Successful Introduction of Standardised Market Communication Processes through SAP IS-U Common Layer and Agile Software Development

Mission

consistency was hired to support the agile implementation of the SAP IS-U Common Layer Introduction for the re-standardisation of the market communication processes of a German energy company in the market role “supplier”. As a central component of the complete restructuring of the process and system landscape B2B and B2C, it was necessary to replace the specially built market communication solution in the existing CRM system with the new SAP standard. The objective of the customer was to reduce the high system development costs through the twice-yearly format changes and at the same time to generate significant process efficiencies in the department through an optimised BPEM treatment process.

Implementation

The market communications team responsible for implementation worked in a total of 13 parallel Scrum teams as part of a scaled Scrum approach supervised by consistency. The team was composed of department representatives, internal and external SAP developers (ABAP developers and customising) and a Scrum master, which was appointed by consistency. The primary goal for the start of the implementation was to develop an executable product aligned with agile principles. This was to be done as quickly as possible in order to generate customer benefit and valuable feedback.

Within six months:
The implementation phase, divided into 3-month sprints was to result in a complete SAP IS-U common layer specification being integrated into the existing SAP landscape. The solution included UTILMD processes. GPKE (AP & A), APERAK processes for UTILMD, MSCONS, INVOIC, master data changes inbound and outbound (power only) and allowed for automated picking. The executable pilot was successfully put live for acquisition in a selected B2B sales area for electricity customers and provided important insights for the further course of the project. The modular structure of the SAP IS-U Common Layer significantly supported the agile implementation of the project.

In the course of the following project phase, the standard processes of market communication for the entire B2B and B2C customer segment spread out in further sprints. By means of strict prioritisation according to customer added values, the processes “delivery start, delivery end, basic and substitute supply, master data change” were able to be successfully implemented. Furthermore, the optimisation of the BPEM clarification process was implemented and further developed on the basis of incoming user feedback.

For all adjustments in the SAP landscape, the team-oriented as closely as possible to the standard version of the SAP IS-U Common Layer. The insight gained from regular production deliveries enabled the necessary adjustment requirements to be implemented directly.

Result

After the 18-month implementation phase, a viable and production-proven market communication solution was ready. The Scrum agile approach enabled cost-efficient and risk-minimised implementation. The prioritised implementation of important functions and regular delivery made it possible to avoid expensive or superfluous features.