Coop Denmark, who has been driving forward digitalization for several years, has launched a new strategic initiative to boost efficiency while at the same time differentiating itself from the competition. The key driver behind this strategy is a state-of-the-art SAP platform (SAP S/4HANA Retail), that can support end-to-end business processes and replace various IT solutions some of which have been in use for decades.
The new SAP platform ensures efficient exchange of data in real time between more than 1.100 stores, the distribution centres and Coop headquarter, which makes it possible to optimize the supply chain and the corporation between branches as well as suppliers and logistics partners. Furthermore modern analytical capabilities and real-time information enable faster reactions and transparency of the inventory as well as sales and profit.
“This is a once in a generation initiative, the biggest of its kind ever at Coop, and naturally our expectations are high. We have decided for KPS as partner to guide us on this journey, based on their experience in the grocery retail industry and a very hands-on approach to make business and IT succeed together.” Says ERP Programme Director, Claus Byskov at Coop.
“Coop is benefitting from optimized operational processes and greater transparency on important KPIs relating to enterprise resource management thanks to the new SAP platform,” remarks Jørgen Klüwer, Managing Partner Nordics at KPS. “The retailer will also improve its delivery management including transport management and run a more lean and simple business from procurement over logistics, marketing, sales and finance.”
KPS’s best practice processes for retail and its many years of expertise in SAP implementation are incorporated into the extensive transformation project.
More than 400 Coop employees from both stores, warehouse and headquarter have already been introduced to the new system live, as key processes have been walked through in a cinema event taking place for the fourth time in March –all part of the KPS Rapid Transformation® approach.
After the kick-off in 2018, the SAP platform is set to be completed with a first go-live later in 2019 with the integration of all branch processes. The solution will then be rolled out by 2022 migrating enterprise resource management and processes to the new platform for individual product groups step by step. A further omnichannel strategy will be implemented over the long-term as part of the digitalization initiative.
