Cereals Germany
Guiding the Way:
S/4 Lighthouse 2025
Our S/4 Integrated Flow project is planned to be fully implemented in 2028. Each year, we select a lighthouse entity to guide and prioritize our efforts. This time, Cereals in Germany have been chosen.
KWS Lochow embarked on its journey in April 2024 and will serve as a key focus for developing and refining essential features. Their Go-Live date is planned for January 2027. Following this, KWS SAAT has its Go-Live date planned for July 2027. This way, we ensure that we address the critical needs of both cereals and sugarbeet.
The rollout brings many practical benefits for everyone at KWS. Having unified databases and a common mindset across all crops and regions will enhance understanding and collaboration within the company.
One major advantage is the substantial decrease in manual tasks – this enables us to better utilize our resources and talent, sparking innovation and growth. As Jens Hittmeyer – Head of Global IT has said, “This is a unique opportunity to shape the way we work for the next decade.”
The transition to S/4 Integrated Flow brings significant improvements across our operations: For planning and multiplication, we move from manual processes and various tools to a unified system that automates grower settlements and raw material processing.
In processing, we shift from fixed cost models and scanner-based processes to a fully integrated mobile warehouse and system-guided production. This ensures better stock management and transparent cost models, supporting the entire production cycle.
For sales, we replace manual order creation and combined pricing with an integrated web shop and customized reports. This provides a customer-centric online ordering solution and real-time sales figures, improving transparency and flexibility.
Same process, fewer errors
Having standardized processes for handling sugarbeet across all regions means everyone follows the same steps, reducing confusion and errors. Additionally, integrated manufacturing allows us to better track and manage our production processes. For example, we can monitor the progress of seed production in real time, ensuring everything runs smoothly and any issues are quickly addressed. Using a cloud-based system means our data is stored online, making it accessible from anywhere. This improves collaboration and allows us to update information instantly.
The S/4 Integrated Flow project is a major investment for KWS. It’s not just an IT project; it’s a company-wide initiative that includes every single employee. Let's unite and work together!
Jörg Philipps
Head of Business Unit Sugarbeet
”By 2028, we aim to have an exceptional system that fully embraces automation, web shops, and other advancements supporting our customer-centric approach. This will significantly contribute to our success as a company.”
Jürgen Leitzke
Head of Business Unit Cereals
”Transitioning to a harmonized system landscape allows us to simplify and automate many of our processes. Leveraging our internal expertise, we are poised to become more competitive and efficient for the future.”
Celebrating progress
Reflecting on 2024, the S/4 Integrated Flow program has made impressive progress, successfully expanding to 12 legal entities. Each milestone moves us closer to a more efficient, consistent, and competitive future.
Live
Roll-out
Planned
© KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA 2025
