Accelerate Business Transformation with RISE with SAP: A Comprehensive Guide to ERP Modernization

Modernizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is essential for maintaining competitiveness in today's rapidly evolving business environment. RISE with SAP, a holistic business transformation solution, allows organizations to harness the power of SAP Cloud ERP to drive digital transformation. Whether you're looking to streamline operations, enhance scalability, or improve data visibility, RISE with SAP offers a tailored approach to modernizing your ERP systems, empowering businesses to thrive in the cloud.

What Is RISE with SAP?

RISE with SAP is a comprehensive solution for businesses' digital transformation journey. With SAP Cloud ERP at its core, RISE simplifies the transition from legacy systems to cloud-based ERP solutions, offering a scalable, secure, and efficient environment. This single offering combines everything needed for cloud migration, from SAP S/4HANA Cloud services to business process intelligence and cloud infrastructure. It gives businesses the tools they need to innovate while reducing complexity.

By opting for RISE with SAP, businesses can transform their operations at their own pace while leveraging the flexibility of a cloud-based ERP system. This shift streamlines operations and drives increased agility, supporting growth in an ever-changing marketplace.

Benefits of RISE with SAP for ERP Modernization

RISE with SAP enables organizations to upgrade and modernize their ERP systems in a way that aligns with their unique business needs. Here are some key benefits that make RISE with SAP a powerful choice for cloud ERP transformation:

1. Cloud-Based Scalability and Flexibility

One of SAP Cloud ERP's core advantages is its ability to scale with your business. Whether your organization is expanding into new markets or scaling back in specific areas, the cloud infrastructure supports seamless scaling of ERP capabilities. With RISE, companies can select the best cloud deployment model, whether public, private, or hybrid.

In addition to scalability, RISE with SAP provides enhanced flexibility in how businesses operate, enabling users to adjust business processes and configurations without the limitations of on-premise systems. This adaptability is crucial for organizations seeking to meet dynamic market demands.

2. Cost-efficiency and Resource Optimization

Migrating to SAP Cloud ERP with RISE offers the opportunity to reduce infrastructure costs significantly. Legacy systems require costly maintenance, hardware upgrades, and IT management. RISE with SAP eliminates many of these expenses by shifting operations to the cloud, where businesses can enjoy subscription-based pricing models and avoid hefty upfront investments.

This transition to the cloud also allows businesses to focus internal resources on strategic growth initiatives rather than system upkeep, thus optimizing resource allocation.

3. Increased Data Transparency and Real-Time Insights

Real-time data access and analytics are critical to modern business operations. SAP Cloud ERP enables businesses to gain deeper insights into their processes through real-time reporting and business intelligence tools. These tools empower decision-makers with accurate and up-to-date data, facilitating faster, more informed decisions.

The centralized data model of SAP Cloud ERP also improves transparency across departments, making it easier to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and enhance collaboration.

How RISE with SAP Simplifies the Migration Journey

RISE with SAP is designed to remove the complexity of migrating legacy ERP systems to the cloud. The platform is structured to provide end-to-end solutions, helping businesses navigate cloud migration challenges without disrupting operations.

1. Assessment and Business Process Intelligence

Before beginning the migration journey, RISE with SAP includes a business process assessment to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Companies can use SAP's Business Process Intelligence tools to evaluate their current processes and define an optimized path for cloud adoption. This step ensures that migration is a technical upgrade and a transformative process that enhances overall business performance.

2. Automated Migration Tools

RISE with SAP includes automated tools that streamline the migration of data, configurations, and processes from legacy systems to SAP Cloud ERP. These tools reduce manual migration efforts' time, cost, and risk. Whether migrating from on-premise SAP systems or other ERP solutions, RISE with SAP offers pre-configured paths to ease the transition, minimizing disruptions and accelerating time-to-value.

3. Ongoing Support and Innovation

With RISE with SAP, the cloud journey doesn't end at migration. Continuous updates, support, and innovations are delivered as part of the service, ensuring that businesses always have access to the latest features and best practices. This means that organizations can remain at the forefront of industry advancements once migrated, benefiting from SAP’s extensive R&D efforts in areas like AI, machine learning, and automation.

Critical Considerations for a Successful ERP Modernization

While RISE with SAP simplifies the process of modernizing your ERP system, there are several factors businesses should consider to ensure a smooth and successful transition:

• Assess Current Systems: Conduct a thorough assessment of your existing ERP systems to understand what can be retained, what needs to be optimized, and where new functionality is required.
• Define Clear Objectives: Establish specific goals for the ERP modernization project, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing customer experience.
• Change Management: Ensure employees and key stakeholders are engaged throughout the process. Effective change management helps avoid disruption during the transition period and ensures a smoother adoption of the new ERP system.
• Select the Right Deployment Model: Choose the cloud deployment model that aligns with your business's needs—whether that's public, private, or hybrid—based on factors such as data privacy, security, and compliance.

Accelerate Your Cloud ERP Journey with RISE with SAP

RISE with SAP provides businesses a robust framework to modernize their ERP systems through cloud adoption. From enhanced scalability and flexibility to cost efficiencies and real-time insights, SAP Cloud ERP offers organizations the tools to stay competitive in a fast-paced business landscape. By leveraging RISE with SAP, businesses can confidently embark on their cloud journey, knowing they are equipped with the support, innovation, and automation required to succeed. Visit Approyo for more information on SAP Cloud ERP solutions.

SAP Cloud ERP and GROW: The Perfect Pair for Seamless Cloud Adoption

SAP Cloud ERP is continuously revolutionizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) by delivering real-time data access, seamless integration, and a flexible, modular architecture tailored to any organization's unique needs. Paired with GROW, a strategic framework aimed at accelerating cloud adoption and nurturing innovation, businesses are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

GROW ensures teams acquire the necessary skills and mindset for cloud transformation while optimizing workflows for maximum efficiency. SAP and GROW provide a comprehensive roadmap to simplify the migration process and accelerate business transformation.

Understanding SAP Cloud ERP

SAP offers a range of features designed to simplify the complexities of cloud migration. Each feature is critical in ensuring businesses experience a smooth transition to a cloud-first environment.

Key Features Simplifying Migration

Migrating to the cloud can feel like a monumental task—comparable to moving an entire library without losing a single book. However, SAP Cloud ERP simplifies this process through advanced features like real-time data processing, ensuring that information is instantly accessible and free from the latency issues that can plague older systems. Its integration capabilities enable seamless communication between existing systems and the new cloud environment, ensuring businesses don't lose valuable data or operational continuity during the transition.

The modular architecture of SAP ERP allows organizations to customize their ERP systems like building blocks and tailoring solutions to meet specific business requirements. This flexibility is crucial for smooth cloud adoption, ensuring companies can scale and adapt as their needs evolve.

Before diving into how GROW complements SAP Cloud ERP, it’s essential to address a critical concern: data security. Ensuring the safety of your data during cloud migration is vital to any successful transition.

