Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd leaps into its digital transformation with SAP by integrating SAP S/4HANA into its operations. Collaborating with PwC Consulting LLC and SAP Japan Co. Ltd, Yamaha commits to data-driven management, global operational standardization, and embracing the benefits of advanced ERP systems.
In January 2023, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd made a significant move towards its digital transformation strategy. Collaborating with PwC Consulting LLC and SAP Japan Co. Ltd, the company integrated SAP S/4HANA—a globally acclaimed ERP solution—into its operations. This milestone was achieved by deploying the solution across three of Yamaha’s domestic entities, including its headquarters. (InsideSAP Asia often references articles from websites in other languages to bring you as much information as possible.)
Furthermore, Yamaha’s decision to adopt SAP S/4HANA reflects the company’s dedication to its digital transformation initiative with SAP. Yamaha has been systematically embedding this sophisticated ERP platform into its management operations since 2019. This integration has also played a pivotal role in their drive towards data-driven management and global operational standardization.
Laying the Foundation for its Digital Transformation with SAP
The integration of SAP S/4HANA has been a central part of Yamaha’s digital transformation strategy. This powerful ERP solution offers a suite of tools that optimize and streamline operations across multiple domains. By leveraging SAP S/4HANA, Yamaha has further equipped itself with the capabilities to process large volumes of data, derive insights, and make more informed, strategic decisions.
Moreover, Yamaha’s digital transformation strategy hinged on the innovative ‘Fit to Standard’ method during the SAP S/4HANA roll-out. This approach ensures that operations are aligned with global standard functions, reducing the need for additional features. This method has proven instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition from Yamaha’s legacy systems to more modern, stable, and efficient operational structures.
PwC Consulting: A Strategic Ally in Yamaha’s Journey
As Yamaha embarked on its Digital Transformation with SAP, PwC Consulting’s vast experience in global ERP implementations was crucial. PwC developed a global template that covered Yamaha’s headquarters and enabled the seamless introduction of SAP S/4HANA across three Yamaha entities domestically.
PwC’s global template was instrumental in supporting over 140 bases across four regions—Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia—in five business areas, namely sales, logistics, purchasing, production, and accounting. This template offers a standardized operational and system framework that consolidates and visualizes management information, enabling efficient and strategic decision-making.
In 2022, PwC Consulting LLC and SAP Japan also collaborated to advance customer data solutions in response to changing personal data regulations and the global business environment. Their co-innovation partnership focused on providing consulting services and solutions to Japanese companies and local governments. It also leveraged the companies’ combined expertise in SAP’s Customer Data solutions for customer ID and access management and PwC’s consulting services on data utilization, customer experience, and personal data protection.
The Road Ahead: Yamaha’s Future Ambitions
Following the successful implementation of SAP S/4HANA, Yamaha Motor is looking to the future. The company further plans to delve deeper into digital marketing, develop connected products, and make a strategic shift towards a customer-centric business model. Additionally, Yamaha is also focusing on co-creation with society and customers and intends to refine its R&D system with a focus on digital technology. These strategic initiatives encapsulate Yamaha’s long-term vision for 2030— “ART for Human Possibilities – People can be happier.”
