Modern set-up: Gebro successfully migrates to SAP S/4HANA

The challenge: Outdated system statuses, regulatory requirements and parallel project strands

Gebro Pharma relies on stable, validated systems – a must in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the old SAP system status presented the company with several challenges:

• Old SAP system status requires technical upgrade before conversion
• Validated ERP landscape – every change requires documentation & coordination
• Parallel introduction of Polarion for digital validation
• Implementation of SAP APO (PP/DS) in addition to the S/4HANA project.
• All core processes affected (SD, MM, PP, FI/CO, WM, QM)

The result: high complexity due to several critical project strands that had to be implemented simultaneously.

The solution: SAP S/4HANA as a modern and validated core platform for all Gebro locations

Together with Axians, Gebro converted the existing SAP ECC system to SAP S/4HANA in order to modernize the ERP landscape technically and prepare it for future requirements. In addition to the conversion, the old system was upgraded in advance, validation was digitized and rebuilt with Polarion. At the same time, Gebro introduced PP/DS to improve production planning at the sites in Austria and Switzerland.

Close collaboration with the specialist departments was a key success factor. The teams tested the new processes intensively and ensured that they met the regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. This resulted in a stable, modern and harmonized system basis that will support Gebro in all processes in the long term.

The result: improved planning, digitized validation and noticeable relief

After the go-live, Gebro immediately benefits from significantly more efficient processes. At the same time, digital validation significantly reduces the documentation effort and enables faster adjustments in the regulated environment.

Thanks to the harmonized system landscape, central information is available in higher quality and transparency. This simplifies daily operations in production and materials management and ensures stable processes at all locations. This saves Gebro time, reduces manual activities and improves process reliability in the long term.

Why Axians was the right partner for the SAP S/4HANA conversion at Gebro Pharma.

The decision to choose Axians as the implementation partner was based on several key factors. Gebro needed a team that not only had in-depth SAP know-how, but also experience in dealing with validated systems and complex technical conversions. Axians impressed with its competence in S/4HANA conversion projects, its expertise in the regulated environment of the pharmaceutical industry and its ability to safely manage challenging project phases.

It was particularly valuable for Gebro that Axians closely coordinated the parallel project strands – conversion, system upgrade, digital validation and PP/DS introduction. The collaboration with the specialist departments was efficient, practical and solution-oriented. The project team familiarized itself intensively with the existing processes and ensured that the new processes functioned both technically and complied with regulatory requirements.

Axians had a deep understanding of the requirements in validated system environments. This was particularly important as digital validation required new workflows and close coordination with quality management, IT and production. Axians’ structured and transparent way of working, combined with a rapid solution orientation, strengthened trust throughout the entire project. It was precisely this mix of technical expertise and reliable collaboration that made Axians the right partner for Gebro’s S/4HANA modernization.