OCTOBER 2023CIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM9look at a step-wise, longer term transition driven by business needs.In order to improve our user experience, Syngenta is using technology like Fiori and low code tools. Our goal here is to improve the user experience for occasional users through simpler user interfaces and easier access to ERP via mobile devices to provide faster and improved processes from order taking to customer service through automation. This is also increasing our efficiency in areas where users utilise more than one system to complete their work. In conclusion, the trends that we see at Syngenta include:· ERP systems will become more consolidated and focused around enabling all core ERP transactions at scale and at a high level of integrity (plan, make, sell, finance)· Non-core processes like HR, procurement will also be fully on standard SaaS solutions· At the same time, ERP functionality will be much more widely accessible to business partners and customers via API enabled digital solutions and apps· Cloud computing will replace more traditional on-premises data centres· In many areas, expensive proprietary software will be replaced by cloud offerings i.e., data warehousing, analytics and data science· Functional data silos will be brought together, allowing for new data science applications and connecting the dots· Transitions to S/4 will follow the needs of the business rather than an end of support timelineAbout Author: Christian Bayer is the Global Head of ERP/SAP and Data and Analytics with Syngenta. In this role, he coordinates all ERP-related IT services, develops the IT roadmap for ERP, builds and scale data analytics platforms and manages key supplier relationships. Christian's work ranges from Business Services implementation to large scale business transformation to S/4 Hana and SAP Agile development. He has focused on IT services throughout his 29-year career and has worked with commercial organisations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and around the world. He worked on SAP and data and analytics for more than 20 years, helping optimise business functions and streamline process automation. Christian holds an MBA in Economics from FH Offenburg in Germany and a degree in Digital Business Strategies from MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A simpler FI data model in S/4 and the improved speed of the HANA database offers significant improvements for finance functions
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