Shimadzu Corporation will upgrade the group-wide ERP to SAP S/4HANA, with head office operations scheduled to begin in FY2028. The system will then be rolled out to group companies in Japan and overseas in phases. The company will also develop an AI and data utilization platform.
Shimadzu Corporation announced on 10 November that it would overhaul the ERP system integrating the group’s business operations, data and systems. SAP S/4HANA from SAP was selected as the new ERP, with head office operations scheduled to begin in FY2028, followed by a phased rollout to eligible group companies in Japan and overseas. The objectives include globally standardizing key operations in accounting, production, sales and logistics.
The company cited changes in the business environment, globalization and advances in AI technology as the background to the overhaul. It said the initiative aims to standardize business processes and data across the group and further improve the visualization and utilization of management information.
The new ERP will integrate and standardize information previously dispersed across locations and businesses, improving the efficiency of global operations. The company identified three objectives: faster and more advanced management decision-making globally, stronger cross-functional coordination in quality, supply and services, and greater value delivered to customers.
At the same time, the company will develop infrastructure enabling the use of real-time data and AI, allowing core data to be utilized on a common platform. Ultimately, it aims to establish a framework capable of responding quickly to changes in the market environment and to generate benefits such as higher sales and optimized inventory.