From 2018 to the end of 2023, Corbion conducted a greenfield SAP S/4HANA implementation worldwide. This included both embedded Transportation Management (TM) and Extended Warehouse Management (EWM). The implementation was particularly complex due to a highly customized intercompany and trade process structure, which affected virtually all supply chain activities.
Start of the project
Initially, the project focused on rolling out the basic license of SAP TM in regions such as Mexico, the US and Brazil. As the project progressed, it became clear that the scope and technical requirements would change significantly, especially with Corbion's decision to upgrade to Advanced TM and move to order-based integration.
The role of 4SCM
Through Capgemini, Harold was brought in as both SAP TM consultant and team leader. What began as a standard implementation role quickly grew into a much broader and more strategic responsibility.
Some of these key responsibilities included:
Support the go-live of SAP TM in Mexico, the US and Brazil based on the basic TM license.
Development of an interface between SAP TM (USA) and the external TMS system E2Open, by building a freight unit interface.
Performed a full impact analysis when Corbion decided to move to Advanced TM and from supply-based to sales order-based integration.
This latest decision marked a significant change in the project's direction and requirement:
Reviewing and modifying all TM forms to comply with the new order integration.
Re-analyzing the complex intercompany processes to ensure compatibility with Advanced TM.
Validating and adjusting all affected supply chain processes in different regions to ensure smooth continuation under the new integration model.
The transition to SAP Advanced TM
The transition to Advanced TM and the change in the integration model had major implications for both planning and execution. This completely turned the original project schedule upside down, and in regions such as Asia and Europe, re-implementation became necessary.Despite increasing complexity, as a consultant, Harold managed to successfully implement the new integration model. This included coordinating changes across teams, managing dependencies and keeping processes stable and future-proof throughout the transition.
Go-lives and regional rollout
Thanks to strong leadership and architectural direction, the go-lives were implemented in phases. Mexico and the first phase of the U.S. successfully went live on SAP Advanced TM, while regions such as Asia and Europe were transitioned to the new way of working.
The contribution of 4SCM
This case study from Corbion demonstrates the flexibility and deep domain knowledge of our consultants at 4SCM. By combining consulting, architecture and leadership, together we made it possible to completely transform Corbion's TM integration mid-project, without compromising on quality or deadlines.With the successful transition to SAP Advanced TM and seamless integration across multiple regions, Corbion is now operating on a future-proof TM foundation that perfectly aligns with its global supply chain strategy. This case highlights the power of 4SCM in dealing with scope changes, technical complexity and process redesign in critical SAP environments.Wondering what we can do for your organization? We would be happy to assist you. Feel free to contact with us.