Data Security and Compliance

Security is often a top concern when transitioning to the cloud. Thankfully, SAP Cloud ERP is built with robust data security protocols, offering comprehensive protection that ensures your data is safe from breaches and compliance issues. Its embedded compliance measures give organizations peace of mind, knowing that their data is protected under the highest security standards.

Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability is another hallmark of SAP Cloud ERP. Whether a company experiences rapid growth or needs to scale back temporarily, the system's flexibility allows it to expand or contract as needed. This elasticity ensures businesses can quickly respond to market changes without the risk of overhauling their systems or facing operational bottlenecks.

The Role of GROW in Transformation

GROW is a critical partner in cloud transformation, providing the skills and mindset necessary for teams to leverage SAP fully. Below, we'll explore the GROW framework and how it drives organizational success in more depth.

Defining the GROW Framework

While SAP Cloud ERP handles the technical side of cloud adoption, GROW complements it by addressing the cultural and operational challenges associated with digital transformation. GROW fosters a cloud-first mindset, encouraging innovation and optimizing workflows to align with cloud-based operations. This framework helps companies shift from traditional models to modern, cloud-centric strategies that promote agility and continuous improvement.

Empowering Teams with Training and Support

Technology is only as effective as the people who use it. GROW ensures that teams are fully equipped to use SAP Cloud ERP through comprehensive training, hands-on support, and ongoing learning opportunities. This framework cultivates a workforce that is not just ready to adopt cloud technology but also confident in leveraging its capabilities to drive business growth.

Synergy Between SAP Cloud ERP and GROW

We combine SAP Cloud ERP with GROW, resulting in a smooth and efficient transition to the cloud. This synergy minimizes friction and optimizes operational workflows. Below, we'd like to explore the benefits of this powerful partnership.

Fostering a Seamless Transition

When SAP Cloud ERP and GROW work together, they create a seamless transition for businesses moving to the cloud. GROW’s focus on employee training and process optimization ensures that teams are ready to embrace SAP Cloud ERP’s advanced features, minimizing migration friction. This synergy results in a smooth, intuitive experience for employees and management, reducing resistance to change and speeding up cloud adoption.

Collaborative Features for Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is significantly improved when SAP Cloud ERP and GROW are used together. Collaborative features such as unified dashboards, automated updates, and enhanced communication tools streamline workflows, reduce downtime, and enable teams to coordinate efforts across departments and time zones seamlessly. This level of collaboration and integration enhances productivity and accelerates the achievement of business goals.

Long-term Strategic Benefits

In the long run, the combined power of SAP Cloud ERP and the GROW framework positions organizations for sustained success. By enhancing agility, improving decision-making through real-time data, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation, businesses cannot just meet the challenges of today’s market but stay ahead of them.

Unlocking the Future of Cloud Adoption

By integrating SAP Cloud ERP with the GROW framework, businesses can transform the daunting task of cloud adoption into a strategic opportunity for growth and innovation. Whether improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, or fostering a culture of agility, this potent duo provides everything organizations need to thrive in a cloud-first world.

Now is the time for you to take action. Explore how SAP Cloud ERP and GROW can elevate your organization’s cloud journey. Visit Approyo to learn more about tailored SAP solutions that best fit your business.

How Cloud ERP Solutions Enhance Business Agility

Companies nowadays seek ways to streamline operations and boost productivity. Cloud ERP solutions offer a powerful means to achieve this by integrating core processes into a single, efficient cloud-based system. This integration reduces redundancies and enhances overall operational efficiency, positioning businesses to respond swiftly to market changes and drive growth.

Unifying Core Processes

Cloud ERP solutions combine various business processes into a cohesive system. These solutions eliminate redundancies and streamline operations by integrating finance, HR, and supply chain management. This unification allows for seamless data flow across departments, ensuring all teams access the same up-to-date information.

For instance, cloud ERP systems in finance automate tasks such as invoicing and payroll, reducing manual errors and saving time. In HR, these systems manage employee records, benefits, and performance reviews in one place, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Supply chain management benefits from real-time inventory and order tracking, improving coordination and reducing delays.

Real-Time Data and Analytics

Real-time data analytics is a cornerstone of cloud ERP solutions, providing businesses with immediate access to critical information. This capability allows companies to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing their ability to respond to market changes. With real-time insights, businesses can identify trends, monitor performance, and adjust strategies on the fly.

For example, sales teams can track customer behavior and preferences in real-time, enabling them to tailor their approaches and improve conversion rates. Finance departments benefit from up-to-the-minute financial data, which aids in accurate forecasting and budgeting. Supply chain managers can monitor inventory levels and supplier performance, ensuring timely deliveries and reducing stockouts.

Furthermore, real-time analytics facilitate proactive problem-solving. Businesses can address issues before they escalate, minimizing disruptions by identifying them as they arise. This agility is crucial in today's fast-paced market, where delays and inefficiencies can lead to significant competitive disadvantages.

In addition, the ability to access real-time data from any location enhances collaboration and decision-making across departments. Teams can work together more effectively, leveraging the same set of accurate, up-to-date information. This unified approach improves operational efficiency and drives better business outcomes.

Cost Efficiency and Scalability

Cloud ERP solutions offer significant cost benefits, primarily through reduced IT infrastructure expenses. Traditional ERP systems require substantial investments in hardware, software, and maintenance. In contrast, cloud ERP solutions operate on a subscription basis, eliminating the need for costly on-premises infrastructure. This shift not only reduces capital expenditure but also lowers ongoing operational costs.

For example, companies using cloud ERP systems experienced a 20% reduction in IT costs. These savings stem from decreased servers, storage, and IT personnel spending. Cloud providers also handle system updates and maintenance, reducing the burden on internal IT teams.

Scalability is another critical advantage of cloud ERP solutions. As businesses grow, their operational needs evolve. Cloud ERP systems can quickly scale to accommodate increased transaction volumes, additional users, and expanded functionalities. This flexibility ensures companies can adapt their ERP systems to match their growth without significant disruptions or further investments.

Moreover, cloud ERP solutions offer a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to scale their usage based on current needs. This model provides financial predictability and ensures that companies only pay for the resources they use. By combining cost efficiency with scalability, cloud ERP solutions enable businesses to optimize operations and support long-term growth.

Enhanced Collaboration and Accessibility

Cloud ERP solutions significantly enhance collaboration by providing a centralized platform accessible from anywhere. This accessibility ensures that team members can access the same data and tools regardless of location. As a result, departments can work together more effectively, breaking down silos and fostering a more cohesive work environment.

For instance, sales teams can update customer information in real-time and immediately make it available to the finance and support teams. This seamless data sharing reduces the chances of miscommunication and ensures that all departments are aligned. HR teams can manage employee records and performance reviews from any location, facilitating remote work and improving overall efficiency.

Cloud ERP solutions also support real-time collaboration tools like shared dashboards and integrated communication channels. These features enable teams to discuss insights, share updates, and make decisions quickly. Collaborating in real-time enhances team synergy and accelerates project timelines.

