Program Management and Process Design for a Global System Integration and Deployment
Clarkston Consulting recently partnered with a manufacturer on a program management and process design for a global system integration and deployment. Read a synopsis of the project below or download the full case study.
Download the Program Management and Process Design Case Study Here
A leading global component manufacturer successfully underwent a major technical redesign to support its 2030 growth vision. This involved a “global big bang go live” implementing three major system solutions:
- SAP S/4HANA: Replacing their 20+ year old, over-customized SAP ECC system. This modern ERP system is a key component for managing core business processes.
- Salesforce CRM: An upgrade to their existing Customer Relationship Management solution, specifically to enhance sales, customer service, and overall customer journey management.
- Dassault 3DExperience PLM: A Product Lifecycle Management system included in the first phase of the roadmap to manage their significant engineering and design work.
The project was complex due to its global, three ERP “big bang” approach. The initial challenge identified by the client was a need for program-level management, design, and architecture to integrate these systems from a people, process, and technology standpoint. Clarkston Consulting, who was already implementing SAP S/4HANA, was subsequently engaged to take on this program management role.
Clarkston’s engagement was deemed critical to the project’s success. They provided program management and solution design expertise to ensure seamless integration and coordination across the three applications. Their methodology included:
- Holistic Design: They worked with all system integrators and solution owners to design and define the full “Lead to Order” process across all systems to support their quick to quote requirements.
- Data Governance: They established a clear understanding of data flow between systems, the criticality of master data governance, and the identification of data “source of truth” to maintain data integrity.
- Methodology and Tools: They applied proven project-level methodologies at the program level to ensure effective communication with C-suite executives, alignment among project managers, and clear reporting while ensuring dependencies between projects were aligned, understood, and maintained to remain on track.
- Integrated Testing and OCM: They coordinated integrated testing across all systems with global participants to confirm the full solution’s functionality. They also provided oversight for a comprehensive Organizational Change Management (OCM) program, including communications and training, to prepare nearly 1900 employees across eleven global sites.
The result was a successful and minimally disruptive go-live, enabling the company to meet its growth vision.
