Global Supply Chain Programme Cuts Implementation Time by > 50%
Results
Implementation time reduced from 50 weeks to 19 weeks, delivering a reduction of more than 50 percent across rollout sites.
Significant cost savings achieved through earlier realisation of operational improvements.
Improved adoption across regions through standardised roll-out plan, tailored to essential regional differences.
Increased value for money by avoiding unnecessary third-party solutions.
Simplified future upgrade path by limiting customisation and maintaining alignment with the core product roadmap.
Client Overview
A global automotive organisation undergoing a major redevelopment of its supply chain capabilities.
Problem Statement
The client operated with fragmented supply chain systems and processes, limiting efficiency and slowing response to market demands. A common SAP-based system was required to integrate previously separate supply chains while onboarding new third-party providers. An existing programme was in progress, but each site was treated as a unique implementation with long lead times.
Approach
Cross 8 deployed a team of six specialists across programme and project management, design and business change. The team worked with the client’s internal programme function and external suppliers to standardise and streamline the design and implementation approach
1. Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers
- Aligned all parties to a cohesive delivery model.
- Ensured that design, build and implementation activities followed a coordinated approach.
2. Document and standardise design and implementation processes
- Introduced principles that could be applied consistently across all sites.
- Created a repeatable methodology to accelerate delivery.
3. Tailor regional roll-out plans
- Worked closely with regional managers to enhance adoption and ensure readiness.
- Focused on practical planning to maximise the benefits of new systems and processes.
Challenges
The programme required integrating multiple supply chains, onboarding new partners and deploying a standardised SAP system in parallel with global growth plans. Coordinating internal teams and external suppliers across regions demanded clear ownership, consistent processes and effective communication.
Conclusion
Cross 8’s structured approach enabled the client to significantly reduce implementation time while improving adoption and long-term value. By standardising processes, maximising use of core system functionality and tailoring regional roll-out plans, the programme delivered faster benefits and positioned the organisation for continued operational improvement.
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