Introduction
Watco, a leading transportation service company, integrates rail, water, road, and air to solve complex supply chain challenges. This case study presents the findings and recommendations from a post-implementation review (PIR) conducted at Watco following their deployment of SAP S/4HANA and SuccessFactors. The PIR aimed to assess the effectiveness of these systems in streamlining core business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving employee engagement.
Background
Watco Overview:
Key Strengths:
- Expertise in multimodal transportation, end-to-end supply chain solutions, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Business Challenges (Prior to Implementation):
- Growing operational complexity due to expansion and diverse service offerings.
- Siloed data across departments (e.g., logistics, finance, HR).
- Manual processes causing inefficiencies and delays.
- Difficulty in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Need to improve employee engagement and talent management.
- Implementation Scope:
SAP S/4HANA:
Finance (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger)
Logistics and Transportation Management
Materials Management
Procurement
Supply Chain Planning - SuccessFactors:
Core HR (Employee Central)
Onboarding
Performance Management
Learning Management
Recruiting
Post-Implementation Review Objectives
Assess Benefits Realization:
Evaluate the extent to which the anticipated benefits of SAP S/4HANA and SuccessFactors have been realized. This includes examining areas like improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced customer satisfaction, improved financial reporting, increased employee engagement, and better talent acquisition and retention.
Identify Gaps and Issues: Uncover any remaining gaps in functionality, integration issues, or unresolved challenges that are hindering the full realization of benefits.
Measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to quantify the impact of the implemented systems. This includes KPIs related to operational efficiency, financial performance, and employee engagement.
Gather User Feedback:
Collect feedback from end-users on their experience with SAP S/4HANA and SuccessFactors, focusing on usability, training, support, and overall satisfaction.
Recommend Improvements: Propose actionable recommendations for optimizing system usage, enhancing user experience, addressing identified gaps, and maximizing ROI Methodology.
Data Collection:
Interviews: Conducted with key stakeholders (executives, department heads, end-users).
Workshops: Facilitated with end-users to discuss challenges and gather feedback.
Data Analysis: Analysis of relevant financial, operational, and performance data.
System Audits: Review of system configuration, data integrity, and adherence to best practices.
Key Findings (Example – Replace with actual findings)
Benefits Realized:
Improved Operational Efficiency: Reduced order-to-delivery cycle time by 15%.
Enhanced Financial Reporting: Reduced month-end close time by 2 days.
Increased Employee Engagement: Employee satisfaction scores increased by 12%.
Gaps and Issues:
Usability issues with certain modules.
Integration challenges with a specific legacy system.
Data quality issues impacting reporting accuracy.
User Feedback:
Positive feedback on improved efficiency and transparency.
Requests for more comprehensive training and streamlined workflows.
Recommendations (Example – Replace with actual recommendations)
System Enhancements:
Implement specific system customizations to address identified usability and integration issues.
User Training and Support:
Develop targeted training programs and enhance support resources based on user feedback.
Continuous Improvement:
Establish a process for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and optimization of the systems.
Conclusion
The PIR revealed that the implementation of SAP S/4HANA and SuccessFactors at Watco has yielded significant benefits. However, addressing the identified gaps and implementing the recommended improvements will be crucial for maximizing the return on investment and ensuring the systems effectively support Watco’s strategic objectives. This PIR provides a roadmap for Watco to optimize their use of SAP S/4HANA and SuccessFactors and achieve their desired outcomes.