in spreadsheets. So when Metrolina decided to adopt Sage X3 and Practical Software’s grower vertical, it wasn’t just about software. It was about shifting mindsets.

“In most ERP projects, you turn one system off and another on. But here, the goal was to embed a new way of thinking into a workforce that spans over 1,000 seasonal and full-time employees,” Prakash explained.

Instead of starting with finance, Metrolina went live first with production, inventory, and purchasing to match the seasonality of the business. But implementing ERP in a greenhouse isn’t like a factory. It requires intuitive workflows, mobile-first access, and deep integrations. “We had to build custom apps on top of Sage X3 to make it usable for our floor teams. You can’t expect someone on a production line to use a desktop interface designed for back-office finance.”

The result: an ERP core that supports everything from raw material purchasing to finished plant inventory, with real-time visibility across the greenhouse and dock. “We ship over 200 trucks a day in peak season,” said Prakash. “You can’t run that on spreadsheets.”

The real challenge wasn’t just technology. It was adoption. In an industry where many workers are seasonal, part-time, and bilingual, ERP usability matters. “You can’t force systems on people who don’t see the value. You have to prove that entering data isn’t an extra step—it’s the work itself,” Prakash said.

To solve this, Metrolina partnered with Practical Software and internal developers to create tablet-friendly UIs, lightweight mobile apps, and simplified transactions tailored to end users. They also rolled out SOPs and embedded training into the seasonal onboarding process.

“We’re not just implementing ERP. We’re creating a digital workforce from the ground up,” Prakash noted. And while finance and sales modules are still rolling out, production adoption is already yielding better forecasting and inventory accuracy.

Looking ahead, Metrolina sees massive opportunity to bring AI, machine learning, and computer vision into the greenhouse. “Precision farming means knowing the health of your crops in real time. Cameras and image recognition can spot disease, count inventory, and guide irrigation—but only if the data backbone is there,” said Prakash.

The global precision farming market is projected to grow from $10.5 billion in 2023 to over $21.9 billion by 2028, driven by increasing demand for crop yield optimization, sustainability mandates, and operational cost control. Specific technologies such as AI-powered vision systems, smart irrigation sensors, and GPS-guided equipment are becoming increasingly accessible to mid-sized growers.

Yet, challenges persist. A 2024 report from McKinsey highlights that fewer than 30% of agriculture businesses currently leverage end-to-end digital operations platforms. For precision technologies to scale, farms and growers must first modernize their ERP and data foundations—a process Metrolina has already begun.

While cost remains a barrier, especially in an industry with razor-thin margins, Prakash is optimistic: “We’ve seen quotes for $10M imaging systems. That’s not realistic for most growers. But as adoption grows, costs will fall.”

Sage X3, with its modularity and deep partner ecosystem, gives Metrolina a path forward. While the AI wave is still on the horizon, the foundation for intelligent automation is now in place.

What this means for ERP Insiders

Verticalization drives relevance and adoption. Generic ERP doesn’t work in specialized industries. Sage X3, combined with Practical Software’s grower vertical, shows how sector-specific extensions drive faster value realization and user buy-in. ERP leaders must prioritize industry depth over breadth to win adoption in complex verticals like agriculture.

Success requires a human-centered approach to tech. For Metrolina, the challenge wasn’t just data—it was behavior. Embedding ERP into a multilingual, transient workforce required rethinking interfaces, training, and even the definition of work. Tech leaders should apply the same user empathy in any low-tech legacy environment.

Build now for the AI future of agriculture. Precision farming will be AI-powered—but only if the ERP layer is digitized, integrated, and extensible. With Sage X3 and Practical Software’s vertical, Metrolina is building the right foundation. CIOs in agriculture and manufacturing should follow suit to enable scalable innovation down the line.

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Cutting Clean: How SNP Enabled Lulu Group’s IPO-Ready SAP Carve-Out in Record Time https://erp.today/cutting-clean-how-snp-enabled-lulu-groups-ipo-ready-sap-carve-out-in-record-time/ Fri, 16 May 2025 12:47:17 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130412 Lulu Group International achieved a significant business transformation by successfully migrating 20% of its 6-terabyte SAP database from non-retail units in India, Egypt, and the UAE to new systems with minimal downtime, thanks to SNP SE's technology-driven approach, ahead of its IPO, setting the stage for future SAP S/4HANA migration.

