Croonwolter&dros Adopts SAP Cloud ERP System

Croonwolter&dros, a technical installation company based in the Netherlands, has adopted the SAP cloud ERP system, SAP S/4HANA, as part of its digital transformation journey.

With a history spanning over 140 years, Croonwolter&dros is a major player in electrical and mechanical engineering, automation, and information solutions for the built environment. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the company employs approximately 3,000 staff and reported revenues of €550 million in the last fiscal year. To maintain its competitive edge, the company prioritized modernizing its IT infrastructure by replacing its legacy ERP system.

SAP S/4HANA was selected for its ability to provide an advanced, integrated, and scalable cloud ERP solution. This choice aligns with the company’s vision for streamlining operations and enhancing data-driven decision-making. Emixa, a consulting firm specializing in SAP implementations, was brought on board to ensure a seamless migration and deployment of the system.

Transitioning to SAP Cloud ERP System

The project, which spanned 14 months, was carried out using a structured, phased approach. Key technologies implemented alongside SAP S/4HANA included:

• SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) for integration and extension.
• SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) for efficient connectivity.
• Azure Integration Platform for secure and scalable cloud services.
• MS PowerBI for advanced analytics and reporting.
• SAP Field Service Management (FSM) for enhanced service operations.

Emixa adhered to SAP’s standard best practices, limiting customizations to maintain project efficiency. This methodology ensured the deployment was completed on time and within budget. A simultaneous go-live strategy was used to facilitate organization-wide adoption with minimal disruptions to business operations.

Since going live, the SAP S/4HANA system has delivered substantial value to Croonwolter&dros, such as improved process standardization, better collaboration between departments, and enhanced visibility through real-time analytics. The system also supports scalability, enabling the company to adapt to evolving business demands and fuel its growth ambitions.

Continued Collaboration and Future Plans

SAP S/4HANA is a next-generation ERP system designed to run on the SAP HANA in-memory database. It provides real-time data processing, advanced analytics, and streamlined operations. With its cloud capabilities, businesses can benefit from flexibility, cost efficiency, and easy scalability. SAP S/4HANA also integrates seamlessly with SAP’s ecosystem, including tools like SAP BTP and industry-specific solutions.

The successful implementation has paved the way for continued collaboration between Croonwolter&dros and Emixa. The consulting firm remains a strategic partner, assisting the company with further optimizing its systems and exploring new digital capabilities. These efforts align with Croonwolter&dros’s broader digital transformation roadmap, aimed at leveraging technology to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Croonwolter&dros intends to further utilize the system’s capabilities to advance its data-driven decision-making approach. Enhanced reporting and predictive analytics are expected to play a pivotal role in aligning business strategies with industry trends.

Industry Perspectives

Piet Jan Heijboer, Chairman at Croonwolter&dros, emphasized the importance of adopting a modern ERP system to address operational risks and meet future requirements. He acknowledged Emixa’s role in ensuring the project’s success, highlighting their expertise and commitment. Similarly, Erik Burghoorn, Chief Commercial Officer at Emixa, recognized the collaboration as a showcase of teamwork and innovation, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in driving large-scale digital initiatives.

The implementation at Croonwolter&dros reflects the growing adoption of SAP solutions across industries. By embracing systems like SAP S/4HANA, organizations can improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and remain agile in a dynamic business environment.

This transition underscores the potential of SAP cloud ERP systems to support businesses in achieving their strategic goals while ensuring resilience in an increasingly digital world.