Philips Advance Transformer Integrating Enterprise Planning with a Bang

The Client

Philips Advance Transformer is the global market leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of high intensity discharge (HID) ballasts for commercial, industrial and institutional lighting. Philips Advance Transformer has maintained over 60 years of commitment to customer satisfaction and product excellence.

The Challenge

Advance Transformer, operating with various independent, non-integrated systems, needed their IT infrastructure to meet the demands of today’s volatile global marketplace. Quickly and efficiently integrating systems, streamlining their infrastructure, and adding e-business functionality was the solution they sought. “We realized that we had the talent and the focus inside Advance Transformer to drive a fast-track implementation,” says Kevin Keane, Vice President of Supply Chain at Philips Advance Transformer, “All we needed was an experienced implementation partner--that’s why we choose (BearingPoint).”

The Solution

The Advance Transformer team and BearingPoint applied a Big Bang approach to implementing SAP’s Enterprise Planning (ERP) software and value added functions. The Big Bang approach and the high performance software, SABER (Strategic Advancement Business Enterprise Resources), fit well into the Advance Transformer aggressive style of business. Big Bang concentrated the implementation process into an intense, relatively short period of time while delivering a maximum return on investment. In a little over a year the project went live. The deadlines and goals were met and the system was up and functioning.

In the time and budget allotted we helped Advance Transformer:

• Streamline & integrate business processes
• Achieve asset reduction
• Increase customer focus and heighten customer service levels
• Eliminate non-value added activities

BearingPoint also developed an implementation strategy to bring new PetroCosm.com functionality online in 60-90 day increments.

The Benefits

BearingPoint helped Advance Transformer successfully implement changes that effected 8 plant locations, 12 distribution centers, and their corporate headquarters and called for the re-education of 1,400 users. The positive impact on the key areas of their business and the increase of services offered to its customers helped solidify Advance Transformer’s position as a market leader committed to preserving and expanding their legacy of customer satisfaction and excellence.
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