Executive Summary
As part of a global merger, a Fortune 500 chemical manufacturing company initiated a major SAP program to integrate operations, unify finance, and streamline supply chain processes across entities. Synaptron, through its ERP staffing practice, deployed a specialized pool of SAP consultants to support the merger program and stabilize post-Day 1 operations.
The engagement evolved into a multi-year partnership covering SAP rollouts, enhancements, and Day 2 initiativesacross plants in India, North America, and Europe.
Key results:
- SAP resource pool scaled from 4 to 18 consultants across 7 modules in 6 months
- 100% business continuity achieved during legal entity split and plant cutovers
- Day 2 transformation projects delivered with <5% defect rate and 100% SLA adherence
- Zero attrition across key SAP roles for over 12 months, ensuring delivery continuity
Challenge
ERP Stabilization & Day 2 Demands in a Post-Merger Environment
The client’s SAP environment was going through intense pressure during the integration phase:
Urgent SAP Reconfiguration Post-Merger
Merger-triggered legal entity separation needed rapid configuration of company codes, profit centers, tax structures, and intercompany processes in SAP FI, CO, and MM
Legacy Plant Integration with Inconsistent Master Data
Multiple legacy plants were being mapped into existing SAP logistics flows (PP, WM, SD) with inconsistent master data and process alignment
Limited Bandwidth for Critical Day 2 SAP Tasks
No internal bandwidth to handle urgent Day 2 demands such as output reconfigurations, reporting enhancements, and new statutory updates across countries
Shortage of Skilled SAP Experts with Localization Knowledge
Shortage of skilled SAP professionals, especially those with experience in ECC + localized enhancements (e.g., GST, TDS, India Localization) and IDoc-based EDI integrations
High Delivery Risk from Tight Timelines and Cutovers
High delivery risk due to tight timelines and simultaneous cutover waves
The client’s system integrator onboarded Synaptron as the SAP staffing and delivery augmentation partner to de-risk the execution and accelerate progress.
Solution
Rapid SAP Staffing & Functional Delivery Support by Synaptron
Synaptron mobilized a cross-functional SAP team comprising functional consultants, ABAP developers, BASIS engineers, and testing coordinators across India and Europe.
Key Functional Areas Staffed:
- SAP Finance (FI/CO)
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- Configured parallel ledgers and new company codes for post-merger entity setup
- Managed intercompany pricing, cost center restructuring, and asset splits
- Supported automated journal entry enhancements and custom TDS logic for India
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- SAP MM, SD, and WM
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- Sourced consultants to align plant purchasing with global sourcing model
- Implemented drop shipment logic, third-party sales flows, and consignment stock tracking
- Enabled inter-plant stock transfers with custom output formats and handling units
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- SAP PP + QM
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- Supported discrete batch tracking for production reconciliation and rework flows
- Delivered enhancements to inspection lot creation and batch classification
- Provided testing and go-live support for integrated planning runs and capacity leveling
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- SAP ABAP & Smartforms
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- Developed custom IDoc interfaces, BAPIs for inventory posting, and pricing extracts
- Re-engineered key outputs (PO, invoice, packing list) to match new entity codes
- Supported workflow enhancements for release strategies and batch jobs
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- SAP BASIS & Security
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- Supported post-split system copy and client refresh activity
- Created and validated custom authorization roles for new org structures
- Ensured RFC connectivity with external interfaces during cutovers
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Outcome
Seamless Merger Execution and Day 2 SAP Successes
The ERP staffing model delivered consistent value to the client:
- 18+ SAP Experts Deployed in 6 Months with zero delivery slippage
- Flawless Support for 3 Major Plant Cutovers involving PP, SD, and FI split logic
- Day 2 CRs Delivered with 95%+ On-Time Completion, covering over 120 change requests
- No Escalations or Resource Turnover in 12 months of support
- Knowledge Transition to Internal Teams through documentation and training handovers post-stabilization
Future
Ongoing S/4HANA Preparation and Global Support Extension
Post stabilization, Synaptron continues to support the client on:
S/4HANA Readiness Assessment
with focus on asset accounting, BP conversion, and custom object cleanup
Plant Maintenance & EHS Rollouts
in upcoming greenfield units
Co-development of Fiori Apps
for production data collection and inventory lookup
Ongoing Functional Support Pool
for Europe and India operations under a shared services + dedicated model