In an initial business justification phase, Kearney built a high-level business case for S/4 HANA aligned to the core enabler of the transformation. We were also asked to build the indicative should-cost model and to assess the fundamental decisions for the program. A key strategic question was the migration scenario evaluating all options from maximized value delivery to a bare minimum, technical migration scenario. Kearney helped guide the leadership team to a decision to go greenfield.

The key inputs to this were a series of end-to-end process workshops revealing the existing pain points, fundamental change needs in how the company conducted its business, and clear process requirements all while navigating the new S/4 capabilities and how they can add value to the business. The team defined the technical solution scope along 30+ S/4 solution elements. Finally, Kearney laid the groundwork for a successful preparation and implementation of the project and for board approval.

In a second SI sourcing phase, Kearney took ownership of the SI selection process to design, implement, and deploy S/4 globally. To support the RFP creation, Kearney experts completed a deeper definition of process scope, validation of the business requirements, a more drilled-down business and value case, and deeper analysis of detailed S/4 solution elements as well as technical questions and key design decisions such as the integration approach for legacy systems. Kearney also advised on the sourcing and contracting strategy and a holistic view of a robust contract that balances on-time, in-quality, and in-budget delivery of the program. This was also supplemented by defining a robust project governance model with the program anchored with key stakeholders, as well as a broader change management approach.