Future-Proofing Your Business with SAP Cloud ERP Solutions

Adopting cloud ERP solutions positions businesses for future growth and technological advancements. These systems streamline operations, unify core processes, and provide real-time data analytics, enabling better decision-making. Embracing cloud ERP is a strategic move that prepares companies for long-term success and innovation.

Visit Approyo today to learn more about SAP solutions. If you want guidance on how SAP can enhance your operations, contact us at info@approyo.com or 877-277-7696.

Streamlining Business Processes with SAP Enterprise Software

How can businesses enhance operational efficiency today through integrated data management? SAP enterprise software offers a robust solution that automates repetitive tasks and reduces manual errors. This leads to increased productivity and streamlined operations, allowing companies to focus on strategic initiatives rather than mundane processes.

How SAP Enterprise Software Streamlines Business Processes

SAP enterprise software significantly enhances business operations by automating repetitive tasks. Automation reduces employees' time on mundane activities, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks. This shift boosts productivity and improves job satisfaction as employees engage in more meaningful work.

Furthermore, SAP enterprise software minimizes manual errors. The software ensures accuracy and consistency by automating data entry and other routine processes. Reducing errors leads to more reliable data, crucial for making informed business decisions.

In addition, the software integrates various business functions into a single platform. This integration facilitates seamless communication and collaboration across departments. As a result, businesses can operate more efficiently, with all teams working from the same set of accurate, up-to-date information.

Enhancing Decision-Making with Integrated Data

Integrated data management is a cornerstone of SAP enterprise software, enabling businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights. By consolidating data from various sources into a single platform, SAP ensures decision-makers can access accurate and up-to-date information. This comprehensive business landscape view allows for more strategic planning and execution.

For example, a retail company using SAP can integrate sales data, inventory levels, and customer feedback into one system. This integration allows managers to identify trends, such as which products are performing well and which are not. With this information, they can make data-driven decisions about inventory management, marketing strategies, and customer engagement.

Moreover, SAP's integrated data management facilitates predictive analytics. Businesses can analyze historical data to forecast future trends and behaviors. For instance, a manufacturing company can predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance proactively, reducing downtime and operational costs. This predictive capability enhances decision-making by providing actionable insights that drive efficiency and profitability.

Operational Efficiency Through Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics in SAP enterprise software are crucial in enhancing operational efficiency. By leveraging historical data and advanced algorithms, businesses can anticipate market trends and make proactive decisions. This foresight allows companies to stay ahead of the competition and adapt swiftly to changing market conditions.

For instance, a logistics company can use predictive analytics to forecast demand for shipping services. By analyzing past shipping data and external factors like seasonal trends, the company can optimize its fleet management and staffing levels. This proactive approach reduces costs and improves service delivery, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Moreover, predictive analytics helps in inventory management. Retailers can predict which products will be in high demand and adjust their stock levels accordingly. This reduces the risk of overstocking or stockouts, leading to more efficient inventory turnover and better cash flow management.

Additionally, predictive analytics supports maintenance and asset management. Manufacturing companies can predict equipment failures before they occur, allowing for scheduled maintenance rather than reactive repairs. This reduces downtime and extends the lifespan of machinery, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

Overcoming Implementation Challenges

Implementing SAP enterprise software can present several challenges, but understanding and addressing these obstacles can ensure a smoother transition. One common challenge is the complexity of the software itself. SAP systems are comprehensive and require a deep understanding to configure and use effectively. To overcome this, businesses should invest in thorough training programs for their staff. Ongoing education and support can help employees proficiently use the software, reducing the learning curve and minimizing disruptions.

Another challenge is data migration. Transferring data from legacy systems to SAP can be daunting, often fraught with data loss or corruption risks. Businesses should conduct a detailed data audit before migration to mitigate these risks. This involves cleaning and validating data to ensure accuracy and completeness. Additionally, using automated data migration tools can streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Integration with existing systems is also a significant hurdle. Many businesses operate with a mix of legacy systems and new technologies, making seamless integration a complex task. To address this, companies should develop a clear integration strategy that outlines how SAP will interact with other systems. Utilizing middleware solutions facilitates smoother integration, ensuring data flows seamlessly between different platforms.

Maximizing ROI with SAP Enterprise Software

Maximizing ROI with SAP enterprise software involves strategic planning and continuous monitoring. Businesses should set clear objectives and align SAP capabilities with their goals. By focusing on these strategies, companies can achieve significant returns on their SAP investment, enhancing overall operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Learn more about SAP enterprise solutions at Approyo. For tailored insights on improving business processes, contact info@approyo.com or call 877-277-7696.

What Most Companies Get Wrong About SAP ERP Implementation

Implementing SAP ERP can be a game-changer for businesses, but many companies need help. Common pitfalls include inadequate planning, insufficient training, and underestimating the complexity of integration. This guide will explore avoiding these mistakes and leveraging SAP ERP's modular structure to optimize your business operations.

Understanding the Core Modules of SAP ERP

SAP ERP's core modules are designed to address essential business functions, providing a comprehensive framework for managing various operational aspects. The Financial Accounting (FI) module is crucial for handling financial transactions, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and generating financial statements. It integrates seamlessly with other modules, offering real-time financial data that supports informed decision-making.

The Controlling (CO) module complements FI by focusing on internal cost management. It helps businesses track and control costs, analyze profitability, and manage budgets. This module is vital for strategic planning and operational efficiency, enabling companies to optimize resource allocation and improve financial performance.

Sales and Distribution (SD) is another crucial module, streamlining the entire sales process from order management to delivery. It enhances customer relationship management by providing sales order processing, pricing, and billing tools. This module ensures that sales operations are efficient and customer satisfaction is maintained.

Material Management (MM) handles procurement and inventory management, ensuring that materials are available at the correct cost. It covers the entire supply chain process, from purchasing to inventory control, and integrates with other modules to provide a holistic view of material flow within the organization. This module is essential for maintaining optimal inventory levels and reducing procurement costs.

Customizing SAP ERP to Fit Your Business

SAP ERP's modular design offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their needs. Companies can configure modules to align with unique workflows and operational demands, ensuring that the ERP system supports and hinders business processes. This customization capability is crucial for businesses operating in diverse industries with distinct requirements.

For instance, a manufacturing company might customize the Material Management (MM) module to include specific inventory tracking features that cater to their production schedules. Similarly, a retail business could modify the Sales and Distribution (SD) module to incorporate unique pricing strategies and promotional campaigns. These customizations enable companies to optimize their operations and improve efficiency.

Customization options extend beyond module configuration. SAP ERP allows for the integration of third-party applications and the development of custom reports and dashboards. This flexibility ensures businesses can access the data and insights they need to make informed decisions. For example, integrating a customer relationship management (CRM) tool with the SD module can provide a comprehensive view of customer interactions, enhancing sales strategies and customer service.

The impact of these customizations is significant. Businesses can streamline processes, reduce operational costs, and improve overall performance. By leveraging SAP ERP's modular design, companies can create a system that meets their current needs and adapts to future changes and growth.