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These days, where digital speed often determines strategic advantage, Lulu Group International has pulled off a transformation milestone with profound business consequences. In preparation for its high-profile IPO, the UAE-based retail giant successfully carved out its India, Egypt, and UAE non-retail business units from its core SAP system—a complex SAP data migration effort executed with near-zero downtime and completed two weeks ahead of schedule.

The secret? A technology-led carve-out powered by SNP SE, a major global player in SAP data transformations and selective migrations. Working alongside AWS and Redington, SNP executed the project using its CrystalBridge platform and the BLUEFIELD™ methodology. The result: 20% of a massive 6-terabyte SAP ECC database was surgically migrated to two new target systems with full data integrity, auditability, and minimal business disruption.

“The volume of this selective data migration amounted to about 20% of the 6-terabyte database,” said Anish Mohamed, Group CIO at Lulu. “SNP has demonstrated the ability to be a highly reliable SAP transformation partner… Their expertise gives us confidence for the next phase of our digital transformation—a move to SAP S/4HANA.”

For any enterprise preparing to go public, the ability to isolate and cleanly segregate business units from a shared SAP environment is both critical and high-risk. The Lulu carve-out was driven by IPO timing and regulatory scrutiny—requiring verifiable, compliant, and independent financial systems for the divested entities. Traditional migration methods would have introduced high cost, risk, and downtime.

Instead, SNP’s software-defined transformation provided:

  • Selective, auditable data carve-out
  • Less than 48 hours of cutover downtime
  • End-to-end validation and data integrity

“We support companies like Lulu in tackling both current and future challenges by optimizing their IT systems and business processes,” said Ravi Mahalingam, Managing Director of SNP Middle East. “Our software platform ensured a fast, secure transformation journey from system analysis to seamless data migration.”

The business value was immediate. Lulu not only met its IPO deadlines but now has a future-ready SAP landscape, already planning its SAP S/4HANA migration with SNP as its strategic partner.

What this means for ERP Insiders

Elevate data carve-outs from risk to competitive advantage. CIOs and CFOs managing divestitures or IPOs should rethink manual extraction or greenfield rebuilds. SNP’s CrystalBridge and BLUEFIELD™ methodology offer an option to carve out complex SAP environments quickly, with governance built in. The Lulu project shows how data segregation can serve not just compliance, but strategic timing and cost reduction.

Automate for accuracy, speed, and scalability. The scale of Lulu’s 6-terabyte system would tax even the most experienced consultants. SNP’s software-driven approach enabled precise extraction of just 20% of the data—at speed, and with full traceability. As organizations prepare for cloud migrations, selective automation is the difference between high-velocity transformation and multi-year risk.

Future-proof SAP landscapes with modular software-based transformations. SNP’s success with Lulu is not just about a carve-out. It’s about setting the stage for modular SAP evolution. With the SAP S/4HANA migration already planned, the flexibility and trust built in Phase 1 will enable an agile, phased deployment. Tech leaders should consider this approach to navigate transformation with precision and control.

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Unlocking Efficiency for Public Education: Chicago Public Schools Goes All-In on Oracle Fusion https://erp.today/unlocking-efficiency-for-public-education-chicago-public-schools-goes-all-in-on-oracle-fusion/ Wed, 14 May 2025 18:29:00 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130301 Chicago Public Schools is transitioning to Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications to enhance its operational efficiency and resource allocation by moving from outdated systems to a unified, AI-driven cloud platform that will streamline finance, HR, and supply chain management.

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Chicago Public Schools (CPS)—the fourth largest school district in the U.S.—has selected Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite to overhaul its core business operations. The initiative represents a significant shift from legacy on-premises systems to an integrated, AI-powered cloud platform that will manage CPS’s finance, HR, and supply chain functions.

Facing mounting pressure to do more with less, public institutions like CPS are increasingly turning to enterprise-grade technology solutions to streamline operations, improve resource allocation, and boost transparency. In CPS’s case, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With over 600 schools and 300,000 students, every dollar saved through operational efficiency becomes a dollar that can be redirected to student-facing programs.

CPS’s decision to move to Oracle Fusion Applications came after a thorough evaluation of its outdated systems and the growing demands placed on public education. The goal? To create an agile back-office foundation capable of responding to budget pressures, workforce complexities, and supply chain volatility—all without compromising service to students and staff.

