Future-proof and scalable integration platform at Shimano
Our services
We believe in healthy data flows. We therefore reduce data complexity to improve operational stability. This makes processes more flexible and makes room for more rapid innovation.
Customer since
2006
Curious about Shimano and the success of the implementation process? Keep reading to learn more.
Shimano, a well-known wholesaler of bicycle, rowing, and fishing components, has recently adopted the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). With this, they have secured a future-proof ordering platform for their customers, with the capability to globally expand the technology behind it. Not only has the onboarding process for new customers been accelerated, but the platform has also contributed to enhancing the security of both internal operations and customer data.
The Power of Integrated Data
In recent years, there have been significant delivery issues due to a shortage of components. Customers often did not receive shipping dates because the data flow between Shimano and the resellers was inadequate. Shimano sought a solution to address this challenge. They implemented the Business Technology Platform, which they used to build a future-proof integration landscape. By utilizing SAP products, including SAP Cloud Platform Integration and API Management, they created a reusable and scalable set of integrations that provide flexibility and operational stability to the company. Through the use of SAP Build Workzone, SAP Business Application Studio, and SAP Workflow Management, they are capable of developing extensions for monitoring and operational support. This could involve statistics related to message volumes, errors, and trends, enhancing the collaboration among different software components.
Collaborating with a shared goal
“How do we build an intelligent architectural foundation for a landscape that starts in Europe but needs to be scalable?” That’s what Ana Tosi, IT Senior Manager at Shimano Europe Group, wondered. “We had a clear goal in mind, but we didn’t know what kind of integration platform would fit or what was possible. Technology experts Guido Koopmann & Igor Mitrovic from Acorel supported us collaboratively with their team in this quest and in setting up the platform. The collaboration between us was truly excellent, and we built a strong bond. There’s a trust within which obstacles and challenges can be openly discussed. Additionally, Guido and Igor have greatly helped me personally in expanding my knowledge in the field of integration platforms.”
Acorel: the place for integration challenges
From Acorel’s perspective, they examined the needs that Shimano had – a scalable integration platform. Mitrovic stated, “Shimano was very curious about how BTP could assist them in this regard. Based on that requirement, we facilitated a series of workshops to provide the employees with a clear understanding of how BTP functions.” Koopmann added, “By structuring the future landscape appropriately, sharing integrations and developments between entities globally becomes seamless.”
SAP BTP has also contributed to enhancing the security of data flows between internal operations and customer data. Tosi mentioned, “With the help of API Management, we’ve elevated the security level and features such as policies and quotas that pertain to business-critical processes like Order to Cash.”
Future proof and shorter on-boarding time
What does the future-proof integration platform give Shimano? Tosi: “We have now developed 34 integrations, which is much more than we originally had in mind, and we know there are more to come. We have also managed to implement these new integrations without any loss of time. Everything is going on time and even on budget. And the best result is that we can now reuse integrations for new projects.” In addition, the on-boarding of new customers and retailers has been reduced to 6 weeks, where previously it took at least 8 weeks. In the future, Shimano even plans to reduce this to a maximum of 4 weeks.
Providing better service and acceptance to customers and partners
What can be further improved in the future? There are many new tools available on the BTP. Together with Acorel, they explored the possibilities of Robotic Process Automation and AI in the monitoring tool. This enables the identification of patterns to detect what’s happening or going wrong in the landscape at an early stage and anticipate issues before they arise. Additionally, Shimano aims to support customers in enhancing their well-being and happiness by enjoying nature and the world around us. Thanks to a smooth and fast integration platform, the go-to-market process has been accelerated, and Shimano provides a future-proof and scalable platform that enhances customer experiences.
Just like Shimano, if you want to expedite the onboarding process and see customer satisfaction grow, our specialists are eager to assist you in achieving these goals. Feel free to get in touch with us.
SAP Discovery Day for Analytics & Integration
Integratie, data, analytics en AI – deze termen zijn tegenwoordig overal te vinden. Maar hoe kan jouw bedrijf profiteren van deze technologische innovaties? Tijdens het business festival van SAP wordt je geïnspireerd hoe je met deze ontwikkelingen mee kan gaan. Samen met Shimano staan we op het podium, waar Shimano haar verhaal deelt over waarom ze voor BTP hebben gekozen en welke meerwaarde dit met zich meebrengt. Bekijk hier de planning & registreer je direct!
The power of data, integrated data! How Shimano realizes 97% cost avoidance.
Do you want to get even more inspired by this case? Check out our podcast with SAP Business Innovation and our client Shimano, and listen to Ana Tosi (Shimano), Guido Koopmann (Acorel), and Igor Mitrovic (Acorel) discussing how you can enhance customer experience by integrating data to address a common question like “When is this available?”