Best Practices for Implementation

Implementing SAP ERP modules requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure success. Start with a comprehensive planning phase with a detailed needs assessment and a clear project roadmap. Identify key stakeholders and define their roles and responsibilities. This step ensures alignment and sets realistic expectations for the implementation process.

Configuration is the next critical phase. You can customize the modules to fit your business processes and workflows—Leverage SAP's best practices and templates to streamline this process. Please ensure configurations are thoroughly tested in a controlled environment before going live. This minimizes disruptions and ensures that the system functions as intended.

Integration is another vital aspect. SAP ERP must seamlessly integrate with existing systems and third-party applications. Use middleware solutions to facilitate smooth data exchange and ensure compatibility. Conduct rigorous integration testing to identify and resolve any issues early. This step is crucial for maintaining data integrity and operational continuity.

Training is often overlooked but is essential for a successful implementation. Develop a comprehensive training program tailored to different user roles. Use various training methods, including hands-on sessions, e-learning modules, and user manuals. Continuous training and support ensure that users are proficient and can fully leverage the system's capabilities.

By following these best practices, businesses can ensure a smooth and effective SAP ERP implementation, leading to improved operational efficiency and better business outcomes.

Future Trends in SAP ERP Customization

As businesses continue to evolve, so does the landscape of SAP ERP customization. Emerging trends such as AI, machine learning, and cloud-based solutions are set to revolutionize how companies leverage SAP ERP. AI and machine learning can automate routine tasks, provide predictive analytics, and enhance decision-making processes. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, making it easier for businesses to adapt to changing demands. These advancements will further improve the flexibility and capabilities of SAP ERP, allowing businesses to stay competitive and agile.

For more information on how implementing these trends can benefit your SAP ERP system, visit Approyo.

Leveraging SAP ERP for Data-Driven Decision Making and Business Intelligence

Data is a critical asset in business that drives decision-making processes and fuels organizational growth. SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are at the forefront of this transformation, providing comprehensive solutions for managing enterprise data and enhancing business intelligence. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for gaining a competitive edge, improving operational efficiency, and achieving strategic objectives. This article explores the pivotal role of SAP ERP in data management, the powerful business intelligence (BI) tools it offers, and best practices for implementing data-driven strategies.

The Role of SAP ERP in Data Management

SAP ERP systems are designed to streamline and centralize data management across an organization. They provide a unified platform where data from various business functions—such as finance, human resources, supply chain, and customer relationship management—can be stored and accessed. This centralization eliminates data silos, ensuring that decision-makers have a holistic view of the organization’s performance.

Centralized Data Storage and Access

Centralized data storage is one of SAP ERP's core features. SAP ERP systems facilitate seamless access and retrieval by consolidating data into a single repository. This integration ensures that employees across departments can access accurate and up-to-date information, fostering better collaboration and more informed decision-making.

Data Accuracy and Consistency

Data accuracy and consistency are paramount for effective decision-making. SAP ERP systems employ stringent data validation and quality control measures to maintain the integrity of the data. This reliability is crucial for generating trustworthy insights and avoiding costly errors. With consistent data standards, organizations can confidently base their strategies on accurate information, reducing the risk of misinformed decisions.

Business Intelligence Tools in SAP ERP

Business intelligence tools are integral to the SAP ERP ecosystem, offering advanced analytics and reporting capabilities that transform raw data into actionable insights. These tools empower organizations to harness the full potential of their data, driving informed decision-making and strategic planning.

SAP ERP includes a suite of BI tools designed to cater to diverse analytical needs. Some of the essential tools include:

SAP BusinessObjects: This suite offers comprehensive reporting, analysis, and visualization capabilities. It enables users to create interactive dashboards, generate detailed reports, and perform in-depth data analysis.

SAP Lumira: A powerful data visualization tool, SAP Lumira allows users to create visually compelling stories with their data. It supports self-service BI, enabling business users to explore and visualize data without extensive technical knowledge.

SAP Analytics Cloud: This all-in-one cloud-based solution combines BI, augmented analytics, and planning capabilities. It leverages AI and machine learning to provide predictive insights and advanced analytics.

How They Enhance Decision-Making

BI tools in SAP ERP enhance decision-making by providing real-time insights, predictive analytics, and interactive visualizations. These tools enable organizations to identify trends, uncover hidden patterns, and make data-driven predictions. By leveraging these insights, businesses can optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and identify new growth opportunities.

For example, SAP Analytics Cloud’s predictive capabilities allow companies to forecast demand, manage inventory more effectively, and mitigate risks. SAP BusinessObjects’ detailed reporting helps organizations track key performance indicators (KPIs) and measure progress toward strategic goals. These tools collectively empower businesses to make proactive and informed decisions.

Implementing Data-Driven Strategies with SAP ERP

Integrating BI tools with SAP ERP systems is essential for leveraging data-driven strategies. The following steps outline a structured approach to successful implementation:

Assess Business Needs: Begin by identifying your organization's specific analytical requirements. Determine which BI tools align with your business objectives and data management needs.

Plan the Integration: Develop a detailed integration plan that outlines the technical requirements, timelines, and resources needed. Ensure that data from various sources is mapped accurately to the BI tools.

Data Preparation: Cleanse and prepare your data to ensure accuracy and consistency. Could you set up data governance policies to maintain data quality over time?

Implement the Tools: Deploy the selected BI tools and integrate them with your SAP ERP system. Ensure seamless data flow between the ERP system and the BI tools.

User Training: Provide comprehensive training to end-users to maximize the adoption and effective use of the BI tools. Focus on teaching users how to generate reports, create visualizations, and interpret data insights.

Harness the Power of Business Intelligence

SAP ERP systems are indispensable for organizations harnessing the power of data-driven decision-making and business intelligence. By centralizing data management and offering a robust suite of BI tools, SAP ERP enables businesses to gain valuable insights, drive efficiency, and achieve strategic objectives. Integrating BI tools with SAP ERP systems fosters a data-centric culture, empowering organizations to make informed decisions based on accurate and timely information.

Leveraging SAP ERP for data-driven decision-making is a strategic imperative for modern businesses. The advancements in BI tools and analytics capabilities will continue to enhance the value of SAP ERP systems, positioning organizations for long-term success in an increasingly data-driven world. Embrace these tools and strategies today to unlock the full potential of your data and drive business growth.

Visit Approyo for more information on SAP ERP solutions.

The Need for an Intelligent ERP System in the Utilities Industry

A radical change in the utility industry is occurring at a rapid pace. Changes in technologies, business models, standards, and the makeup of utility companies themselves require constant adaptation. Utilities must be able to respond to rapidly changing conditions, yet still comply with all standards. How does a digital core with a true single source of truth help?

Agility
A digital core is an IT architecture that offers stability and long-term reliability for core enterprise processes, yet also provides the flexibility to adapt quickly to new opportunities, challenges, and regulations. This solid foundation gives you a single source of truth, which in turn enables flexibility for innovation to accommodate things like new business models, new regulations, and business events, such as mergers or acquisitions.

