Carlsberg and IBM Boost Procurement With SAP S/4HANA Rollout
Carlsberg has entered into a multi-year technology transformation journey, selecting IBM as its System Integrator to implement SAP S/4HANA throughout its Western European operations.
The programme aims to extend impact beyond updating software to include aligning strategy, operations and culture.
At the heart of the transition is Carlsberg’s Accelerate SAIL strategy, a framework for steering the business forward.
With this in mind, Carlsberg sought a true collaborator rather than a simple tech partner, looking for an organisation that could integrate with its teams, bring coherence to a wide-reaching programme and support business-led transformation.
“We look forward to this new partnership with IBM,” says Cecilia Lundgren, Regional VP, Finance, WE at Carlsberg.
“We have conducted a thorough selection process, where IBM matched our requirements not only in regards to technical knowledge and acumen but also the willingness to play a partnership role, the importance of bringing all players in our big programme together and the focus on business ownership.”
IBM’s reputation for handling large-scale SAP projects and its work in the consumer goods sector made it a natural fit.
Beyond skills, Carlsberg also points to a shared working culture as a key factor. This cultural alignment, it says, provides the foundations for a partnership that is not only productive but also forward-thinking.
Andrew Worsley-Tonks, Head of SAP EMEA Business at IBM, adds: “We’re looking forward to bringing our deep expertise in the consumer goods industry to bear and to support Carlsberg on the digital replatforming to SAP S/4 HANA.”
Understanding the SAP S/4HANA platform
SAP S/4HANA is a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. It connects finance, supply chain, manufacturing, sales and other business functions into a single platform.
Designed to deliver real-time data and streamlined workflows, it is especially valued for its ability to support agile decision-making.
For Carlsberg, moving to S/4HANA is about focusing on creating a more efficient, resilient and flexible business model.
The system allows teams across the company to react faster, reduce waste and streamline processes. In a market where speed and responsiveness can impact everything from logistics to supplier relationships, this is a practical shift.
The implementation will touch every part of the company’s operations, from finance to procurement. With S/4HANA in place, Carlsberg will be able to make better use of its data, reduce duplication and operate with more precision.
Procurement processes get a technology lift
Procurement is a key area that will see significant transformation under this project.
In particular, Carlsberg will use SAP S/4HANA’s automation features to improve the way it handles the entire purchasing process.
The system offers flexible workflows and automatic exception handling, helping to identify issues before they become problems, cuts out unnecessary steps and speeds up everything from approvals to payments.
The result is fewer manual tasks, reduced risk of errors and more consistent procurement outcomes. Teams will spend less time on repetitive data entry and more on supplier strategy and performance.
Alongside S/4HANA, Carlsberg also uses SAP Ariba. This platform integrates with the main ERP system and enables electronic transactions with suppliers.
Through the Ariba Network, suppliers can access real-time updates on payments and orders. Catalogue ordering, document sharing and onboarding are also simplified.
These changes delivered through the partnership also stand to benefit suppliers, which get quicker onboarding, better visibility and fewer mismatched documents. This results in stronger partnerships and improved supplier competition.
- Streamline supply chain and production processes, reducing waste and optimising inventory
- Enhance quality control and traceability, ensuring compliance and product safety
- Improve financial, sales and marketing operations through real-time analytics and automation
- Adapt quickly to changing consumer demands and market trends, a critical capability in the fast-moving consumer goods (CPG) sector.
Jonathan Wright, Managing Partner at IBM Consulting NCEE, reflected on IBM’s approach in a post on LinkedIn: “When I qualify a pursuit and enter into a procurement process, I am looking at the quality of the procurement process plus our ‘right to win’.
“Can we add real value to a client’s goal, can we bring assets, accelerators, experience and capability? I am also looking for a strategic fit and a cultural fit for a long term partnership.
“It is an absolute privilege to be teaming up with Carlsberg Group. As we turn our focus to the Delivery of Project Elevate, I know that everyone involved is excited and 100% committed to take this partnership to a new level.”
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