Bridgestone Corporation

COMPANY

Bridgestone Corporation, the world's leading tire and rubber company headquartered in Tokyo.

CHALLENGE

Replace Bridgestone's obsolete but mission-critical marketing and distribution system, known internally as the Dealer and Branch Online Terminal (DOT), with SAP R/3.

WHY ABEAM?

Proven "real partner" relationship Bridgestone following the successful global implementation of SAP's R/3 System as their financial accounting system.

SOLUTION

ABeam-led feasibility study and subsequent implementation of one of Japan's largest SAP R/3 implementations, linking 1,700 head-office PCs, 50 distribution outlets and 500 sales offices:

• Implemented on IBM eServer zSeries 900 platform with programming enhancements to increase SAP system's statistical processing speed for load capacities of up to 100 million transactions
• Customized the system where required to match Bridgestone's existing business processes
• Optimized system usability and workforce productivity with operational and user-interface customizations that eliminated the need for special training
• System migration methodology resulting in a physical cutover to SAP/R3 without incident – despite massive size of project

REAL BENEFITS

Improved cost structure for Bridgestone to manage their expanding business:

• Significantly upgraded processing capabilities for soaring data volume
• Improved efficiency by shifting to paperless forms, computerized records and centralized data sharing
• Reduced transaction times for order receipts, placements, shipments and related functions
• Increased workforce productivity
• Unified the company's global IT infrastructure