Implementation of SAP S/4HANA at Busch and Pfeiffer

Implementation of SAP S/4HANA as a joint ERP system for the two core brands “BUSCH VACUUM SOLUTIONS” & “Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions” of the Busch Group, including worldwide rollouts.

About the „BUSCH Group”

The Busch Group is a globally leading provider of vacuum solutions for every conceivable application and industry. The three core brands are Busch Vacuum Solutions, Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions, and centrotherm clean solutions.

https://www.buschvacuum.com/global/en/

We have been successfully working with PIKON in S/4HANA projects worldwide for years. I particularly appreciate the consultants’ high level of IT and process expertise, which goes far beyond the scope of the respective SAP module. With PIKON, we have a committed, reliable and pragmatic partner with whom we are always happy to work.

Heiko Eberle

CIO and Managing Director, Busch Group IT Solutions GmbH, Busch Group

Heiko Eberle

CIO and Managing Director, Busch Group IT Solutions GmbH, Busch Group

Initial Situation

The two core brands, Busch Vacuum and Pfeiffer Vacuum, did not have a shared ERP system. Busch was already using SAP S/4HANA in some subsidiaries, while Pfeiffer operated with SAP ECC and various non-SAP systems. A unified system was introduced to realise synergies.

The solution for the Busch Group

To transition Busch Vacuum and Pfeiffer Vacuum to a unified SAP S/4HANA system, a global template for Sales and Service companies was initially developed. This template standardizes and harmonizes all relevant business processes.

As a pilot project, the template was implemented at four locations: Busch Maulburg (headquarters), Busch Switzerland, Pfeiffer Switzerland, and Pfeiffer Italy between March 2022 and March 2023.

PIKON was responsible for Controlling, Systems (Project System), Reporting, and Production.

In the Systems area, a global rollout of the SAP Project System (PS) module was designed for Engineer-to-Order (ETO) processes. A complete end-to-end process was developed, covering the entire cycle from opportunity management to final invoicing in close collaboration with all relevant departments. A standardized Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) was defined, along with the use of network planning, CATS (Cross-Application Time Sheet), milestones (including billing relevance), project manufacturing (PP), and the integration of WBS BOMs and routings. Additionally, reports were developed to support project controlling and delivery tracking.

This template serves as the foundation for global rollouts (March 2023 – present) and was further expanded with additional functionalities for manufacturing companies during the implementation at Pfeiffer’s main site in Asslar, Germany. In the Project System (PS) module, new processes for R&D and internal projects were introduced.

Successful rollouts have already been completed for Busch Korea, Pfeiffer US, Busch Canada, and Busch US.

Further rollouts are currently in progress for Pfeiffer/Busch UK, Busch Group Sweden, Busch Spain, and Busch Japan.

PIKON's services

Development of global concepts, including templates and training materials
Design and implementation of worldwide processes to enhance transparency and comparability across the group
Support for testing, migration, and cutover activities
Creation of reports using BW Modeling Tools (BWMT) in Eclipse and SAP HANA Studio, based on SAP BW 7.5 powered by SAP HANA
Expertise in SAP modules: MM, CO, CATS, PS, PP, Reporting, and Programming
Global rollouts in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Korea, Japan, Sweden, and the USA