Managing Big Data
Every utility company needs the computing capability to carry out complex algorithms with large data sets to support timely, real-time analysis. Everyone in the company must have access to data they need, whenever and wherever they need it. This is also true for the rest of the utility ecosystem so that suppliers can stay up to date with a company’s orders; customer service
agents can see customer history for billing, service, and consumption information; and maintenance teams can accurately monitor asset performance.

Innovation
Utilities must transform to grow profits and reduce costs by simplifying their operations. The value of the digital economy is based on how the consumer or “prosumer” (producer and consumer of energy) is served. Value creation often comes from edge solutions that are based on and coordinated by digital core solutions. It is the framework for innovation and business process optimization, connecting the workforce, suppliers, customers, assets, and the supply network.

Analysis
It is crucial to get the right information at the right time on the right device. Plant processes are supported or controlled by predictive and self-learning systems that interact with machines and business processes. Predictive analytics and machine learning (ML) accelerate the delegation of business processes and decisions from people to machines. People who need the knowledge have digital access on demand and in real time, regardless of whether they are part of the core or the extended workforce.

Stand apart in a world that never stands still – with SAP S/4HANA powered by Approyo
Your business isn't generic. Your ERP shouldn't be either. SAP S/4HANA powered by Approyo provides utility companies with industry best practices built from decades of experience – and allows them to bring cutting-edge innovation in the cloud to their core processes, be it customer engagement, predictive maintenance, or usage-based billing. So they can attain the operational excellence they need to deliver the ultimate customer experience.

• Industry Insight - A world of rapid technological change – distributed energy resources, microgeneration, batteries, microgrids, and electrical mobility – and social media adoption is forcing providers of electricity to rethink how they work, the services they provide, and their business models. The most successful companies will flexibly manage demand, enabled by insights garnered from smart technologies.
• Customer Success - SAP S/4HANA provides re-engineered and simplified business activities transforming the execution from multistep, batch-driven processes with latency in terms of key performance indicators to real-time processes with actionable insights to accelerate invoice processing, increase cash flow, and protect revenue assurance.
• Productivity Improvement - SAP S/4HANA empowers call-center agents and field workers with an end-user centric, consumer-grade experience because, for utilities, it's the call-center agents that add value to customer engagements and field workers who deliver operational excellence.
• Cost Savings - SAP S/4HANA powered by Approyo allows for real-time monitoring of asset health and can predict failure before it happens. Maintenance orders are triggered just in time, avoiding unnecessary inspections and decreasing the cost and risk of unplanned failure.

Start your path to the Intelligent Enterprise with Approyo
Bringing SAP S/4HANA and SAP Leonardo technologies together as a digital core results in a more flexible and intelligent enterprise. Approyo provides full SAP service technology with extensive capabilities in consulting, solutions architecture, hosting and managed services, in order to develop the right solution for our customers. Get started today...

SAP and Microsoft Announce Project Embrace to accelerate adoption of SAP S/4HANA

Building on a joint commitment to simplify and modernize customers’ journeys to the cloud through project “Embrace,” SAP SE and Microsoft Corp. announced an extensive go-to-market partnership — from conceptualization to sales — to accelerate customer adoption of SAP S/4HANA and SAP Cloud Platform on Microsoft Azure.

Today’s new, preferred cloud partnership brings together SAP and Microsoft, along with a global network of system integrators, to offer holistic bundles that provide customers with unified reference architectures, road maps and market-approved journeys to illuminate a clear path toward the cloud. As part of this simplified customer journey, Microsoft will resell components of SAP Cloud Platform alongside Azure. This unique offering is aimed at more easily migrating SAP ERP application and SAP S/4HANA customers from on premise to public cloud.

Under the banner of project ‘Embrace’, SAP, Microsoft and a global ecosystem of system integrators including Approyo will combine to offer “holistic bundles” designed to provide customers with unified reference architectures and strategic roadmaps in the context of cloud.

SAP will lead with Microsoft Azure to move on-premise SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA customers to the cloud through industry-specific best practices, reference architectures and cloud-delivered services. This includes future deployment and migration of existing direct SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud customers leveraging hyperscaler infrastructure. However, SAP continues with its long-standing policy of supporting choice for those customers who request alternatives based on business requirements.

"I am proud to have the Approyo team working with Microsoft Azure and SAP on Project Embrace" added Christopher M. Carter, CEO of Approyo. 

Specifically, project “Embrace” on Microsoft Azure will provide customers with:

• A simplified move from on-premise editions of SAP ERP to SAP S/4HANA for customers with integrated product and industry solutions. Industry market bundles will create a road map to the cloud for customers in focused industries, with a singular reference architecture and path to streamline implementation.
• Collaborative support model for simplified resolution. In response to customer feedback, a combined support model for Azure and SAP Cloud Platform will help ease migration and improve communication.
• Jointly developed market journeys to support customer needs. Designed in collaboration with SAP, Microsoft and system integrator partners will provide roadmaps to the digital enterprise with recommended solutions and reference architectures for customers. These offer a harmonized approach by industry for products, services and practices across Microsoft, SAP and system integrators like Approyo.

Read the Full Announcements:

From Microsoft:
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/10/20/new-cloud-migration-pairing-offers-enhanced-customer-experience/

From SAP:
https://news.sap.com/2019/10/sap-microsoft-partnership-cloud-migration-offerings/

SAP S/4HANA: The Speed and Power of Simplification

SAP S/4HANA eliminates the complexities of legacy ERP databases, giving organizations a vastly simplified digital core with access to business-critical data in real time. The “S” in SAP S/4HANA is a nod to SAP's legacy business suite. SAP S/4HANA is optimized for SAP HANA, which supports a data model that simplifies the business computing environment dramatically. To take full advantage of this design, SAP S/4HANA was created to reimagine and recode the business suite from the ground up.

REUNIFICATION
Traditionally, the typical enterprise computing environment has been split between online transactional processing (OLTP) and online analytical processing (OLAP). This split is a compromise made long ago: each system gets a copy of the original transactional data, commonly in a different data model, with each optimized for the type of workload (OLTP versus OLAP) in that system. This compromise, though, comes at the cost and complexity of managing two separate environments and moving data between them. Because SAP HANA can support performing analytical calculations and transformations on the fly, organizations can now bring OLTP and OLAP together again. Gone are the complex “helper structures” (indexes and data aggregate tables) that are used to overcome system performance issues running at the speed of disk. Now, with a simplified data model and the speed of in-memory processing, organizations can perform analytics on all data (live and historical) in a single environment – in the moment, as needed.

SIMPLICITY
By redesigning ERP for SAP HANA, the SAP S/4HANA reduces the number of tables dramatically across a wide range of functions. Take, for instance, finance and controlling. While in the past, data was structured in subledgers (accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, asset accounting, cost center accounting, and so on), today they run on a single universal journal. This universal journal brings together postings related to finance (FI) and controlling (CO) in one single source table. The integrity of financial data is guaranteed by design, eliminating reconciliation effort between FI and CO and ensuring that every-one can always access the most current data. Teams are aligned and more effective because the complexity has been removed. Forecasting is faster and more accurate. Key performance indicators such as days sales outstanding (DSO) are avail-able in real time on a granular level. Profit center reporting, profitability analysis, and other real-time analytics performed on top of the universal journal become a reality.

