Global Templates Help Achieve Consistency for Global Organizations
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Key Takeaways
⇨ Integrating and synchronizing systems across functions and locations, particularly SAP systems, is a significant factor contributing to organizational success.
⇨ A global template is a set of standard processes to align different business units and regions.
⇨ To help organizations interested in implementing global templates, Basis Technologies has created a best practices guide that provides detailed information, customer success stories, and a checklist for rolling out an SAP Global Template.
Globalization and standardization are key concepts that can make the world one connected technological hub. In the current technological landscape, it is necessary for companies operating in diverse geographical locations to achieve operational consistency. Integrating and synchronizing systems across functions and locations, particularly SAP systems, is a significant factor contributing to organizational success. Taking the time to ensure global business process consistency also makes companies future-ready while maintaining a centralized system helps pave the way for ‘clean data’ which is the basis for any digital transformation, including an SAP S/4HANA implementation.
A global template is a set of standard processes to align different business units and regions. It provides the ability to maintain standards, while also providing the capability to meet local needs. However, based on each company’s structure, the best method of implementing a global template differs.
The simplest way to implement a global template for SAP systems is to deploy it within a single global instance, also known as a one-to-one scenario. In this scenario, an organization rolls out a template to every region with the expectation that each uses the same set of processes across at least one department. Financial reporting, planning, procurement, manufacturing, etc. are some examples of where this might be used. However, a one-to-one scenario may not be as effective for larger organizations which may find that a one-to-many landscape is a better option. However, a one-to-many landscape requires more forward planning and increased coordination among different business units.
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With an SAP global template companies can establish consistency and standardization in a shorter span of time. This allows for easier adherence to regulations and internal controls, enabling teams to enhance compliance and governance. The use of standardized data formats and definitions contributes to improved data quality. Automation of tasks and optimized workflows using global templates leads to increased efficiency and enhanced operational performance.
As the 2027 end of maintenance deadline for SAP ECC approaches, the move to SAP S/4HANA is a good opportunity for companies to consider implementation of SAP global template. While this does require extra planning and a comprehensive strategy, particularly if the organization is already using an existing SAP ECC global template, these initiatives pay off well in the long term.
To help organizations interested in implementing global templates, Basis Technologies has created a best practices guide that provides detailed information, customer success stories, and a checklist for rolling out an SAP Global Template.
