2012-04-02-KPMG-Enhanced_IT_infrastructure_leads_to_reduced_costs_2页_448kb

KPMG in the US Helps Global Manufacturer Reduce Costs Through SAP® Implementation

Core Content

A global manufacturer of engines and large machines undertook a significant IT infrastructure upgrade by implementing SAP®. The goal was to streamline operations, reduce administrative costs, improve compliance, and mitigate risks related to the separation of duties (SoD). KPMG in the US was selected to lead the project, leveraging its expertise in SAP® implementations and its ability to work with multiple service providers across the organization.

Main Objectives

• Eliminate manual and inefficient processes
• Reduce unnecessary administrative costs
• Mitigate SoD-related risks
• Enhance compliance, particularly with respect to Sarbanes Oxley (SOX)

Key Services Provided by KPMG

KPMG delivered services across three core areas to support the SAP® implementation:

1. Controls Integration

• Transitioned the company's controls portfolio from a manual, detective system to an automated, preventative system within SAP®.
• Assisted in remediating issues, integrating controls into testing and cutover activities, and operationalizing controls.
• Translated project documentation into SOX-compliant documentation.

2. Security Optimization

• Redesigned the SAP® security role strategy to be simpler, more scalable, and based on the least-privilege principle.
• Reduced the number of SAP® security roles by more than 75%.
• Automated SoD analysis for SAP® roles and user assignments.
• Implemented automated user provisioning and role approval processes.
• Introduced a self-service password reset solution using SAP® GRC tools.

3. SAP® GRC Implementation

• Supported risk mitigation during the SAP® implementation by designing and deploying a GRC tool suite.
• Enabled automated compliance reporting and efficient risk management processes.

Client Benefits

• Design, test, and deploy a range of SAP® controls
• Automated over 65% of SAP® controls, significantly reducing manual effort.
• Reduced SAP® security roles by more than 75%, minimizing access risks.
• Improved compliance processes with efficient and cost-effective methodologies.
• Continued cost savings through the implementation of automated workflows, streamlined procedures, and self-service solutions.

KPMG Team's Role

• The KPMG team worked closely with various service providers to ensure alignment with the client's cost-reduction goals.
• Their specialized knowledge in SAP® and GRC was instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes.

Conclusion

The SAP® implementation, supported by KPMG in the US, not only improved the company's compliance and risk management capabilities but also led to significant cost reductions, particularly in security administration. The project demonstrated the value of engaging experienced advisors in complex enterprise IT initiatives.

Contact Information

• Jeff Dobbs
  Global Head of Diversified Industrials
  KPMG in the US
  T: +1 313 230 3460
  E: jdobbs@kpmg.com

• Graham Smith
  Global Head of Engineering and Industrial Products
  KPMG in the UK
  T: +44 20 7311 4731
  E: graham.smith@kpmg.co.uk

• Website: kpmg.com