As much as this simplification helps SAP, it also helps our customers. The SAP Tax Compliance application, for example, helps to streamline tax compliance through an automated tax control framework and now runs in SAP S/4HANA instead of a separate system that requires data replication. This application provides an enterprise-wide repository of compliance checks and enables corrections continuously during the current declaration period, freeing tax specialists from searching for anomalies. This simplification to a single source of truth supports new benefits – such as a comprehensive enterprise search. Now business users can search for master data and documents across different LoBs and across systems for a holistic view of the enterprise with zero latency in a modern user interface. At the same time, a built-in authorization framework helps to minimize administrative overhead and enable single sign-on so that users can work across LoBs in a secure fashion, without impediments.

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY FOR THE INTELLIGENT ENTERPRISE
A simplified data model is imperative for intelligent technologies, such as machine learning. Traditional database models that maintain acceptable performance only with added complexity simply cannot scale to meet the needs of machine learning deployments. To run simulations, train algorithms, and improve visibility into what’s coming next, technologies need a data model up to the task. SAP S/4HANA is leveraging machine learning technology in the solution itself. One example is accelerated accounts receivable. With legacy databases and complex data models, accounts receivable can be an error-prone process that crosses multiple systems to match purchase orders to invoices. With SAP Cash Application software on SAP S/4HANA, machine learning technology does the matching automatically – and gets better over time with the addition of new data.

THE DIGITAL CORE
With SAP HANA as its foundation, SAP S/4HANA serves as a digital core for the business – one that helps drive business agility, improve customer experiences, and increase business performance.

Start your path to the Intelligent Enterprise with Approyo
Approyo provides full SAP service technology with extensive capabilities in consulting, solutions architecture, hosting and managed services, in order to develop the right solution for our customers. Get started today... 

Industry Capabilities with SAP S/4HANA

SAP S/4HANA is an intelligent, integrated ERP system that runs on the in-memory database, SAP HANA. It can help you:

• Address industry-specific requirements with proven best practices for 26 verticals and enable new business models as your marketplace evolves
• Revolutionize business processes with intelligent automation — supported by artificial intelligence and robotic process automation
• Make better decisions faster with embedded analytics, a conversational interface, and digital assistants
• Meet your IT landscape goals with hybrid, cloud, and on-premise scenarios that share a consistent data model, code line, and user experience

Here are just a few capabilities that SAP S/4HANA provides across multiple industries:

• Simplify asset operations and maintenance - Maximize asset value, control risks, and help ensure safety with a holistic view of asset status to plan maintenance activities with the right person, tools, resources, and integrated documentation. 
• Manage environmental, health, and safety risks - Execute tasks in critical environments with a complete view of compliance and safety measures, so you can identify risks and regulations, define priorities, implement controls, and track incidents.
• Maintain service agreements - Provide a single contract for all outcome-based services and reduce administrative burden by consolidating and maintaining task lists, catalogues, maintenance plans, and warranty information.
• Provide customer-oriented services - Engage with customers across a multitude of channels to offer packaged service offerings; manage complaints, claims, returns, and refunds; and schedule and dispatch field services to fulfill service orders.
• Streamline service parts management - Optimize parts logistics and inventory processes with real-time visibility across all supply locations to source service parts globally and ensure their availability.
• Streamline Core HR and payroll processes - Integrate employee master data, organizational data, and cost-center-related information from the SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central solution to speed reorganizations and other end-to-end processes.

Start your path to the Intelligent Enterprise with Approyo
Approyo provides full SAP service technology with extensive capabilities in consulting, solutions architecture, hosting and managed services, in order to develop the right solution for our customers. Get started today...

Stay Connected with Intelligent Business Processes

An intelligent enterprise starts with a digital core. It is the foundation for flexible, connected, and intelligent business processes that enable your organization to keep the customer experience at the center of everything you do.

SAP S/4HANA is SAP's flagship enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. It is built on the power of SAP HANA – SAP's in-memory database management system that provides real-time analytics – to unite transactional systems, overcoming limitations imposed by legacy technologies.

With that, SAP S/4HANA allows you to connect across all your lines of business and, externally, across your ecosystem so you have seamless visibility and insights across your entire business.

Capabilities of an Intelligent Business

Simplify asset operations and maintenance - Maximize asset value, control risks, and help ensure safety with a holistic view of asset status to plan maintenance activities with the right person, tools, resources, and integrated documentation.

Manage environmental, health, and safety risks - Execute tasks in critical environments with a complete view of compliance and safety measures, so you can identify risks and regulations, define priorities, implement controls, and track incidents.

Maintain service agreements - Provide a single contract for all outcome-based services and reduce administrative burden by consolidating and maintaining task lists, catalogues, maintenance plans, and warranty information.

Provide customer-oriented services - Engage with customers across a multitude of channels to offer packaged service offerings; manage complaints, claims, returns, and refunds; and schedule and dispatch field services to fulfill service orders.

Streamline service parts management - Optimize parts logistics and inventory processes with real-time visibility across all supply locations to source service parts globally and ensure their availability.

Streamline Core HR and payroll processes - Integrate employee master data, organizational data, and cost-center-related information from the SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central solution to speed reorganizations and other end-to-end processes.

Start your path to the Intelligent Enterprise with Approyo
Approyo provides full SAP service technology with extensive capabilities in consulting, solutions architecture, hosting and managed services, in order to develop the right solution for our customers. Get started today...

How can the Intelligent Enterprise impact the Telecommunications industry?

Disruptive change is happening in the telecommunications industry at a rapid pace. 5G, new market entrants, innovations in business models, mergers, and evolving industry standards require constant adaptation. Communications service providers (CSPs) must be able to respond to rapidly changing conditions yet still comply with all standards. How does a digital core with a true single source of truth help?

Strategic Priorities in a Digital Economy
The digital economy is disruptive. Telecommunications companies need strategic priorities that drive transformation. SAP solutions powered by Approyo supports a reimagined set of end-to-end (E2E) business scenarios to support the strategic priorities of working in a digital environment.

• Intelligent operations - New innovations around artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and more have the potential to drive vast efficiencies around existing business processes and enable new generation processes moving forward.Labor-intensive processes around management of invoices, service tickets, and customer attrition will be among the first processes that leverage new technologies to drive optimization in an intelligent enterprise.
• Profitable customer centricity - With new market entrants and OTT players providing heavy competition, successful telcos are extending the use of new technologies to rethink how they can deliver optimal customer experiences, manage profitability, and offer relevant services. Putting customers first and optimizing margins will become more important to drive overall business growth. Focusing on delivering a superior and personalized customer experience will become even more critical to compete effectively.
• Innovative business models - The emergence of a sensor-based world opens up the space for platform providers to deliver adapted and scalable solutions for connectivity, insight, applications, and processes in the IoT. Providers can offer sensor-friendly vertical services and solutions to enterprise customers or industry ecosystems, and also develop industry-specific stack-and-build competence and partner ecosystems that target strategic industries, both organically or by acquisition.

