SAP and McKinsey have joined forces to launch a new initiative called Value Finder, aimed at transforming the way businesses harness value from their processes.
The collaboration between SAP and McKinsey is not new; it builds on a robust, long-standing alliance. Earlier this year, they introduced Generative Enterprise, a solution designed to synergize SAP Business AI with QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey. This partnership focuses on helping organizations create sustainable, resilient, and adaptive business models. Value Finder is the latest addition to their joint offerings, aimed at further accelerating digital transformation for clients.
Value Finder employs a combination of SAP and McKinsey technologies, including SAP Signavio for process analysis and optimization, McKinsey’s generative AI solution Lilli, and SAP Business AI. This tool assesses thousands of value levers and industry benchmarks, providing actionable insights for business-process improvements during SAP S/4HANA transformations.
Bjørnar Jensen, a McKinsey senior partner, emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative, highlighting the significant potential for clients to enhance their ERP-enabled digital transformations. The integration of these advanced technologies allows for precise and rapid assessments, paving the way for measurable growth and efficiency improvements.
Real-World Impact of Value Finder by SAP and McKinsey
Value Finder has already proven its efficacy across various industries. For instance, a global agribusiness company planning an SAP S/4HANA transformation identified over $100 million in process-optimization opportunities using this tool. Similarly, Brenntag, a leading chemicals and ingredients distributor, leveraged Value Finder to uncover business-process insights, resulting in a value potential five times higher than initially projected.
A major chemicals company used Value Finder to re-evaluate its SAP S/4HANA business case, presenting the board with certified value capture and identifying 10 to 15 percent potential incremental benefits in the order-to-cash process. These examples illustrate the substantial impact Value Finder can have on optimizing business processes and enhancing value creation.
Internally, McKinsey applied Value Finder during its own SAP S/4HANA transformation. By comparing process performance indicators against industry benchmarks, the company identified significant opportunities for improvement in areas such as spend optimization and cash collection. This internal application underscores the tool’s effectiveness in driving meaningful change.
Nitin Khapre, McKinsey’s director of finance, innovation, and technology, led the technology transformation and highlighted the value that Value Finder brought to their own processes. This included identifying areas where process execution patterns diverged and unlocking value in specific areas.
Ben Ellencweig, a senior partner who leads alliances, acquisitions, and partnerships globally for QuantumBlack, emphasized the transformative potential of Value Finder, noting its role in orchestrating value for clients by integrating the strengths of SAP and McKinsey technologies. This strategic alliance ecosystem is designed to drive impactful results, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to co-innovation.
Meanwhile, Darwin Deano, a McKinsey partner and architect of Generative Enterprise, expressed pride in the achievements facilitated by Value Finder and stressed the importance of raising ambitions to help business leaders build resilience and thrive amidst disruption.
The Future of Business Transformation
Value Finder represents a significant milestone in SAP and McKinsey’s ongoing collaboration. By combining their technological expertise, the two companies are setting new standards for value creation in the digital age. A McKinsey partner involved in the development of Generative Enterprise emphasized the ambition to continually push the boundaries of what is possible, helping business leaders prepare for future challenges and build true resilience.
Rouven Morato, general manager and chief revenue officer of SAP Signavio and SAP LeanIX, also expressed enthusiasm about Value Finder’s capabilities and its profound impact on clients’ transformation journeys. This initiative reflects a commitment to delivering sustainable value and impact through innovative technology.
As SAP and McKinsey continue to evolve their partnership, Value Finder stands as a testament to their shared vision of driving digital transformation and enabling businesses to thrive amidst ongoing disruption. This tool not only showcases the power of their combined technologies but also their dedication to helping clients achieve measurable, long-term success.
