Creating synergies

How we helped the client

The client, one of Sweden’s largest and oldest manufacturing companies with extensive international operations, was about to replace its ERP system. Since the company is based in Sweden, we decided to use the ERP change in Sweden as a model for other countries.

The Swedish operation consists of several manufacturing plants located around the country. These had been acquired over the last five to seven years. Since incorporation of the new plants had not been fully integrated in the business operation, the change of ERP system was seen as a catalyst to help move this process along as well. “It will be easier if we have a common system.”

Actea’s assignment was to support the client in ERP change.

How we did it

Actea was responsible for a feasibility study where we conducted interviews, led workshops, cross-checked items over the phone and produced a summary report at the end. The results of each of the workshops were checked out with the relevant staff in charge within the client’s various operations. There was also on-going involvement in cross-checking on the part of the Actea assignment manager. In total we interviewed around 40 people and conducted five workshops.

What we achieved

The report, which was presented to the CEOs of each of the three component companies of the client that were involved, contained a situation description of the order-to-payment process flow for the relevant business unit and company.

In addition, the report contained the following information for the relevant business unit and company:
•    Similarities and differences that had been identified and analysed
•    Critical areas that had been identified and analysed
•    Draft proposals that had been drawn up for eliminating major risks

The client used the Actea report as a basis for planning the introduction in its entirety of the new ERP system – a process that eventually affected more than 1,000 people in Sweden. The report was then used as a model for introduction of a new ERP system in their international operations.