Respond quickly to market dynamics
A digital core is a critical component of a modern telecommunications company’s IT architecture to ensure stability and long-term reliability for core enterprise processes. It must also provide the flexibility to adapt quickly to new opportunities, challenges, and regulations. This solid foundation gives you a single source of truth, which in turn enables flexibility for innovation to accommodate new over-the-top (OTT) competitors, new revenue driving business models, and continued industry consolidation.

Create efficiencies throughout the business
The ability to respond quickly is an essential part of managing a telecommunications company. To do this, simulation, prediction, and analytical capabilities are important components. Data is critical for gaining the insight to make decisions. This insight must be at a granular level, so that margins can be optimized to drive profitability by understanding where revenue leakage is happening at the per-subscriber level.

Gain visibility to become more profitable
With the commoditization of core communications services, every telecommunications company is looking for opportunities to maximize margins and profitability. Visibility across the business is the critical component to finding areas to mitigate margin loss and optimize profitability. Granular insights at the subscriber, service, and channel levels provide the opportunity to identify problem areas and react quickly to remedy them.

Leverage new innovations for evolving business models
Customers in every industry are demanding innovation and often look to their CSP to deliver services based on these innovations. The opportunity exists for CSPs that can react quickly and that have a digital core in place to deliver these services. With the right capabilities in place, CSPs are in a prime position to be the providers of choice to enable new services such as connected cars, smart transportation, connected health, and more.

The intelligent ERP
Bringing SAP S/4HANA and SAP Leonardo technologies together as a digital core will result in a more flexible and intelligent enterprise. To achieve next-generation business processes and business models, companies need an intelligent ERP solution that can be continuously enhanced and extended with innovative business services and applications built on emerging technologies, including machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Telecommunications companies that have big innovation appetites or prefer to be early adopters have already begun this journey.

How can the Intelligent Enterprise impact the Insurance industry?

Radical change in the insurance industry is occurring at a rapid pace. Changes in technologies, in business models, in standards, and in the makeup of insurance companies themselves require constant adaptation. Insurers must be able to respond to rapidly changing conditions yet still comply with all standards. How does a digital core with a true single source of truth help?

Strategic Priorities in a Digital Economy

• Digital engagement - Customers want to engage with insurers through seamless, interactive experiences across all channels, including self-service portals. Insurers must communicate with people and devices and connect to external data sources to build an engagement model with the real world. The creation of consistent, loyalty-building experiences is essential to meet the expectations of customers in today’s digital world.
• Protection service - Customer expectations are moving in the direction that a potential loss should be prevented before it occurs by means of a protection service. Insurers should deploy hybrid products by bundling insurance coverage across lines of business with non-insurance products and services to offer requested protection services.
• Data-driven influence - Customer data about behavior and points of view needs to be analyzed to enable insurers to deliver innovative products to market quickly while maintaining existing products more efficiently. Insurers need to use the key insights provided by IoT applications and related insurance services to drive not only what products are created and what services are offered but also when and where.

The Need for an Intelligent ERP System

Responding to rapid changes
A digital core is an IT architecture that offers stability and long-term reliability for core enterprise processes yet also provides the flexibility to adapt quickly to new opportunities, challenges, and regulations. This solid foundation gives you a single source of truth, which, in turn, enables flexibility for innovation to accommodate new business models, new regulations, and new business events, such as mergers or acquisitions.

Simulation and analytics
The ability to respond quickly is an essential part of managing an insurance company. To do this, simulation, prediction, and analytical capabilities are important. Data is critical for gaining insight to make decisions. This insight must be at a granular level so decision-makers have the detail they need to understand trends, opportunities, and risks and quickly carry out what-if analysis using predictive algorithms.

Keeping data under control
Every insurance company needs the computing capability for carrying out complex risk assessments with large data sets to support timely, real-time analysis. Everyone in the company must have access to data they need, whenever and wherever they need it. They must also manage the enormous amount of data generated by connected networks to develop and deliver leading-edge products and services.

Addressing innovative opportunities
Customers in every industry are demanding innovation. Companies are responding with new products and services that better meet individual needs. These new offerings impact every facet of business, not just the front office. Companies must address end-to-end (E2E) processes across departments and lines of business to deliver on new customer experiences, products, and services

The Intelligent ERP powered by Approyo 
Bringing SAP S/4HANA and SAP Leonardo technologies together as a digital core will result in a more flexible and intelligent enterprise. To achieve next-generation business processes, companies need an intelligent ERP solution that can be continuously enhanced and extended with innovative business services and applications built on emerging technologies, including machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Insurance companies that have big innovation appetites or prefer to be early adopters have already begun this journey.

SAP S/4HANA migration fears are overblown - Approyo CEO Chris Carter interviewed by Tech Target

Approyo CEO Chris Carter was recently interviewed by Jim O'Donnell for Tech Target. Below is an excerpt from the interview, to read the full interview, please visit https://searchsap.techtarget.com/news/252467155/S-4HANA-migration-fears-are-overblown. 

Most SAP customers will eventually have to face the inevitable S/4HANA migration.

SAP has stated it will end support for the legacy SAP ECC platform by 2025. Although migration is a daunting prospect, the fear factor may be overblown, and customers could be missing out on the benefits of going to S/4HANA.

In this Q&A, Chris Carter, founder and CEO of Approyo LLC in Brookfield, Wis., comes at an SAP S/4HANA migration from a more hopeful place: The leap from ECC to S/4HANA may be inevitable, but it's also manageable.

Carter has been around since the SAP R/2 days, SAP's ERP software in the 90s and the predecessor of SAP HANA. Approyo, an SAP partner, provides managed services, hosting, migration and implementation services for more than 300 SAP cloud environments for customers around the world, according to Carter. It has also done just over 100 SAP migrations.

Where are SAP customers in their plans for S/4HANA migration with the 2025 deadline in mind?
Chris Carter: We've been working with SAP hand-in-hand on some of the migrations, but customers are very slow to migrate -- and understandably so. They're fed one line and then there's another real world thing that happens, but it's not as bleak as people think. You've got to work with a lot of Z data codes [non-standard data] and change activities, but there are so many tools that we can use that we can understand what is going on with their current environment in order to move into the new environment. You get a lot of integrators out there trying to get people scared, but it's really not that scary. This is a lot easier than what it was when it was R/2 to R/3, that's for sure.

What's the biggest fear SAP customers have about an S/4HANA migration?
Carter: Cost is No. 1, and change is No. 2. Everybody is worried about change -- is this going to change my job? Is it going to change what we do in FICO with the new [S/4HANA] finance tools? Every new SAP system has changes -- it's been that way since the R/2 days -- so they just have to understand that going in. You have to literally walk them through what those changes are and how they're going to benefit from them. You need strong change management and you've got to be very cognizant of what activities are going to happen.

