A large Agriculture company merged with two smaller organizations to expand its offering of crop inputs and services. As a part of their business process modernization roadmap after the merger, the client sought to streamline back-end operations and reduce redundancies resulting from the mergers.
The client provided a clear vision of where they wanted to go and needed foundational work completed before actual modernization work could begin. With master data assets distributed across several legacy applications including retail operations on several platforms: S/4HANA, SAP ECC, Oracle, PeopleSoft, and Mainframe systems, the client identified standardizing their data assets as a critical path towards streamlining their operations.
Client leadership recognized a gap in their techno-functional data management expertise and sought an independent voice to advocate for data governance standards in an environment with multiple integration partners and competing modernization priorities across the newly merged enterprise.
The client engaged GlobalSource IT (GSIT) and their data centric consultants to be that independent voice in support of requirements gathering to execute an enterprise-wide Master Data Management program including governance for standard objects such as Finance, Suppliers, and custom objects for Oracle Finance objects, before implementing a formal Master Data Management solution.
• Multiple ERP systems, the lack of a common enterprise data model, a complex consolidation, and a high number of manual intercompany transactions
• A co-deployed S/4HANA system with conflicting objectives between Central Finance and Master Data Governance on the same platform
• Determining responsibilities for creation and maintenance of master data by way of segregation of duties
• Politically charged environment with many concurrent projects and overlapping areas of responsibility
GSIT consultants aligned the Master Data Management program to the client’s existing roll-out methodology incorporating workshops and sprint planning with deliverables at the end of every two weeks. The project was one of a kind: a co-deployed model with S4/HANA and Central Finance (SAP CFIN). The collective of unique situations encountered resulted in the development of several hypotheses during the project phases.
GSIT Data Science Consultant performed the following
• Led the implementation working with business stakeholders for finance and supplier domains
• Assisted the material domain with prototyping for bill of materials and harmonization of enterprise organization elements
• Proposed a solution that handled complexity with minimal customization and ABAP development
• Successfully demonstrated value by harmonizing data from several legacy applications
• Designed the “future state” of the organization on S/4 HANA, while delivering for the current landscape
• Provided innovative solutions to resolve technology issues with the end state in mind
• Delivered Governance solution on time and within budget
• Provided strategic advice on bi-directional integration of SAP Ariba application with SAP MDG
• Highlighted integration challenges between Ariba and SAP MDG
• Held discussions with SAP which resulted in deferring integration scenarios to S/4 HANA 1909(after upgrade project)
• Avoided expensive and futile integration attempts with S/4 HANA 1709 (using custom development)
GSIT consultants delivered a Master Data Management program and implemented SAP MDG which provided the client with a major foundational piece to address modernizing their legacy ERP applications with ease; having centralized its key master data assets.
GlobalSource IT Consultant's Responsibilities
A centralized solution was implemented to facilitate the efficient creation and upkeep of Supplier and Finance Master Data across all business units, including retail, wholesale, and corporate divisions. This initiative not only streamlined data management, but also fostered a comprehensive culture of data governance embraced across the organization. The approach led to swift and cost effective development, resulting in heightened customer satisfaction. Notably, the integration of the SAP Master Data Governance solution played a pivotal role in supporting the Central Finance Reporting solution.
• Data Science Consultant
• MDG-CIG Architect
• MDG techno-functional consultant
Industry SI average price point per consultant = $233.33/Hr (as a mean average for the length served and skillsets utilized at time of project)
GSIT average price point per consultant = $150/Hr
Total consultants placed = 3
Total Time on assignment = 31 months (aggregate of months of x $150)
Approximate cost through SI =$3,775,746
Approximate cost through GSIT =$2,427,300
Estimated Cost Savings = $1,348,446
Mitigating the pain and competing priorities of a finance transformation, GlobalSource IT made us aware of all the trade-offs and complexities on the front end, so we knew what was coming. When things got tough, they dug in and made sure the solution was sensible, practical, and consistent. Now our future state is clear.
-Rob S., Senior Manager, Finance Data Management & Controls
At GlobalSource IT, we understand that every project is unique. There’s no cookie-cutter solution…there never has been. Each project has to be approached on its own merits.
That’s why we listen, first and foremost, to our clients before mapping out the plan to succeed. It’s why we’ve developed genuine, lasting relationships with U.S.-based subject matter experts creating one of the world’s most powerful and functionally diverse talent networks. From assessment and requirement gathering to solution creation and implementation, our experts help deliver critical projects on time and within budget.
Since 1998, we’ve scaled our business through relationships based on trust. Trust is built on promises kept. Let us earn your trust.
