boAt, an Indian consumer electronics retailer, known for its lifestyle brand of audio accessories and smart devices, has seen remarkable growth over the past two years. The company has doubled its business for two consecutive financial years in 2021 and 2022, attributing this growth to an IT overhaul, utilizing a unique SAP solution that helped in transforming its IT infrastructure.
In order to revamp its IT infrastructure, boAt had three goals in mind including the construction of a stable technology backend to facilitate core processes, prioritizing customer dynamics, and implementing a customer experience management tool. The company also aimed to make technology a key driver in improving both top-line and bottom-line operations.
To overcome the challenges of manual report compilation and lack of real-time visibility, boAt replaced its legacy ERP with SAP S/4HANA Cloud through the RISE with SAP solution. This move enabled them to digitize core business processes and provide a scalable digital foundation. Integration with other tools for data analytics, also allowed boAt to unlock predictive-prescriptive insights.
Navigating the Waves with SAP Solution
In addition to SAP, boAt outsourced tasks to multiple tech partners, such as Google and Shopify, and leveraged Generative AI. This approach allowed the company to avoid unnecessary overheads and focus on core business processes. Partnering with Amplify.ai and Meta also enabled boAt to enhance personalized conversational experiences for its users.
The transition to SAP was not without challenges. Beyond product-related issues, boAt faced change management and data fragmentation. However, with the expertise of Intellect Bizware Services, the new ERP solution was deployed in six months. The benefits soon became apparent, with efficiencies in processes like order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, and record-to-report.
Improved process transparency and faster monthly closing (60% reduction in time) were among the notable improvements. Automated pricing workflows, auditable purchase-order processes, and real-time inventory visibility streamlined operations.
Sailing Forward Through Innovation
boAt’s future plans include expanding its SAP software landscape with applications like SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) and SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM). The intention is to increase transparency and digitize further processes and workflows.
However, there are also challenges ahead, such as limited historical data hindering predictive or prescriptive insights. Despite these challenges, the SAP solution’s strong partner ecosystem and feature set have positioned it as the preferred choice for boAt over competing ERPs.
When it comes to choosing an ERP solution, SAP has proven to be superior to other options for boAt, particularly in the areas of feature functionality, partner support, and long-term cost benefits. While developing an in-house ERP might seem economical initially, maintaining it becomes more expensive over time. SAP’s robust ecosystem and solutions like SAP Extended Warehouse Management and SAP Transportation Management have played a crucial role in their selection.
The SAP solution has indeed been a game-changer for boAt. Through a strategic implementation and partnership approach, they managed to align technology with business needs. The transformation has provided significant benefits and efficiencies, and the company’s plans to further integrate SAP solutions demonstrate a continued commitment to innovation and growth.
boAt’s success story illustrates the power of adaptable and scalable solutions in today’s fast-moving consumer electronics industry. By leveraging SAP, boAt has not only bolstered its existing operations but has also set sail toward a promising future, riding the waves of technological advancement and customer satisfaction.
