SAP Supply Chain Process Reengineering with NTT DATA Business Solutions

⇨ Many supply chain organizations undertake significant restructuring to optimize operations and processes and to minimize uncertainties.

⇨ Strategic supply chain reengineering becomes a proactive approach to mitigate these challenges and sustain a competitive edge in the market.

⇨ My Supply Chain Group (MSCG), a part of NTT DATA Business Solutions and an SAP consulting company, specializes in supply chain process re-engineering and application implementation services with an exclusive focus on SAP Solutions.

To effectively meet evolving customer demands and navigate competitive landscapes, many supply chain organizations undertake significant restructuring to optimize operations and processes and to minimize uncertainties. Reengineering supply chain activities can strengthen organizational performance through accelerated delivery times, cost reduction, and enhanced efficiency, and can also proactively addresses inherent uncertainties in the supply chain. Therefore, strategic supply chain reengineering becomes a proactive approach to mitigate these challenges and sustain a competitive edge in the market.

My Supply Chain Group (MSCG), a part of NTT DATA Business Solutions and an SAP consulting company, specializes in supply chain process re-engineering and application implementation services with an exclusive focus on SAP Solutions like Integrated Business Planning (IBP), S/4HANA Advanced Planning, SAP Extended Warehouse Management, SAP Transportation Management (TM), SAP Ariba, and Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO). Sameer Rao, Director Supply Chain Solutions at MSCG highlights, “We have been a part of NTT DATA Business Solutions since 2020 and our specialization in supply chain management was a key reason for the acquisition. While ERP systems have traditionally been emphasized, there is a growing recognition of the importance of cloud solutions and supply chain management. In the wake of disruptions like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain management has taken center stage. This has increased customer interest in exploring supply chain solutions to address their business needs and improve key performance indicators. With NTT DATA Business Solutions, the goal is to provide comprehensive solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs.”

Accelerating SAP Solution Adoption

As a trusted SAP partner, MSCG actively participates in solution acceptance testing for critical supply chain execution modules such as SAP Integrated Business Planning, SAP S/4HANA Production Planning Optimizer (PPO), SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management (EWM) and SAP Yard Logistics (YL). The company also guides its customers in embracing advancements in automation, robotics, and analytics by harnessing these collaborative ties to deliver latest technology and strategies for planning, warehousing, distribution, fulfillment, and manufacturing. While advocating SAP’s tools as a foundation, the company augments SAP solutions with its own custom solutions, striking a balance between innovation and industry standards. The key focus areas include data cleansing, master data accuracy, and dynamic segmentation for improved planning accuracy and responsiveness.

As Rao emphasizes, “MSCG specializes in deploying SAP solutions and other business practices to improve SAP solutions adoption by providing products and services that streamline processes for customers. Recognizing that readiness and willingness to adopt new solutions can be a challenge, our expertise lies in smoothing out this process and accelerating adoption.”

The company focuses on two key areas: planning and logistics execution. In planning, there are two primary solution areas that MSCG delivers on – SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and S/4HANA Advanced Planning. The company handles tasks such as demand planning, supply planning, inventory planning, and vendor collaboration. On the logistics execution side, MSCG offers full end-to-end implementation solutions for SAP EWM engagements including warehouse management, transportation, and related areas. MSCG has developed solutions to bridge the gap between on-premise and cloud-based deployments. Rao underscores, “On the logistics front, we have functionalities for pick-package-ship processes, transportation collaboration, and other logistics operations. The goal here is to accelerate deployment timelines while delivering tangible value through predefined jumpstart packages tailored to specific business needs.”

There are several scenarios where MSCG’s involvement proves crucial. One notable example is when companies undergo mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures, transitioning into new environments and necessitating tailored solutions. The company prioritizes relevance and efficacy, avoiding the cut-and-paste approach for crafting solutions aligned with customer’s specific needs. Another significant factor pertains to the diverse clientele, ranging from mid-sized enterprises to multinational conglomerates. As Rao highlights, “We often encounter organizations initially reliant on rudimentary tools like spreadsheets or basic software, only to realize their inadequacy as complexities mount. Consequently, they embark on comprehensive overhauls to accommodate growth and evolving demands.”

Leveraging its competitive edge built upon years of experience, proprietary tools, and profound business process knowledge, MSCG assumes a consultative role rather than merely executing implementations. For instance, within consumer goods, wholesale distribution, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage, and CPG sectors, the company offers tailored solutions addressing intricate planning and logistics execution challenges. By collaborating closely with SAP and leveraging co-innovation initiatives, MSCG refines existing products and co-innovates methodologies to meet evolving market needs.

Rao emphasizes, “A distinguishing aspect of our approach lies in our versatility in integrating solutions across diverse ERP ecosystems. An illustrative case involves a high-tech client managing multiple ERP systems, where we facilitated centralized planning and unified data analytics, transcending ERP boundaries to establish a single source of truth. Additionally, the evolution of data analytics and automation has been pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency and agility. Leveraging SAP’s integrated analytics capabilities and real-time planning functionalities, alongside our proprietary automation tools, we streamline processes, mitigate errors, and expedite decision-making.”

Enhancing Capabilities Through Specialized Solutions

MSCG’s suite of proprietary tools varies depending on the product line and evolving technological landscapes. In the past, particularly with on-premise software like APO and ERP Central Component (ECC), the company’s focus was on enhancing capabilities through customizations within SAP’s infrastructure. However, with the shift towards cloud-based solutions and SAP’s stringent control over code modifications, the approach has evolved. The company’s initiatives reflect a strategic blend of innovation, industry expertise, and collaboration with SAP’s ecosystem to deliver tailored solutions that drive value for SAP customers.

MSCG’s strategy revolves around aligning with SAP’s cloud infrastructure and maximizing the potential of the Business Technology Platform (BTP). The company is leveraging SAP’s BTP to extend functionalities for clients seeking specialized solutions. For instance, the company has developed external forecasting algorithms, including unique methodologies such as Monte Carlo simulations, tailored to specific client preferences. These innovations are facilitated through BTP integration, enabling seamless adoption and integration with SAP’s ecosystem.

Additionally, MSCG’s unique IP efforts encompass pre-built dashboards and planning views tailored to industry-specific requirements. For instance, in the food and beverage sector, MSCG devised planning frameworks that reconcile push-and-pull dynamics inherent in supply chain management. These frameworks are supported by curated datasets and visualization tools, streamlining decision-making processes for clients.

What Does This Mean for SAPinsiders

Think beyond IT: Consider any initiative as a transformative endeavor rather than just an IT project. Anticipate market shifts and competitor strategies over the next five years to build solutions with future adaptability in mind, focusing not only on technological upgrades but also on enhancing the human element of your workforce.

Focus on change management and data: Pay close attention to change management processes alongside data transformation efforts. Effectively manage organizational change and ensure data accuracy is a foundational pillar for successful software implementation. Conduct diagnostics and assessments to evaluate the current state of your supply chain and identify areas for improvement.

Start small: Begin with small-scale pilot projects to test and validate solutions before full-scale deployment. Target specific products or processes where issues are most prevalent. Embrace technology as a tool to incrementally enhance operational maturity. Gradual steps accompanied by synchronized progress in people and processes ensure smoother transitions and greater long-term success.