• Failed SAP ECC Implementation: The previous attempt to implement SAP ECC had failed, resulting in wasted resources and a lack of confidence in large-scale IT projects.

• Complex Business Structure: The client operated across multiple business units with varying processes and data models, making a unified ERP implementation challenging.

• Uncertainty about Future Strategy: The client needed to determine whether a single, global ERP system was still feasible and, if so, how to approach it differently.

• Need for IT Strategy Alignment: The company required a comprehensive IT strategy that aligned with its overall business objectives and addressed the lessons learned from the failed ECC project.

1) Initial Assessment and Recommendations: We conducted a thorough evaluation of the client’s IT landscape, data, and processes, analyzing the reasons for the previous implementation failure and identifying potential paths forward.

2) Data, Process, and Technology Analysis: We delivered a series of focused projects to provide the client with deeper insights:

• Data Analysis: Assessed the feasibility of a common data model across business units and identified specific data cleansing opportunities.

• Process Analysis: Highlighted areas of complexity within and across business units to inform ERP system design and implementation.

• IT Strategy Development: Created a comprehensive IT strategy that aligned with the client’s business goals and provided targeted recommendations for technology adoption.

3) SAP S/4HANA Implementation Support: Based on our recommendations, the client decided to proceed with a more focused SAP S/4HANA implementation, involving fewer business units and a revised approach. Liberty Advisor Group served as the delivery assurance partner, assisting with: 

• Systems Integrator Selection: Helping the client choose the right implementation partner.

• Implementation Oversight: Managing the overall implementation to ensure it stayed on track, within budget, and aligned with the agreed-upon strategy.

• Center of Excellence and AMS: Helping establish and staff and SAP Center of Excellence, along with selecting Application Management Services partners.

Liberty Advisor Group’s engagement resulted in three major outcomes for the client:

1) Successful Go-Live and System Modernization: The Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system was successfully implemented across all 68 warehouses in the automotive components division. This marked a significant achievement after years of struggle and provided the company with a modern, scalable platform to support its operations.

2) Business Integration and Growth Enablement: The new ERP system provided the foundation for integrating the recent acquisitions and streamlining operations across the expanded business. This eliminated the limitations of the legacy system and positioned the company for continued growth and efficiency gains.

3) Restored Project Control and Financial Stability (Revised Scope): While the original project scope and budget were unrecoverable, Liberty Advisor Group successfully brought the project to completion within the revised timeline and budget established after our assessment. This restored financial predictability and demonstrated responsible project stewardship, mitigating further losses.