For an automotive supplier, GDI provided SAP Implementation and post-implementation support that resulted in the development of new business and technical processes for the greater IT organization.
The Challenge
Client Background
GDI’s client is a tier 1 automotive supplier and a market leader in the supply of wheels. The company, with worldwide locations, had already undertaken an SAP ERP system implementation.
Project Objective:
The client initiated the implementation of an SAP ERP system to streamline disjointed processes while closely managing its network of suppliers, customers and partners. The goal of this project was to smoothly transition the SAP implementation to in-house staff while keeping the system operating at peak levels.
The Solution
Technology Employed
SAP 4.63 and ABAP
Project Details:
The client selected GDI for its extensive experience in SAP rollouts, its well-defined and highly evolved processes, and its ability to respond quickly to changes. GDI managed all activities for implementation of the HR and Payroll modules except management of SAP Basis and Security Administration. The GDI team brought the skills to not only understand the client’s processes and technology but also the client’s business culture. A major challenge for GDI was that the client's previous IT contractors lacked focus and commitment, which had a negative impact on earlier attempts to transition the solution.
Key responsibilities:
- The first step that GDI took was to develop a transition plan with the client. Given the project’s previous history, GDI realized that taking one step at a time was the key to successfully addressing this multi-level project.
- The GDI team consistently monitored the project progress and defined checkpoints and milestones for all the important steps, providing regular feedback to the client. This helped in creating confidence with the client teams.
- The dedicated GDI team consisted of three experts with knowledge of the automotive industry and extensive experience and expertise in SAP implementation.
The Results
- GDI identified key performance indicators for each of the critical success factors during the project initiation phase, which were signed off by the client to ensure consistent quality.
- GDI helped the client to establish a professional, technical and management approach to support and projects.
- GDI’s strong SAP consulting and domain expertise enabled effective business process mapping and the defining of new processes that directly translated to a well-managed IT system that meets the business needs of the client.