Collaborative move into the SAP RISE environment
By consistently aligning itself with SAP standards, VOLLMER is paving the way for future optimization and digitalization projects.
Maximum sharpness for tools in production and service—that’s what the name VOLLMER stands for. Since its founding in 1909, the company has developed into a technology leader for state-of-the-art grinding, eroding, and machining machines for rotary tools and circular saws in the wood and metalworking industries, as well as for metal-cutting band saws. The extensive machine portfolio is complemented by customized service and support offerings. VOLLMER sees itself as a solution provider for its customers worldwide—including sharpening services, sawmills, tool manufacturers, and production companies.
VOLLMER chose to transform its SAP ECC system into the RISE environment using a brownfield approach. A key factor was the need to retain existing add-ons while simultaneously benefiting from innovations and enhanced functionalities—thereby strengthening its ongoing business development.
Knowledge transfer via coaching builds confidence.
Project Objectives
The goal of the project was a streamlined and controlled migration of the existing SAP ECC system to the SAP S/4HANA RISE private cloud environment. The focus was on a technical system conversion with a complete data migration while maintaining existing business processes; adjustments were made only where they were absolutely necessary due to S/4HANA requirements.
In addition, a consistent alignment with SAP standards was pursued to reduce system complexity in the long term. This was accompanied by a targeted phasing out of in-house developments that were no longer necessary from a business or technical perspective, as well as a structured analysis and processing of all relevant simplification items to ensure S/4HANA compatibility.
Challenges
As part of the project, the client faced a number of complex challenges. These included, in particular, the analysis and cleanup of legacy custom code, as well as addressing the removal of certain functions and the resulting implementation of new processes, such as credit limit checks.
In addition, the introduction of the Business Partner module and the far-reaching changes in the finance area required a significant amount of customization and testing. At the same time, it was necessary to ensure unrestricted production operations without significant limitations following the go-live.
We felt very well supported by CONSILIO as our partner during the migration of our ECC system to the S/4HANA Rise environment. CONSILIO’s pragmatic approach aligned well with our preferred dynamic and flexible coaching methodology for the project.
Project Assignment/Role of CONSILIO
CONSILIO played a central role in the project as part of the brownfield approach, acting primarily as a coach who guided VOLLMER through the complex system transformation. By providing structured support for the custom code conversion, CONSILIO ensured that existing in-house developments were efficiently analyzed, adapted, and migrated to the S/4HANA target architecture, thereby guaranteeing the solution’s technical future-readiness. This integrative approach not only ensured the technical implementation but also strengthened the client’s internal expertise and created a sustainable foundation for the ongoing operation of the S/4HANA landscape.
Full-scale production operation following the go-live
Key Benefits for VOLLMER
- Access to innovations and features
- Standardization of data structures in FI/CO
- Foundation for SAP’s ongoing functional development of the system
- Access to updates
- Long-term maintenance support
