Facing increasing pressure to modernize its ERP landscape while ensuring uninterrupted production and logistics, Preh GmbH needed a solution that would enhance performance and secure long-term competitiveness in a cost-sensitive automotive market. In close cooperation with T-Systems, Preh successfully executed a complex SAP S/4HANA transformation, combining its business vision with T-Systems’ expertise to deliver a seamless and future-ready outcome.
The existing SAP ECC system at Preh had to be modernized without reengineering core business processes, as disruptions to logistics and production were not acceptable.
At the same time, the automotive industry downturn created significant cost pressure, accompanied by organizational restructuring and reduced internal capacity. The project also had to accommodate multiple parallel initiatives, including the introduction of Business Partner, EWM, and actual cost calculation, increasing complexity and risk. Most critically, PREH imposed strict go-live constraints, allowing only a 30–35-hour downtime window, making flawless execution essential.
T-Systems recommended and executed a brownfield SAP S/4HANA system conversion using its proven Design–Transform–Operate methodology, based on SAP Activate best practices. In the initial phase, T-Systems performed a holistic S/4HANA pre-study to define the right transformation approach, identify mandatory preparation activities, develop a detailed project plan for the subsequent migration, and estimate the required effort and budget.
Based on the results of this assessment, the team executed a 1:1 brownfield SAP S/4HANA 2023 system conversion to retain existing business processes, master data, and integrations, ensuring functional continuity during the transition. This approach allowed PREH to retain existing business processes, master data, and transaction data while transitioning to SAP S/4HANA 2023.
The project followed a multi-cycle conversion strategy, beginning with a sandbox proof of concept, followed by development, quality assurance, dress rehearsal, and final production conversion. Extensive technical and functional testing, including system integration and user acceptance testing, ensured stability and data consistency. T-Systems provided advisory, project governance, test management, and hypercare support, while closely coordinating with PREH’s internal teams and global delivery units, including T-Systems India, to ensure precise timing and execution during the critical go-live window.
The project was executed with exceptional precision and collaboration. Every step was carefully planned, and every activity perfectly timed. The strong teamwork and disciplined approach across all parties ensured a smooth go-live within an exceptionally tight window.
Gihan Deloney Caspar, Project Lead, T-Systems
The successful SAP S/4HANA transformation delivered significant and measurable benefits for PREH. The planned production downtime was limited to just 30 hours, minimizing the impact on ongoing operations and ensuring uninterrupted supply chain performance.
By choosing a brownfield approach, the customer achieved a 20–30% faster and more cost-efficient implementation compared to a greenfield reimplementation, while preserving proven business processes. System performance improved through SAP HANA’s in-memory capabilities, enabling up to 10x faster reporting and real-time insights for decision-makers. The introduction of role-based Fiori applications simplified the user experience and reduced complexity, contributing to a 10–15% reduction in transaction steps across key business roles. Most importantly, PREH now operates on a future-ready digital core that supports advanced innovations such as AI, IoT, and further automation, strengthening operational resilience in a competitive automotive market.
