Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 56 | Page 56

CASE STUDY As part of its US$5 million technology investment programme, the nextgeneration ERP equips Eltizam with enhanced process automation, increased mobile capability, productivity and flexibility and real-time analysis of business data at lower cost of ownership. Through the implementation of the solution, Eltizam will be able to benefit from the platform’s ability to seamlessly enable operations and facilitate business growth by providing real-time analytics of large volumes of data, using built-in HANA Analytics. In addition, it prepares companies for future development and integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The ERP software package SAP S/4HANA covers all Eltizam’s core back-end operations, such as order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, planto-product and request-to-service and other core capabilities. Chris Roberts, CEO, Eltizam Asset Management Group, said: “Eltizam remains keen to drive Digital Transformation across various operational areas of the organisation to enhance efficiency. Adoption of technological advancements have become so important, both for individuals and corporations, in order to fully benefit from the advantages of digitisation. Eltizam remains committed to staying ahead of the curve by investing in and adopting the latest industry technologies to work better, faster and ensure customer satisfaction. Furthermore, technology is one of the six important pillars of our company’s culture, which we call ‘Get Wonky’.” “We look forward to reaping the benefits of SAP S/4HANA platform – from sales transactions to complex analytical applications – which is also set to significantly increase our productivity and enhance the services that are being offered to our clients. Apart from improved customer experience and productivity, the speed of SAP S/4HANA cloud will help our business arrive at better, more informed decisions thanks to its capability to process data in real-time. We are already seeing benefits of SAP S/4 HANA in allowing our teams to work remotely, with full system capabilities, which is critical during the current challenges posed by the COVID 19 virus.” Mansoor Khan, Group IT Director of Tamouh Integrated Business Services (TIBS), a direct subsidiary of the Eltizam Group, which operates across the UAE and MENA region, said: “In this era of Digital Transformation, large organisations build their operations around ERP systems. S/4HANA has the ability to transform end-to-end operations for clients-serving businesses, by enabling the intelligent digital ERP solution. The solution will allow Eltizam to respond to new customer demands faster and develop a digital roadmap.” TIBS implemented the solution across the group of companies. It provides its clients with specialised business solutions focused on system automation and process efficiency, thereby enabling them to boost customer satisfaction and happiness. Intelligent CIO asked Chris Roberts, CEO, Eltizam Asset Management Group, further questions about the solution. What necessitated your decision to implement the solution? Eltizam’s growth trajectory over the past decade, and our future-proofing agenda (including the growing requirements for THROUGH IMPROVED REMOTE-WORKING CAPABILITIES OVER THE LEGACY SYSTEM, OUR EMPLOYEES ACROSS THE GROUP HAVE MANAGED TO WORK SEAMLESSLY FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS. increased mobility and real time data capabilities), outlined a clear need for a next generation ERP system to support our future growth plans. Prior to doing so, we first evaluated a number of strategic options and based on our assessment, the SAP S/4 HANA came out on top as a platform that meets our future needs. It has been very useful and effective as the platform enables us to seamlessly operate and facilitate business with the real-time analytics of large volumes of data using the built-in HANA Analytics feature. Moreover, the system has several other features that we are looking to capitalise on as we integrate other technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning into our services and operations. Has the solution given you increased visibility into your operations? If so, how? The data analytics capabilities of S/4 HANA have definitely provided our leaders (group, entity and function level) with better visibility into their operations. What used to be a month-end system generated Excel report is now a few clicks through a mobile app – available 24/7 and not restricted by on-site data networks. Even though we have not extracted the full benefits of this part of the new system, some degree of improved visibility has been evident to date and the general feedback we have received so far is positive. Is the solution delivering on your objectives? Although we did not have a crystal ball to predict the COVID-19 pandemic, this current situation has turned out to be the best proof that our system-objectives have been met. Through improved remote-working capabilities over the legacy system, our employees across the group have managed to work seamlessly from remote locations. We could not have asked for a better test of the system’s capabilities than the current situation that we are facing. How far has the solution future proofed your company? With the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on 56 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com