Overview

In 2024, Gedeon Richter successfully automated its planning processes by implementing a sophisticated system designed to integrate seamlessly with existing SAP ERP systems. This initiative aimed to streamline planning and reporting, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.

Objectives

The main objectives of the project were:

• Integrate with SAP ERP: Develop a web service to provide data that could be easily aligned with forecasts for improved verification.

• Automate planning and reporting processes: Reduce manual intervention and increase efficiency in generating reports.

• Ensure one up-to-date version of data for all participants in the process to enhance consistency.

• Enable quick and easy responses to changes in the planning process.

• Eliminate reporting errors through improved automation.

• Develop the system with new functionalities for more comprehensive reporting.

• Implement an R&D module to support research and development activities, including prototype construction and product innovation.

The Challenge

Gedeon Richter faced several challenges prior to the implementation of the new system:

• Updating the Matrix system with a refreshed layout that included a sales section to better support planning processes.

• Creating a solution for a dedicated e-mail box that automatically processed attachments, unzipped files, and integrated them into the system, streamlining data import.

• Incorporating new functionalities into the system to better support various planning and reporting needs.

The Solution

To address these challenges, the following solutions were implemented:

1. Matrix System Implementation:
   The Matrix system was implemented with customer-specific modifications from a previous version (2016), featuring a refreshed layout that included enhancements for sales and planning processes.

2. Integration with SAP ERP:
   A web service was created to integrate with SAP ERP, allowing for seamless collation of data with forecasts and improving forecast verification accuracy.

3. Costing and HR Modules:

   • Costing Module: Integrated with SAP ERP to enhance cost tracking and management.

   • HR Module: Implemented to support employee performance appraisals and salary adjustments, aligning HR processes with overall planning.

4. Dedicated E-mail Solution:
   A solution was developed to manage a dedicated e-mail box that automatically reads and processes attachments, unzipping and sending files to the system for integration.

5. R&D Module Implementation:
   An R&D module was added to cover activities such as prototype construction, pilot line development, research, and the creation of new or improved products.

6. System Development with New Functionalities:
   The system was enhanced to include new reporting functionalities, providing more comprehensive and accurate data analysis and reporting capabilities.

Results and Benefits

The automation of planning processes for Gedeon Richter resulted in several significant improvements:

• Seamless integration with SAP ERP, facilitating accurate data collation and forecast verification.

• Automated planning and reporting processes, reducing manual effort and increasing overall efficiency.

• Single, up-to-date version of data accessible to all participants, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

• Quick response capabilities to changes in the planning process, enabling agile adjustments.

• Elimination of reporting errors through enhanced automation and system integration.

• New functionalities added to the system for better reporting and analysis.

• Successful implementation of the R&D module, supporting innovation and development activities.

By automating its planning processes and integrating with key systems, Gedeon Richter achieved a more efficient, accurate, and responsive approach to planning and reporting, driving overall business performance and innovation.