“With Oracle Fusion Applications, we can utilize advanced AI and automation features to enhance the speed and accuracy of our business processes,” said Charles Mayfield, CPS’s chief operating officer. “This will help us boost productivity and allocate resources more effectively to ensure more resources are available for our students.”

By standardizing on a unified platform, CPS is joining a growing number of public sector organizations seeking to modernize their ERP environment in one coordinated move. According to recent research, public sector cloud ERP adoption is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 12% through 2028, driven by the need for real-time insights and digital agility.

CPS will implement Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP to streamline financial operations, increase budget accuracy, and enhance compliance. Oracle’s embedded AI capabilities will help automate routine tasks—such as invoice matching, budget forecasting, and risk detection—freeing up staff to focus on strategic initiatives.

On the HR front, Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) will centralize workforce operations. From recruitment and onboarding to benefits administration and performance tracking, CPS will gain a single source of truth for employee data—key to engaging and retaining talent in a competitive education labor market.

The supply chain functionality, also part of the Fusion suite, will allow CPS to better manage procurement, vendor relationships, and inventory—critical for supporting operations across a sprawling urban district with complex logistics needs.

What this means for ERP Insiders

Unified cloud platforms drive sustainable efficiency. CPS’s transition illustrates how large institutions can standardize on a single platform to simplify operations and unlock long-term gains. For tech leaders managing legacy sprawl, this is a call to consolidate. Oracle Fusion enables organizations to unify ERP, HCM, and SCM under one roof—reducing integration overhead and improving data fidelity. Market data suggests that organizations using Oracle Cloud Applications see an average 3.2x return on investment within three years.

AI is the catalyst, not the add-on. Oracle Fusion doesn’t just offer automation—it embeds AI at the core. Predictive analytics, digital assistants, and agentic AI help organizations move from reactive to proactive operations. CPS expects automation to speed up processing times and improve accuracy across finance and HR. This is critical for ERP buyers evaluating platforms not just on features, but on their ability to deliver measurable productivity improvements via AI.

Modern ERP is a strategic education enabler. ERP transformation is no longer just about cost control. CPS’s move highlights how ERP can become an enabler of educational outcomes—by freeing up resources, improving workforce management, and accelerating procurement for school needs. For public sector and mission-driven enterprises, Oracle Fusion demonstrates how modern ERP aligns technology with impact, not just operations.

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Structural Technologies Reinforces Vision with Rootstock ERP https://erp.today/structural-technologies-reinforces-vision-with-rootstock-erp/ Wed, 14 May 2025 18:11:00 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130297 Structural Technologies has upgraded to Rootstock's cloud-based ERP system to address the limitations of its outdated legacy system and enhance operational efficiency, real-time visibility, and scalability across its manufacturing processes.

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Recognizing the limitations of their legacy systems in supporting their growth and the complexities of modern manufacturing and construction services, Structural Technologies, a leader in infrastructure solutions, has taken a significant step by implementing Rootstock’s cloud-based ERP system. This move underscores the company’s commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence.

“Our previous ERP was over three decades old and simply couldn’t support the complexity and scale of our current manufacturing needs,” said Matt Young, CIO of Structural Group. “Rootstock was chosen for its comprehensive set of capabilities and seamless collaboration with Salesforce Sales Cloud, which we’ve used for years. Rootstock also has a certified Workday integration, which we will leverage as we deploy Workday Financial Management to unify our solutions, ensuring smooth data flow and enhanced efficiency.”

By transitioning to Rootstock ERP, built on the Salesforce platform, the company aimed to unify their operations, from project management to supply chain logistics, under a single, integrated system. The adoption of Rootstock ERP has provided Structural Technologies with:

  • Real-Time Visibility: Enhanced tracking of projects, inventory, and financials, enabling proactive decision-making.
  • Scalability: A flexible platform that grows with the company’s expanding operations.
  • Improved Collaboration: Seamless integration across departments, fostering better communication and efficiency.

