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CLIENT CASE STUDY

Styrolution: Harmonized ERP platform

Styrolution and Accenture collaborated to implement a single, integrated ERP platform.

Overview

Styrolution sought to replace seven enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms with a single system. To achieve this goal, Styrolution and Accenture implemented an ERP system that integrates the operations, processes, and performance measurements of 17 production sites in 10 countries.

Founded in 2011 as a joint venture between two major chemical companies, Styrolution is the leading, global styrenics supplier with number one positions in styrene monomer, polystyrene and styrenic specialties, and the number three position in ABS Standard. With world-class production facilities and drawing on more than 80 years of experience, Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering the best possible industry solutions.

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Opportunity

Styrolution’s heritage companies operated seven different ERP systems, reflecting different ways of operating, different performance expectations and different business cultures. Styrolution therefore needed to decide upon and implement a solution for standardized IT functionality and reduced future maintenance costs.

Styrolution sought a single, global, integrated ERP platform to:

  • Define new fit-for-purpose processes.

  • Fully automate integration with production, logistics, plant maintenance, and quality management.

Accenture was selected based on a longstanding relationship with the joint venture companies, and a proven track record in large-scale implementations of ERP systems.

Solution

Styrolution and Accenture collaborated to achieve the goal of designing and installing a global, integrated ERP platform, and to shape a solution around a tight timeline of 22 months.

During a three-wave rollout across 25 countries (totaling 38 legal entities), Styrolution and Accenture worked together closely to:

  • Upload more than one million master data records.

  • Build and test 350 development objects.

  • Establish and connect more than 20 peripheral systems.

  • Implement SAP Material Ledger and SAP Profitability Analysis to assist Styrolution with diligent financial management.

A central implementation team controlled project scope, and smaller teams helped meet local requirements. Accenture drew on:

  • Accenture Advanced Enterprise Services (a proprietary tool) to fast-track the required process template.

  • The Accenture Global Delivery Network for offshore resources to support efficient delivery of configuration, documentation, and data conversions.

Results

On January 1, 2014, Styrolution achieved full independence from all legacy systems. The client now has a single ERP platform that brings together the operations, processes, and performance measurements of 17 production sites in 10 countries.

Through their close collaboration, Styrolution and Accenture have realized a state-of-the-art, well-documented process model and ERP solution, providing Styrolution with a reliable platform for future growth.