The Rise of Cognizant in the SAP S/4 Ferring OneERP Program

Maria

Welcome to our podcast, where we dive into the fascinating world of technology and business. I'm your host, and today we're joined by our co-hosts, Nimesh Mistry the Ferring Client Partner and Manfred Oppitz the SAP Commercial Lead in Switzerland, to discuss the incredible journey of Cognizant and their partnership with Ferring. From initial challenges to securing a $27Million deal, this story is packed with lessons and insights. The overall conclusion is "Never give up". Nimesh and Manfred will explain why staying power was necessary. So, let's get started to this interesting story!

Maria

Hi, I'm thrilled to be here! This sounds like an amazing story. So, can you start by telling us about the initial RFP and Cognizant's proposal for Ferring?

Nimesh Mistry

Absolutely! In 2020, Ferring, a new client, was transitioning from Oracle/Microsoft Navision to SAP S/4 Hana. They issued an RFP, and Cognizant submitted a strong proposal. However, despite the solid offering, Ferring chose a boutique consulting company for the S/4 template creation. But, they had a positive impression of Cognizant and requested testing capabilities for the OneERP program. This initial setback was just the beginning of a much larger journey.

Maria

Hmm, interesting. So, what kind of challenges did Cognizant face in the testing phase? Can you give us some specific examples?

Nimesh Mistry

Certainly! From day one, Cognizant's testing team, led by Rachid Mittal, faced significant challenges. They had to ensure the OneERP program was robust and error-free, which required meticulous attention to detail and constant communication with Ferring. For example, they encountered issues with data migration and system integration, which could have derailed the entire project. But, through persistence and innovative problem-solving, they overcame these hurdles, earning a stellar reputation over 3.5 years.

Maria

Wow, that's impressive! Moving on, can you tell us about building a strong SAP S/4 team in Portugal? How did Cognizant manage that?

Manfred Oppitz

Great question! Parallel to the testing phase, Ferring requested handpicked SAP S/4 resources based in Portugal. Cognizant's Offshore Delivery Organisation, led by Preethy Shaji and Gukan Sivaprakasam, took on this challenge. They collaborated with Fusion Consulting and Decskill to build a strong team. Starting with just one resource in Q4-2021, they grew to nearly 50 consultants by the end of 2024. This rapid expansion required a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to quality and expertise.

Maria

That's a significant growth! What was the role of persistence and flexibility in this project? Can you share some insights?

Manfred Oppitz

Absolutely! Persistence and flexibility were crucial. Cognizant had to adapt to Ferring's evolving needs and the dynamic nature of the project. For instance, they had to quickly pivot when Ferring requested additional resources or changes in the project scope. This flexibility allowed Cognizant to stay ahead and meet Ferring's expectations. The team's persistence in the face of challenges, such as the initial setback with the RFP, was key to building trust and a long-term partnership.

Maria

Umm, that makes sense. How important was effective communication in securing the $27M deal? Can you elaborate on that?

Nimesh Mistry

Effective communication was absolutely vital. In Q1-2024, Cognizant's team, including Nimesh Mistry, Razvan Buzgau, Parisa Noorishad, and Manfred Oppitz, worked on a large contract for Ferring's global roll-out program. The negotiations were intense, and clear, transparent communication was essential. They had to present their value proposition, address Ferring's concerns, and demonstrate their commitment to the project. This led to the successful securing of a $27M deal for three years and more than 100 SAP consultants. Without effective communication, this deal would not have been possible.

Maria

That's really interesting! Can you tell us more about the collaboration with Fusion Consulting and Decskill? How did it impact the project? Why did Cognizant select 2 strategic partner for this project?

Nimesh Mistry

Certainly! The collaboration with Fusion Consulting and Decskill was instrumental in building a strong, diverse team. These partnerships allowed Cognizant to leverage local expertise and resources, ensuring that the team had the right mix of skills and experience. For example, Fusion Consulting provided valuable insights into the Portuguese market, while Decskill helped with further resources and recruitment of new consultants. This collaboration not only strengthened the team but also enhanced the overall quality of the project. We have to cover a high demand from 2025 to 2027 and this is only working with trustful and reliable partners.

Maria

That's great to hear. What are some of the lessons learned from this project? And what does the future look like for Cognizant and Ferring?

Nimesh Mistry

One of the key lessons is the importance of building long-term relationships. Cognizant's persistence, flexibility, and effective communication helped them overcome initial setbacks and secure a significant deal. Another lesson is the value of collaboration and leveraging local expertise. Moving forward, Cognizant and Ferring are well-positioned for future projects and continued success. The strong foundation they've built will be crucial in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of SAP S/4 Hana and other advanced technologies.

Maria

That's really inspiring! Finally, can you share some real-world impacts of this project? How has it benefited Ferring and the broader industry?

Manfred Oppitz

Certainly! The real-world impact of this project is significant. For Ferring, the successful implementation of SAP S/4 Hana has streamlined their operations, improved data accuracy, and enhanced decision-making. This has led to increased efficiency and cost savings. On a broader scale, this project serves as a benchmark for other companies looking to transition to advanced ERP systems. It demonstrates the importance of strategic planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to excellence.

Maria

That's amazing! And finally, what role does the human element play in technology projects like this one?

Manfred Oppitz

The human element is crucial. Technology, no matter how advanced, is only as effective as the people who use it. The dedication, expertise, and teamwork of Cognizant's consultants, along with the trust and collaboration with Ferring, were the driving forces behind this project's success. It's the human touch that brings technology to life and ensures it delivers real value. As we move forward, the importance of the human element will only continue to grow.

Maria

Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story! It's been a pleasure discussing it with you. Our listeners have definitely learned a lot today. We'll be back with more fascinating insights into the world of technology and business. Stay tuned!

Nimesh Mistry

Thanks, everyone, for tuning in! Join us next time for more engaging discussions. Until then, keep exploring the endless possibilities of technology!