Case Study

UST helped global auto parts manufacturer consolidate 500+ supply chain applications, saved $20M+

When a massive integration project with more than 500 applications stalled at a global manufacturing company, UST took over and guided it to completion with four project waves, meticulous knowledge transfer, rapid 90-day deadlines per wave—and an ultimate $20 million in savings.

OUR CLIENT

Founded over a century ago, this multinational company is one of the leading automotive parts suppliers for light and commercial vehicles. With nearly 50,000 employees, the company generates several billion dollars annually.

THE CHALLENGE

Unmanageable systems integration project needed technology partner to get back on track

With an ERP application consolidation project staffed primarily by contractors, the company struggled to consolidate more than 500 supply chain applications with approximately 2,000 modules scattered across more than 20 locations and four continents. The company needed a partner with proven experience in global systems integration (SI) to complete the project-which would ultimately simplify the company’s application footprint, reduce IT costs, and help streamline supply chain processes.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Well-defined project plan guided complex integration project

After an in-depth project assessment, the UST SI team planned to integrate 556 applications in four tracks based on technology similarities and resource availability. UST conducted knowledge transfer sessions between the client’s on-site and off-shore teams as well as workshops to define roles, responsibilities, and success metrics. With that foundation in place, the UST SI team successfully completed each wave of the integration project within the 90-day deadline. By consolidating the applications, the company was able to control investments in legacy applications; reduce its total cost of ownership (TCO) and operating costs; improve the efficiency, performance, and processing speed of the applications; and improve employee productivity.

THE IMPACT

Consolidated, optimized application footprint saved company millions

With the massive integration project complete, the company significantly reduced its TCO—by more than $20 million. And with a continuous improvement support plan in place, the company now enjoys optimized applications which boosts employee productivity.

RESOURCES

https://www.ust.com/en/what-we-do/strategy-implementation-operations

https://www.ust.com/en/manufacturing