Kao Corporation

COMPANY

Kao Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of consumer and industrial chemical products headquartered in Tokyo.

CHALLENGE

Standardize and optimize operations of Kao’s expanding business across 22 Asian, 3 European, and 2 North American locations with the installation of SAP ERP applications.

WHY ABEAM?

Recognized history of expertise in SAP implementation projects and business process design.

SOLUTION

ABeam-designed Kao's Industry Framework^TM for global business optimization:

• Standardized approximately 1,300 business items including processes, codes, rules and KPIs for consumer product sales, chemical product sales, material flow, manufacturing, purchasing and accounting
• Implemented SAP modules for Financial Accounting, Controlling, Sales & Distribution, Material Management, Production Planning, Advanced Planning Optimizer, Business Information Warehouse, Strategic Enterprise Management, and Customer Relationship Management
• Developed specific add-ons to meet country-specific gaps in statutory requirements
• Localized reporting for special needs such as ledger sheets
• Developed and delivered training programs tailored to individual proficiencies end-user
• Led pilot installation and rollout to Asian countries, as well as provided follow-on maintenance and support

REAL BENEFITS

Kao with ABeam Consulting successfully completed its envisioned "Asian Business Synchronization" (ABS) program, earning an SAP Project of the Year Award, and earning Kao:

• Synchronized global business processes (eliminating country-specific "self-contained" business processes)
• Optimized business operations across locations
• New and improved methods for supply planning, production and budget management
• Greater business flexibility for quick response to market conditions