The SAP S/4HANA transformation at Union Investment

Union Investment was facing a technological challenge. The existing IT landscape had grown over the years and was characterised by numerous individual applications and isolated databases. This heterogeneity led to a lack of process integration, limited automation and increased planning effort. Added to this was the imminent end of support for SAP ERP, which would not only result in rising costs but also operational risks. For a company with over five million customers, it was clear that comprehensive modernisation was essential to ensure efficiency, scalability and future viability.

• Strategic realignment: shift from the „big bang approach“ to a phase-based approach to minimise risk
• Design thinking workshops: Joint target definition and development of a roadmap with all relevant stakeholders
• Powered enterprise methodology: Use of a results-oriented framework to harmonise processes and introduce new operating models
• Technological basis: Use of the SAP Business Suite for integrated applications, data and artificial intelligence
• Governance and architecture: Establishment of a target operating model and clear project structures
• Change management: Special measures to promote acceptance, communication and user integration

Union Investment now has a modern, cloud-based SAP S/4HANA and SAP Analytics Cloud architecture. The transformation reduced complexity, replaced individual solutions with standardised SAP models and harmonised processes across all business areas. Thanks to enhanced analysis and planning functions, the company can gain insights more quickly, make more informed decisions and act with greater agility. The new platform also forms the basis for future innovations such as SAP Datasphere and AI-supported applications, which enable further efficiency and competitive advantages. This means that Union Investment is not only technologically up to date, but also strategically better positioned for the coming years.