Structure and Stability for the Group Credit Management Workflow
An existing SAP BPM workflow used by Group Credit Management was to be migrated to a future-proof SAP Cloud Workflow in light of the expiration of SAP support for SAP BPM at the end of 2027 and the Vaillant Group’s strategic, comprehensive SAP S/4HANA transformation. Given the initial situation, a rigorous consolidation of the business and technical requirements was essential. The Vaillant Group entrusted us with bringing structure to the project and mapping out the underlying expectations through appropriate conceptual guidelines. Within a tight, binding timeframe, we carried out the migration in close collaboration with the client and with a consistent, holistic view of business and IT, thereby jointly creating a stable foundation for continued operation.
THE CHALLENGES
The existing SAP BPM workflow for Group Credit Management was to be migrated to an SAP Cloud Workflow as part of the SAP S/4HANA transformation.
The initial situation was complex: a variety of business requirements – some that had evolved over time and others that were innovative and new - had to be taken into account and were dynamically incorporated into the project. At the same time, a strictly defined timeline had to be adhered to. The project was of high business importance – a rapid, reliable approach was needed, both for day-to-day operations and for the ongoing strategic transformation toward a modern and future-oriented solution.
THE CHALLENGES
The existing SAP BPM workflow for Group Credit Management was to be migrated to an SAP Cloud Workflow as part of the SAP S/4HANA transformation.
The initial situation was complex: a variety of business requirements – some that had evolved over time and others that were innovative and new – had to be taken into account and were dynamically incorporated into the project. At the same time, a strictly defined timeline had to be adhered to. The project was of high business importance – a rapid, reliable approach was needed, both for day-to-day operations and for the ongoing strategic transformation toward a modern and future-oriented solution.
OUR APPROACH
The initial focus was on creating transparency regarding requirements and the scope of the project to enable implementation within the specified timeframe, as well as on ensuring consistent coordination between the business unit, IT, and other project participants. The goals were to establish a robust decision-making foundation supported by all stakeholders, prioritize outstanding issues, and align everyone toward the planned go-live.
Together with the Vaillant Group, we consolidated existing business and solution concepts, aligned various project statuses, structured and prioritized outstanding requirements, synchronized technical and business objectives, streamlined decision-making processes, and systematically prepared test and acceptance procedures.
In parallel with the consolidation and structuring, we handled the technical implementation: the migration of the existing workflow to SAP Cloud Workflow, integration into the SAP S/4HANA process landscape, and the establishment of a traceable and stable approval process across multiple decision-making levels.
A technical highlight is the intelligent suggestion mechanism we developed: information about business partners that has already been entered is automatically available as suggested values for future workflow processes. This reduces repetitive data entry and time-consuming research, improves data quality, and supports users in their work.
OUR APPROACH
The initial focus was on creating transparency regarding requirements and the scope of the project to enable implementation within the specified timeframe, as well as on ensuring consistent coordination between the business unit, IT, and other project participants. The goals were to establish a robust decision-making foundation supported by all stakeholders, prioritize outstanding issues, and align everyone toward the planned go-live.
Together with the Vaillant Group, we consolidated existing business and solution concepts, aligned various project statuses, structured and prioritized outstanding requirements, synchronized technical and business objectives, streamlined decision-making processes, and systematically prepared test and acceptance procedures.
In parallel with the consolidation and structuring, we handled the technical implementation: the migration of the existing workflow to SAP Cloud Workflow, integration into the SAP S/4HANA process landscape, and the establishment of a traceable and stable approval process across multiple decision-making levels.
A technical highlight is the intelligent suggestion mechanism we developed: information about business partners that has already been entered is automatically available as suggested values for future workflow processes. This reduces repetitive data entry and time-consuming research, improves data quality, and supports users in their work.
THE RESULT
Through consistent management based on methodological and technological expertise, we worked together to establish transparency and a shared vision as the foundation for a structured implementation. The project resulted in a clear and manageable set of requirements and significantly improved collaboration between business units and IT. Despite the project’s high business relevance, tight timeline, and complex business requirements, we were able to successfully implement the project together within the defined timeframe.
With the SAP Cloud Workflow on the SAP Business Technology Platform, the Vaillant Group now has a platform that can be leveraged for the further modernization of business-critical processes. The combination of structured management, business consolidation, and technical support from a single source demonstrates how complex transformation projects can be technologically managed and stabilized even under significant time pressure.
THE RESULT
Through consistent management based on methodological and technological expertise, we worked together to establish transparency and a shared vision as the foundation for a structured implementation. The project resulted in a clear and manageable set of requirements and significantly improved collaboration between business units and IT. Despite the project’s high business relevance, tight timeline, and complex business requirements, we were able to successfully implement the project together within the defined timeframe.
With the SAP Cloud Workflow on the SAP Business Technology Platform, the Vaillant Group now has a platform that can be leveraged for the further modernization of business-critical processes. The combination of structured management, business consolidation, and technical support from a single source demonstrates how complex transformation projects can be technologically managed and stabilized even under significant time pressure.
ABOUT VAILLANT GROUP
The Vaillant Group is an internationally active family-owned company headquartered in Remscheid. The global market leader in central heating systems celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024. The company offers its customers technologies for heating, cooling, and hot water production that help shape the energy transition in the building sector. Its focus is on electric heat pumps and gas heating systems for efficient energy use, as well as smart systems and comprehensive services.
