Nowadays, companies all over the world face incredible pressure in global markets. To survive and to stay competitive, procurement of every description needs to be developed as a major leverage to save cost in the recent years. To achieve competitive differentiation with advantage, companies have to empower information workers. Business processes are the key to unlock the potential of these strategies.
A supportive IT structure may play a decisive role for business processes and can make a great deal of difference. The implementation of an ERP system provides an opportunity of a ‘‘configurable information system (IS) package that integrates information and information-based processes within and across-functional areas in an organization’’ . In information system areas, implementation is defined as ‘‘the process that begins with the managerial decision to install a computer-based [...]
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Motivation
1.2 Objective
1.3 Thesis structure
2 Disambiguation
2.1 SAP System
2.1.1 SAP ERP w/ ECC 6.0
2.1.2 Accelerated SAP (ASAP)
2.2 Information
2.2.1 Information flow
2.2.2 Information island
3 Company introduction
3.1 ThyssenKrupp Group
3.2 ThyssenKrupp Elevator
3.2.1 Business Unit Structure
3.2.2 ThyssenKrupp in Zhongshan
4 Influence of Chinese Culture on the business company
4.1 Language and mindset
4.2 Corporate culture and Chinese work attitude
4.2.1 Systematic approach
4.2.2 Interpersonal relationships (Guanxi)
5 The process of implementation
5.1 Prearrangement
5.1.1 System Requirements
5.1.2 (Project) Management organization and requirements
5.2 Actual analysis (as is)
5.2.1 Business processes at present
5.2.2 Currently used applications and procedures
5.2.3 Current problems
5.3 Target / Analysis (to be)
5.3.1 Project plan
5.3.2 Scheme of improvement
5.4 Realization of the project
5.4.1 Project Preparation
5.4.2 Blueprinting
5.4.3 Realization
5.4.4 Final Preparation
5.4.5 Go Live and Support
6 Reaches & Results
6.1 Project appraisal
6.1 Reaches in relation to the process of eliminating information islands
6.1.1 Disclosing information islands
6.1.2 Discovered existing information islands
6.1.3 Method of treatment
6.2 Comparison: “as is” – “to be”
6.3 Assets & Drawbacks
7 Conclusion
Research Objective and Core Topics
This thesis examines the methods and concepts of SAP implementation for ThyssenKrupp Escalator in Zhongshan, China. The primary objective is to investigate the transition from existing disconnected "information islands" to a unified IT structure, analyzing both the project approach and the operational shifts required in a Chinese business context.
- SAP ERP implementation methodology (ASAP)
- Overcoming "information islands" in business processes
- Influence of Chinese corporate culture on system adoption
- Analysis of "as is" versus "to be" business states
- Change management and process reengineering
Excerpt from the Book
6.1.2 Discovered existing information islands
Deriving from the whole investigation of the SAP implementation project, the information islands are shown in several stations. Generally spoken, there is almost no standardization and no integration. The process exemplary exemplifies, the communication between the departments is a constant “to and from” of information – most of the time in form of approvals. But as there is no common platform of communication for a complete processing chain from A to Z, it signifies lacks in project execution status, stock material availability, special project requirements and others. Information can not be shared within company.
Occasionally, due to rush orders are placed in order to avoid stopping the production, large numbers of ad-hoc approaches or procedures are done. From that follows that ISO procedures are almost irrelevant to the daily operation but more significant, to retrieve necessary data is aggravated. Other gains of information from the investigation research could be won, for instance, due to lack of communication, material ID does not correspond to the state of stock materials being purchased, and there are large numbers of items uses same material ID which causes logistic nightmare.
According to the one concrete example demonstrated in 5.2.1 about the different description use for the same (IQC) ID between the Quality Management department in connection with Logistic department, Purchasing department, supplier and the workshop (production) must be said, that this information island is
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides the motivation for the study, defines the research objective regarding SAP implementation at ThyssenKrupp, and outlines the thesis structure.
2 Disambiguation: Clarifies essential technical terminology, specifically defining the SAP system, the ASAP methodology, and the concept of information islands.
3 Company introduction: Introduces the ThyssenKrupp Group and details the organizational structure and production capabilities of the plant in Zhongshan, China.
4 Influence of Chinese Culture on the business company: Analyzes how local language, corporate culture, and the concept of Guanxi affect business operations and employee communication.
5 The process of implementation: Details the lifecycle of the SAP project, covering prearrangement, actual analysis, project planning, and the specific phases of the ASAP methodology.
6 Reaches & Results: Discusses the outcomes of the implementation, evaluates project success, compares "as is" and "to be" states, and summarizes assets and drawbacks.
7 Conclusion: Summarizes the study's findings and offers an outlook on the future prospects of maintaining the SAP system in the Zhongshan facility.
Keywords
SAP, ERP, ThyssenKrupp, Information Islands, Implementation, ASAP, China, Business Processes, Reengineering, Change Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Management, Data Integration, Corporate Culture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
This thesis focuses on the process of implementing an SAP ERP system at the ThyssenKrupp Escalator plant in Zhongshan, specifically targeting the elimination of disconnected "information islands" within the company's business processes.
What are the key themes addressed?
The work covers SAP implementation strategies, the impact of Chinese cultural norms on corporate workflows, business process reengineering (BPR), and the technical transition from legacy systems to a unified ERP platform.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to investigate and present the methods and concepts of the SAP implementation, analyzing the project approach and comparing the operational situation before and after the system rollout.
Which scientific methodology was used?
The study relies on primary data acquisition through interviews, observations, and reporting methods, structured around the ASAP (Accelerated SAP) methodology.
What does the main body cover?
The main body details the company background, cultural influences, the systematic implementation process (covering project phases like blueprinting and realization), and a final appraisal of project results.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include SAP, ERP, Information Islands, Change Management, Business Process Reengineering, and Chinese Corporate Culture.
How does cultural context impact the SAP project in this case?
The study highlights that Chinese cultural factors, such as indirect communication styles, the importance of "Guanxi" (interpersonal relationships), and group-oriented mindsets, significantly influence how information is shared and how projects are managed in the local facility.
Why are "information islands" considered a primary problem?
They lead to unsynchronized workflows, inaccurate data, and inefficiencies. Without a common platform, departments struggle to communicate effectively, which hinders project execution and complicates supply chain management.
- Quote paper
- Marcel Gundlach (Author), 2008, United under SAP, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123387
