SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP SuccessFactors as the single source of truth: CERAFILTEC paves the way for global growth

CERAFILTEC is introducing a scalable, integrated and future-proof cloud solution with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition. The solution maps finance, procurement, production, supply chain, sales and human resources in a centralized system. To consolidate financial, business and HR data centrally in a ‘single source of truth’ for the first time, SAP SuccessFactors was successfully introduced in the Employee Central and Time Tracking modules at the same time.

As part of the project, CERAFILTEC implemented an end-to-end solution based on SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition. The goal was to create a scalable and future-proof system landscape that would optimally support the company's international growth strategy.

Setting up a CERAFILTEC Group template based on the processes of the German parent company was a key component of the project. Seamless processes and maximum transparency are ensured thanks to complete mapping of the entire value chain: from sales, finance, controlling, procurement and production right through to the supply chain.

The Group structure – including IFRS financial statements and a standardized chart of accounts – was also mapped in the system to ensure consistent financial reporting across all units.

The solution was supplemented by the introduction of SAP Integration Suite, SAP Central Invoice Management (CIM) and SAP Document and Reporting Compliance (DRC), specifically with a view to implementing legally compliant e-invoicing processes in different countries.

The replacement of the previously heterogeneous system landscape led to a noticeable increase in efficiency and transparency in business processes, thereby paving the way for a consolidated, future-focused IT infrastructure.

Strategic expansion of the cloud landscape took place during the second project phase. The introduction of SAP SuccessFactors for human resources management and SAP Concur for travel and expense management was the next step towards comprehensive digitalization and employee experience. Along with the introduction of SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors was successfully rolled out in the Employee Central and Time Tracking modules and seamlessly integrated in the system landscape. This was the first time that financial, business and HR data had been consolidated into a centralized ‘single source of truth’ – a decisive step towards consistent, data-driven decision-making across the entire company.

The day-to-day advantages for end users are already clear to see: faster workflows such as monthly payroll accounting noticeably lightens the HR department’s load. Self-service options for employees provide greater transparency and efficiency. The centralized cloud platform also creates the basis for scalable processes, particularly with regard to future growth and potential acquisitions.

„Since we started managing our HR data centrally and uniformly in the SAP SuccessFactors application, we have significantly increased the speed, efficiency and transparency of our HR processes. ORBIS People provided expert support for the introduction of Employee Central and for the transition to Employee Central Time Tracking and SAP Concur for efficient travel and expense management.“

Alexandra Zewe, Head of HR, CERAFILTEC

The successful introduction of all the SAP modules mentioned was made possible by the consistent application of SAP Best Practices and the targeted use of standards. To efficiently interconnect SAP and third-party applications, seamless interfaces have been created through the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

The introduction was successfully mastered by key users, even though they were also managing day-to-day business, the largest order in CERAFILTEC's history, internal processes, and restructuring at the same time. A big factor in the success of the project was the strong project management on both sides: intensive coordination as well as clearly defined guidelines and milestones meant that the project could be brought to a successful conclusion step by step. Thanks to an intensive collaboration with ORBIS and a shared commitment, all challenges were overcome with ease. The project goal could therefore be achieved and mutual success ensured.

Paving the way for growth: how CERAFILTEC will benefit in the longer term

Following successful roll-outs in Germany and the introduction of SAP SuccessFactors and SAP Concur, CERAFILTEC’s digital transformation is continuing apace. More HR processes (such as the target agreement process) are being integrated in SAP SuccessFactors. This will further automate and standardize HR processes.

The next phase of the project will see the international roll-out of the SAP S/4HANA Cloud template in more locations, including China and the United States. Through this, CERAFILTEC is laying the foundations for centralized management of the entire group of companies, based on a uniform database and complete transparency. It is also paving the way for global growth.

The company is already reaping the benefits of significantly more efficient processes in finance, supply chain, and HR – and is setting a clear course for further growth and international scalability with a future-proof IT landscape. With these foundations in place, CERAFILTEC also intends to make targeted use of artificial intelligence in the future to further automate processes, optimize data-based decision-making, and drive innovation along the entire value chain.