What are the first things organizations need to do when starting a migration?
Carter: The first thing is always the plan. What is your plan and what's the plan for your SAP system, because they may not go hand in hand. An SAP system typically has had so many changes to it over the years that the individuals who are working on it today, and who may work on it tomorrow, may not know everything that has changed within that environment and what's going to happen starting tomorrow when the new system kicks in.

Read the full interview: https://searchsap.techtarget.com/news/252467155/S-4HANA-migration-fears-are-overblown

How can the Intelligent Enterprise impact Industrial Manufacturers

The digitalization of businesses across all industries is happening rapidly, and there is no turning back. Companies are looking for new ways to deliver value to their customers using digital channels and creating personalized, digitally-enabled products across all sectors, from consumer products to heavy equipment and machinery.

The industrial machinery and components (IM&C) industry is at the heart of this shift, providing the intelligent machines and equipment needed for this transformation, as well as spearheading innovative processes such as connected manufacturing and predictive maintenance and service.

Strategic Priorities in a Digital Economy
In this situation, where the opportunity is huge but at the same time new market entrants are threatening traditional IM&C companies, it is essential to focus on the right strategic priorities to drive digitalization across the business

Customer centricity
Putting the end customer’s point of view at the center of every decision is a key prerequisite for success in the digital age. This does not stop in the sales department but also applies to what products are built and what services are offered.

Serving the “segment of one”
Providing solutions that precisely fit the needs of one single customer has been commonplace in traditional engineer-to-order environments. Now, the ability to capture customer requirements effectively and drive mass customization is the key to giving customers exactly what they want.

Digital smart products
Differentiation and specificity in products stems from digital capabilities and value-added services that are bundled with physical products. Using digital capabilities such as self-awareness of technical health and operational status or business system connectivity helps industrial manufacturers differentiate.

Digital supply chain and smart factory
Digital technology on the shop floor and in the supply chain is not new. What is new is the way production and logistics are intelligently connected to the rest of the business and are able to deal with external impulses such as short-term demand and supply fluctuations or changes in the configuration of a customer order that require different materials, parts, and machining operations.

Servitization and new business models
As traditional products are commoditized, IM&C companies are shifting from selling physical products to providing complete solutions. Generating more than 50% of revenue from services is a common goal for manufacturers who are looking for higher profit margins and increased customer intimacy. The “digital twin for business” is a key requirement, representing the physical product over the entire lifecycle, including changing data points during manufacturing and installation as well as operational performance issues, the financial value created, and costs incurred up until the final phase of decommissioning.

View the full blog post on www.approyo.com 

Three principles that define intelligent ERP

In an age when the incumbent status is no defense against the competition, maintaining a sustained advantage requires you to meet customers where they are and provide services that will delight them. A strategy built on Intelligent ERP solutions serves this purpose by enhancing your efficiency, effectiveness, and agility. Intelligent ERP solutions provide business capabilities that will help you surpass current capabilities.

The Intelligent ERP Difference:

• Hands-free UX, digital assistance and instant insights deliver value-adding experiences
• Machine learning, AI and predictive analytics for increased automation and efficiency
• Reinvent and redefine processes with applied best practices built on the latest innovations

3 principles that define intelligent ERP

Digital age user experience
An award-winning user experience across the entire organization including a context-aware, business savvy digital assistant.

Automation
Intelligence and learning capabilities powered by AI, machine learning, NPL, predictive analytics and more, combined with real-time insight to action helps add automation to key functions, signal users when input is required and enable smarter and faster decisions.

Next-generation processes
Rethinking the way business gets done through the smart application of technology and innovation.

Start your path to the Intelligent Enterprise with Approyo
Approyo provides full SAP service technology with extensive capabilities in consulting, solutions architecture, hosting and managed services, in order to develop the right solution for our customers. Get started today... 

How can the Intelligent Enterprise impact Distribution

The digital economy is disruptive. Wholesale distribution companies need strategic priorities that drive transformation into intelligent enterprises. SAP powered by Approyo supports a reimagined set of end-to-end business scenarios that are part of a digital environment.

• Using value-added services to create new revenue sources - For years, most distributors have been providing value-added services, many of which have been free of charge. Leading distributors will take these value-added services to the next level and use them to significantly increase revenue and bottom-line profitability. Distributors should consider providing customers with a menu of options such as light manufacturing, sensor-based services, training and consulting services, or lending services.
• Becoming a real-time distributor - Companies everywhere face volatile customer demand and heightened service expectations. Innovative technologies can help resolve these issues by providing vital business information across the network, improving real-time analysis, and enabling better collaboration across departments and trading partners – thus transforming the supply chain into a responsive network.
• Building lasting customer relationships - Build trusted relationships with customers by empowering sales teams and personalizing buyer engagements. Provide a vast variety of ordering channels from call centers, Web sites, text messages, and in-person interaction to deliver the exact products and services customers need when they need them. The customer experience today constitutes a lifecycle, not just an interaction restricted to the front end of the enterprise.

Leading wholesale distributors are transitioning into information-centric companies that utilize new business models to gain competitive advantage and deliver premium, consistent customer service. Digital transformation fosters operational excellence, specifically across order management and inventory management processes, providing wholesale distributors with real-time information and the ability to drive immediate impact with intelligent ERP.

Responding to rapid changes
A digital core is an IT architecture that offers stability and long-term reliability for core enterprise processes, yet also provides the flexibility to adapt quickly to new opportunities, challenges, and regulations. This solid foundation gives you a single source of truth, which in turn enables flexibility for innovation to accommodate things such as new business models, new regulations, and business events, such as mergers or acquisitions.

Simulation and analytics
The ability to respond quickly is an essential part of managing a wholesale distribution company. To do this, simulation, prediction, and analytical capabilities are important components. Data is critical for gaining the insight to make decisions. This insight must be at a granular level, so that decision-makers have the details they need to understand trends, opportunities, and risks, and quickly carry out what-if analysis using predictive algorithms.

Keeping data under control
Every wholesale distribution company needs the computing capability to carry out complex algorithms with large data sets to support timely, real-time analysis. Everyone in the company must have access to data they need, whenever and wherever they need it. This is also true for the rest of the ecosystem so that suppliers can stay up to date with a company’s orders, salespeople can see customer history for credit risk and stock information, and accurate delivery schedules can be provided.

Addressing innovative opportunities
Customers in every industry are demanding innovation. Companies are responding with new products and services that better meet individual needs. These new offerings impact every facet of business, not just the front office. Companies must address end-to-end (E2E) processes across departments and lines of business to deliver on new customer experiences, products, and services.

Enhance and Extend Next-Generation Processes with Intelligent ERP
Bringing SAP S/4HANA and SAP Leonardo technologies together as a digital core results in a more flexible and intelligent enterprise. To achieve next-generation business processes and respond to rapid changes, companies need an intelligent ERP solution that can be continuously enhanced and extended with innovative business services and applications built on emerging technologies, including machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Wholesale distributors focused on innovation or who prefer to be early adopters have already begun this journey.