A high-tech software and defense company, the client holds a global leadership position in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software for both civil and military markets. They have operated in the United States for nearly half a century, developing technologies and products that enhance national security and improve performance. Their US customer base includes federal, state and local governments, all branches of the armed forces, airlines, cargo carriers, and many other organizations. Throughout the decades they have become the supplier of choice in key sectors of aerospace and defense.

The client had completed a divisional acquisition of a global power company. Running SAP globally, the client needed to integrate the new division into their organizational architecture. However, The Systems Integrator had struggled to find locally based SAP talent to complete the project, flying offsite talent in weekly and running up costs.

The client tapped Planet Technology to provide the program management leadership and senior-level SAP resources to integrate the newly acquired businesses.

Key Challenges

• Secure local talent to eliminate costs associated with flying offsite resources to client facilities
• Develop an Enterprise Design that utilized SAP standard leading practices and can be adopted with no business disruption on “Day 1”
• Focus SAP functionality on providing a foundation for future scalability and growth
• Replace MfgPro and Oracle Financials with leading SAP Supply Chain Solutions and technology with little customization
• Create a common SAP platform to be used at other subsidiaries
• Needed SAP Standard, Custom and BI/BW reports available at go live
• Motivate business to be ready to adapt to new SAP driven business processes

Solution

All customizations to the new SAP system would need to be reviewed by the client for approval. Additionally, key stakeholders insisted that no core changes to the code were made, ensuring easy and effective maintenance going forward. Recruiting local resources would eliminate the need for travel expenses, allowing for more investment in the solution and more consulting time on-site face to face with the business.

Planet Technology secured the local SAP talent needed to ensure the implementation was delivered on time and on budget, while maximizing the client’s investment in the technology.12 of the 14 resources were local to Southern California, while the remaining two traveled from other west coast cities.

Results

• Planet Technology’s expert consultants successfully delivered the implementation in nine months.
• Minimal custom code was used.
• OCM and training ensured business readiness to adapt to change and embrace the new system and processes. 
• Full project documentation was created to support the Application Management Help Desk. 
• Streamlined operations on the shop floor.

Planet Technology was able to staff a project team to implement SAP with minimal custom code for the client’s newly acquired division, delivering the necessary Program Management guidance and oversight of the System Integrator that was needed to complete the project. Without the program management leadership and team of senior-level SAP consultants from Planet Technology the project would not have gone live.  

Photo Credit: Canva