SAP Feasibility Study

Large Regional Rail Franchise

The Client

Our client operates one of the largest rail franchises by geography and employs over 4,000 staff.

The Problem

Having implemented an extensive programme to upgrade a number of core administrative systems to SAP, the organisation was faced with a range of options for further investment in SAP and demand for additonal functionality in a number of areas.

Rather than assume SAP as a default solution, the business asked us to undertake independent analysis to determine whether additional functionality could be justified, and if so, whether further investment in SAP offered the most appropriate solution.

The Solution

We worked with key managers in each area for which additional functionality had been identified to develop a clear picture of the anticipated benefits. Once this was quantified, but before looking at technology options, we worked with Finance to understand what an acceptable level of investment would be in order to secure the benefits given that franchises are time-limited and operate under compressed ROI timescales.

Once we understood what an acceptable financial outcome would be, we examined both SAP and non-SAP options in order to reach conclusions about the most appropriate mix of further development.

Benefits

As a result of this study, the business concluded that there was only a limited case for further investment in SAP. In some areas we demonstrated that there were insufficient benefits to justify firther investment and in others we identified lower-cost options that would not compromise operational effectiveness.

Teasel Opinion offers points of view on a wide range of topical issues affecting programme management; business change; and business intelligence.