“The Rootstock implementation went remarkably well,” added Young. “From the outset, their team took a deep dive into our business challenges, ensuring the ERP was tailored to fit our needs. The go-live was seamless—exactly the kind of smooth transition every company hopes for. Together, we kept our teams engaged and tackled technical challenges head-on. Rootstock’s expertise, responsiveness, and collaborative approach kept this project on track, and we’re excited to build on this strong foundation in the next phase.”

Structural Technologies is now preparing for phase two of its Rootstock ERP implementation, which will expand work order capabilities, enhance overhead cost tracking, and further automate manufacturing processes. This phase will also include the integration between Rootstock ERP and Workforce Financial Management, enabling seamless data flow for deeper financial insights and even greater efficiencies.

What this means for ERP Insiders

Modernize manufacturing without disruption. Tech leaders should recognize that a well-planned ERP implementation doesn’t have to stall operations. Structural Technologies replaced a 30-year-old legacy system with Rootstock ERP—seamlessly. By eliminating manual workflows and integrating a 25-year-old custom engineering system, they gained real-time visibility into forecasts and procurement. The result: more accurate planning, fewer delays, and fully operational work orders. For manufacturers looking to modernize without halting production, Rootstock offers a proven path with agile deployment, minimal disruption, and strong support.

Build a unified, scalable tech stack. ERP should not exist in isolation. Structural Technologies selected Rootstock for its native Salesforce compatibility and certified Workday Financial Management integration. This foundation supports a fully connected enterprise—linking sales, operations, and finance in real time. The Rootstock platform scales with business complexity while minimizing integration overhead. For ERP leaders navigating growth or M&A, prioritizing scalable platforms that unify systems and eliminate data silos is essential to long-term agility and cost control.

Automate for better cost control and decision-making. Rootstock’s cloud-native ERP allowed Structural Technologies to automate labor and material cost calculations with precision—key to understanding true product margins. As they enter phase two, they plan to enhance overhead tracking and deepen manufacturing automation. ERP insiders should view automation not just as a productivity gain, but as a tool for smarter, faster financial decision-making. Rootstock’s real-time data and AI-ready infrastructure put actionable insights into the hands of every decision-maker.

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Rodda’s Video Case Study https://erp.today/roddas-video-case-study/ Mon, 12 May 2025 12:50:32 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130244 In 1890, Eliza Jane Rodda started making clotted cream in a farmhouse in Cornwall. Fast forward over 130 years, and Rodda’s family business is now a global exporter, transforming quality Cornish milk from local dairy farms into Cornish clotted cream, churned butter, shortbread, fudge, and bottling and supplying fresh and Barista Cornish milk nationwide.

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In 1890, Eliza Jane Rodda started making clotted cream in a farmhouse in Cornwall. Fast forward over 130 years, and Rodda’s family business is now a global exporter, transforming quality Cornish milk from local dairy farms into Cornish clotted cream, churned butter, shortbread, fudge, and bottling and supplying fresh and Barista Cornish milk nationwide.

 

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Case Study: Scot JCB https://erp.today/case-study-scot-jcb/ Fri, 09 May 2025 21:29:43 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130190 The implementation of a new ERP system was an opportunity to rethink our operations and how we could leverage data to power-up faster, better decision-making. Cooper Software’s design team helped us navigate these changes – and more – initiating new capabilities and functionality along the way.

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For over 60 years, Scot JCB has been at the forefront of supply and servicing high-quality JCB plant and machinery across Scotland and the North of England. The largest JCB distributor in the UK, the group operates 15 depots serving customers in the construction, agriculture and industrial sectors. As a ‘whole life’ package provider, it supplies new and used machinery alongside rental, maintenance, and parts services.

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Case Study: Rodda’s Clotted Cream https://erp.today/case-study-roddas-clotted-cream/ Fri, 09 May 2025 21:21:27 +0000 https://erp.today/?p=130186 IFS gives us live data showing the progress of shop orders as they’re being made, so our planning team can see how production is working, and our logistics side can see when orders are coming in and product needs to be dispatched. IFS provides traceability with just a couple of clicks because it tracks the whole process through from end to end.

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In 1890, Eliza Jane Rodda started making clotted cream in a farmhouse in Cornwall. Fast forward over 130 years, and Rodda’s family business is now a global exporter, transforming quality Cornish milk from local dairy farms into Cornish clotted cream, churned butter, shortbread, fudge, and bottling and supplying fresh and Barista Cornish milk nationwide.

View Case Study

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