By Jannis Gutermann
February 26, 2025
In the uber-competitive pharmaceutical industry, efficiency, compliance, and scalability are critical for success. Answerthink’s pharmaceutical customer faced a series of challenges as they sought to unify their global operations under a single ERP platform. With a firm go-live deadline of July 1, 2024, and the need for a rapid yet seamless migration, they turned to Answerthink for a solution that would meet their complex requirements.
The Challenges: Addressing Gaps and Complexity
Our customer faced several operational and technical challenges that required immediate attention. Their existing public cloud time management solution had inefficiencies that needed to be resolved, impacting workforce productivity and scheduling. Additionally, their Swiss entity was running on Microsoft Dynamics, creating integration challenges with their broader ERP strategy. To further complicate the transition, they needed to deliver a large volume of Workflows, Reports, Interfaces, Conversions, Enhancements, and Forms (WRICEF) within a short timeframe, adding pressure to an already complex implementation.
The Objectives: A Unified Global ERP Strategy
To overcome these challenges, our customer sought a strategic partner to help them implement a single, global ERP platform that would:
- Standardize and harmonize operations across the U.S. and Swiss entities.
- Provide a foundation for future expansion.
- Ensure compliance with SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) processes, controls, and narratives to meet regulatory requirements.
- Successfully go live within a non-negotiable timeline.
The Answerthink Solution: Accelerating SAP S/4HANA Implementation
This customer selected Answerthink for its deep SAP expertise, proven methodologies, and ability to execute under tight deadlines. The implementation involved migrating from SAP S/4HANA on-premise to a modernized platform, ensuring a seamless transition to a more scalable and efficient system. Core Finance and Procurement capabilities were integrated to streamline financial operations, while Central Invoice Management enhanced visibility and control over payables. To support global financial consolidation and reporting, Group Reporting was implemented, with Phase 2 currently in progress. Additionally, Answerthink leveraged SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) to develop custom solutions for critical processes, including Leave Accruals, a Holiday Calendar, and a Vendor Onboarding Application, further optimizing our customer’s operations.
The Results: A High-Engagement, Fast-Track Success
From kickoff to go-live in just 20 weeks, the project was executed on time—meeting our customer’s hard deadline. The high engagement from the customer’s team played a pivotal role in the success of the implementation, ensuring a smooth transition and alignment with business goals.
Why this Pharmaceutical Customer Chose Answerthink
This customer’s decision to partner with Answerthink was driven by several key factors:
- SAP Expertise – A trusted partner with a track record of successful ERP transformations.
- Speed & Efficiency – The ability to execute a full-scale migration in just 20 weeks.
- Custom Solutions – Tailored BTP developments to support the customer’s unique needs.
- Future-Ready Approach – A scalable ERP foundation to support global growth.
Looking Ahead
With a unified ERP system now in place, our pharmaceutical customer is well-positioned for future expansion, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. As Phase 2 continues with Group Reporting enhancements, Answerthink remains committed to driving innovation and long-term success for our customer.
Why SAP? The Right Choice for a Future-Ready Enterprise
This pharmaceutical customer’s decision to implement SAP S/4HANA was driven by the economic value of the cloud, its scalability, and its continuous innovation model. By moving to SAP, the company could lower its total cost of ownership, reduce infrastructure management, and gain greater flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs. The platform’s scalability and visibility provided our customer with a unified, real-time view of financial and operational data, ensuring seamless growth and enhanced decision-making. Additionally, SAP’s commitment to continuous innovation, with twice-a-year upgrades, allows businesses to stay on the cutting edge of technology while benefiting from the latest enhancements and industry best practices.
Key Benefits: Unlocking Efficiency & Innovation
By implementing SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, our customer quickly realized several business benefits:
- Fast Time-to-Value – A 20-week implementation enabled a rapid transition to a modern ERP system.
- Industry Best Practices – SAP’s proven frameworks optimized our customer’s operations from day one.
- Improved Processes – Automation and standardization reduced inefficiencies across finance and procurement.
- Harmonized Global Landscape – A single, integrated ERP system replaced disparate solutions, aligning U.S. and Swiss operations.
- Cutting-Edge Technology – Regular SAP updates keep our customer ahead of industry trends, future-proofing their business.
Strategic Partnership: Leveraging United VARs Expertise
As a member of United VARs, Answerthink collaborates with SAP partners in over 100 countries to provide local experience for global projects.
To ensure a seamless implementation for this pharmaceutical customer, Answerthink partnered with All for One Switzerland, a member of United VARs and a leading SAP consultancy, to provide specialized support in several key areas. Their expertise in finance optimization ensured financial accuracy and compliance across our customer’s global entities. Bank integration was streamlined to facilitate efficient transactions, while comprehensive user training equipped our customer’s teams with the knowledge needed to maximize SAP capabilities. Additionally, dedicated consultants provided onsite business support during critical phases of the project, offering hands-on assistance to ensure a smooth implementation.
A Blueprint for Future Success
With SAP S/4HANA in place, our pharmaceutical customer has established a scalable, efficient, and future-ready ERP foundation. The successful collaboration with Answerthink and All for One Switzerland has positioned the company for long-term growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
Are you looking to accelerate your SAP journey?
Connect with Answerthink today to explore how we can help your business achieve the same success. Let’s get started!
