Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, a heavyweight in the worldwide healthcare sector, has accomplished a remarkable milestone in the realm of IT transformation. Fresenius has made a significant shift, transitioning its primary SAP software systems to a cloud-based infrastructure. This transition was accomplished using RISE with SAP – a robust service developed by German enterprise software giant SAP. This comprehensive service is designed to provide businesses with the tools they need to evolve into intelligent enterprises, allowing them to leverage technology to drive growth and efficiency.
With roots in the pharmaceutical world that reach back to the 18th century, Fresenius has grown into a diversified global player in the healthcare sector. The company’s partnership with SAP, which has blossomed over a period of thirty years, has been an essential component of its growth trajectory. This alliance, built on trust and mutual benefit, has fostered countless advancements and innovations.
The recent cloud migration not only represents a significant progression in the company’s IT transformation but also serves as the latest chapter in the long-standing partnership between Fresenius and SAP. Throughout their partnership, both companies have contributed to groundbreaking improvements in healthcare delivery and patient care, showcasing the positive impact of their shared vision and collaboration.
RISE with SAP Powers Fresenius’ Transformation
The implementation of RISE with SAP has provided Fresenius with a strong, future-oriented platform for its operations. This strategic step offers the healthcare leader the opportunity to improve scalability, bolster application security, and digitize its global business processes in an unprecedented way.
“We are excited to partner with Fresenius on their digital transformation journey with RISE with SAP. Our solutions will empower Fresenius to streamline operations, enhance efficiency and deliver even more exceptional value to its patients and customers,” SAP Chief Executive Officer and Executive Board Member Christian Klein.
The migration operation was extensive, encompassing various system domains, including ERP systems that govern crucial business processes, such as finance, manufacturing, supply chain management, procurement, and CRM systems. Michael Sen, Fresenius’ CEO, highlighted that the cloud migration has injected momentum into the company’s #FutureFresenius initiative, facilitating more flexible IT scalability and fostering efficiency and agility across the board. He further stressed that the digitization of their organization is vital in delivering superior patient care and driving the overall transformation of the healthcare sector.
Successful Migration of SAP Software Systems to the Cloud
This migration project was an ambitious undertaking, demanding profound collaboration and alignment between Fresenius and SAP. The end result was nothing short of impressive. An aggregate of 29 system landscapes, incorporating 134 systems, were smoothly transitioned to the cloud environment within a record timeline of fewer than 15 months.
The successful completion of this large-scale migration has set the stage for Fresenius to fully exploit the latest SAP technologies, including the SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This positions the company to accelerate innovation and offer unrivaled value to the Fresenius Group and its stakeholders.
Reaping the Benefits of Transition
Post-migration, all migrated SAP systems have exhibited improved security and resilience, crucial in today’s cyber threat landscape. Fresenius now has the capability to proactively spot potential challenges and resolve them before they have a chance to disrupt business operations or cause outages, thereby improving overall system performance.
Reflecting on the successful migration, Ingo Elfering, CIO of the Fresenius Group, said the successful outcome was a testament to the dedication, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit that went into the initiative. He also expressed optimism that the cloud transformation, made possible through RISE with SAP, would provide a robust, secure platform for their forthcoming journey with SAP S/4HANA.
Indeed, the ambitious project underscores the enduring alliance between Fresenius and SAP, setting a new precedent for the role of technology in shaping the future of healthcare. It highlights the transformative potential of SAP software systems and RISE with SAP, illustrating how these tools can revolutionize industry practices and patient care.
