The company needed to make the warehouse process transparent and controlled. At the time of the launch of the project, the company operated a self-written WMS, which was not scalable and covered a limited segment of business processes.

Several requirements were identified for the project executor, including the creation of a replicable system template for distribution throughout the country and globally. It was necessary to ensure continuity of work at the launch of the new WMS system and full coverage of the customer’s business processes. For the future system, management made high demands on reliability, scalability, functionality and reputation in the market, which SAP EWM solution fully met.

During the project implementation, it was necessary to eliminate the risk of loss of sales in the event of a failure of the WMS self-written system. In addition, it was necessary to ensure coverage of all business processes, reduce the time spent on logistics, increase the capacity of warehouses and reduce the risks of lack of goods, as well as increase the efficiency of warehouse logistics employees. The first step was a pilot project to automate warehouse operations at one of the HEINEKEN plants in Russia — later it was also used as a pilot for the entire corporation.

For developing business processes, agreeing on compliance of requirements with the standard SAP EWM functionality, employees of the company were involved as the users of the project. Motivational programs were developed for them and a single portal with up-to-date information was created. This allowed us to prepare a team for the launch of a new system and work with it. The new EWM helped the company adjust its management model, change communication and decision-making methods, and strengthen the team.