Implementation of SAP PS and SAP EWM for a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems Manufacturer

As part of a greenfield SAP S/4HANA implementation project, LeverX implemented SAP Project System (PS) and SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM).

Client

The client is a U.S.-based company that manufactures hydrogen fuel cell systems, which replace conventional batteries used in electrically driven machinery and automobiles. The company takes an influential stand in the transition to cleaner energy sources by developing and introducing new technological solutions in this swiftly advancing industry.

Defining Challenges

The client’s company encountered the same issues that many energy-related enterprises do. The main challenges were:

• Improper integration of project management systems: Outdated tools hampered the proper tracking and management of hydrogen infrastructure initiatives.
• Limited real-time data visibility: Strategic decision-making became more difficult because there was no unified platform for accessing information.
• Fragmented business processes: Financial accounting, supplier chains, and project management were all disconnected, resulting in delays and errors.
• Concerns with compliance: The business had to automate procedures while adhering to sustainability and international standards.

Solution

The company's decision-makers chose SAP S/4HANA deployment to mitigate the bottlenecks. The project aimed to integrate the following solutions into the client's IT infrastructure:

• FI (Financial Accounting) for managing financial operations
• CO (Controlling) for internal accounting and resource planning
• SD (Sales and Distribution) for automating sales and logistics
• MM (Material Management) for procurement and inventory management
• PS (Project System) for project management
• EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) for improving warehousing and logistics processes
  
  LeverX's team was responsible for implementing two modules: SAP PS and SAP EWM. 

The project was divided into three stages

Stage 1: Requirements Gathering and Analysis

Whether we’re starting a project from scratch or joining the running project, our work always begins with gathering and analyzing requirements.

This one was no different. For the first two months, we kept in frequent contact with the client. We performed in-depth surveys, scheduled meetings, and demonstrated the system's capabilities to determine the company's specific needs and expectations.

Thanks to this stage, the client was able to envision the system's potential, while our team defined its functional requirements.

Stage 2: System Implementation and Configuration

The team set off a phase-based SAP PS and SAP EWM implementation approach, allowing for timely adjustments as needed. Initially, the customer intended to integrate these SAP S/4HANA modules at only one of their U.S. facilities. However, the results of the interim project were better than anticipated, and it was decided to expand the use of SAP PS and SAP EWM to more production sites in Europe and America.

We kept the management and end users informed at all times during the configuration phase. We were able to modify the solutions to satisfy the needs and expectations of every stakeholder by showcasing what had previously been completed, outlining how it operated, and gathering feedback.

Stage 3: Testing and Documentation Preparation

The project's last phase was devoted to testing the solutions that were put into place. To ensure everything operated as intended and satisfied the criteria, we carried out extensive system inspections.

Data transfer from outdated systems into SAP S/4HANA received particular attention. A well-defined data management strategy and prompt planning made this phase go without a hitch.

Creating and providing technical documentation to the client's team was the final step in this phase.

Results

The project took 18 months to complete, slightly longer than initially planned, because effective teamwork between the client’s specialists and our experts fostered a creative atmosphere that continuously generated new ideas for improving the system.

As a result, the implementation exceeded all expectations, delivering:

• Complete real-time project visibility: Managers can now promptly track project statuses and make data-driven decisions.
• Optimized financial processes: The finance team can generate accurate reports and forecast budgets, considering all parameters.
• Improved supply chain and warehouse management: The procurement and warehousing processes were fully automated, reducing costs and increasing transparency.
• Compliance with sustainability standards: The solution helped the client meet international environmental standards and strengthen their position in the “green” energy market.

Key Metrics

• Over 100 users registered in the system, allowing the control of up to 1,000 projects annually.
• The client received a scalable solution that will support its growth as demand for hydrogen solutions increases.
• SAP S/4HANA implementation provided the company with a reliable platform for achieving its strategic goals in sustainable and clean energy.