Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a leading aluminum producer, has recently announced its decision to upgrade its core enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to SAP’s latest S/4HANA software. This move is part of EGA’s broader digital transformation initiative, launched in 2021, which aims to enhance operations, improve customer and employee experiences, and create new revenue streams. The SAP S/4HANA upgrade is expected to significantly boost EGA’s computing capabilities, enabling the company to leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics.
EGA has been utilizing SAP software solutions to manage various functions across its global business, including marketing & sales, supply chain, finance, human capital, production planning & scheduling, and plant maintenance. With over 150,000 business transactions processed every month, the company recognized the need to future-proof its computing infrastructure to keep pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The aluminum industry has been increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. EGA’s digital transformation initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the sector by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and competitiveness.
Enhancing Computing Capabilities through SAP S/4HANA Upgrade
The SAP S/4HANA upgrade is set to revolutionize EGA’s computing capabilities, increasing data processing speeds by an impressive 30 times. This enhancement will also enable the company to generate real-time data analytics and insights, which are crucial for making informed decisions and driving operational excellence.
Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in achieving the company’s aspirations to innovate the future of aluminum production. He further noted that leading the sector in the application of Industry 4.0 requires advanced computing and software capabilities, which the SAP S/4HANA upgrade will provide.
Additionally, Carlo K Nizam, EGA’s Chief Digital Officer, highlighted the benefits of the upgrade, stating that S/4HANA is part of the company’s new digital foundations and will bring a significantly enhanced employee experience that is real-time, mobile-friendly, and seamlessly integrates with EGA’s state-of-the-art data platform.
Leveraging the Power of the Cloud
Furthermore, EGA’s new SAP S/4HANA system will be hosted in a private cloud on Microsoft Azure, allowing the company to benefit from continuous updates as SAP technologies evolve. The migration to the new system will be facilitated through RISE with SAP, the German enterprise software giant’s Business Transformation as a Service (BTaaS) offering, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruption to the company’s operations.
Meanwhile, Manos Raptopoulos, President of SAP’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, commended EGA’s progressive approach and vision to leverage Industry 4.0 capabilities to boost competitiveness, improve operations, and benefit its people. He also noted that with SAP S/4HANA on RISE with SAP, EGA will increase its resilience, future-proof its computing for key business functions, gain improved visibility and flexibility, reduce total cost of ownership, and enhance user experience.
Driving Digital Transformation and Upskilling Employees
EGA’s digital transformation journey extends beyond the SAP S/4HANA upgrade. The company has already implemented over 60 Industry 4.0 use cases, ranging from using artificial intelligence for real-time quality checks in carbon anode production to developing predictive tools for market movements in key commodities.
To support this transformation, EGA has also invested in upskilling its workforce, with nearly 2,000 employees already trained in digital capabilities and new ways of working. In addition, this focus on employee development ensures that the company is well-equipped to harness the full potential of the new technologies and drive innovation across its operations.
The digital transformation initiative has already delivered significant financial impact, with approximately $90 million realized to date. As EGA continues to implement advanced technologies and optimize its processes, the company is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in the global aluminum industry.
Emirates Global Aluminium’s decision to upgrade to SAP S/4HANA is a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey. By leveraging the power of advanced computing capabilities and the cloud, EGA is future-proofing its operations and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. With a focus on upskilling its workforce and a commitment to staying at the forefront of Industry 4.0 adoption, EGA is setting a strong example for the aluminium industry and demonstrating the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving business success.
