Kiwi hospitality group goes live with the world’s fastest implementation of SAP S/4HANA cloud

We have bold growth ambitions, so we need a robust IT architecture, which can run as fast as we do Cormac Denton, K?pura

K?pura, has gone live with SAP S/4HANA cloud, SAP’s intelligent cloud ERP offering, after a rapid 28-day implementation, the fastest implementation of SAP S/4HANA Cloud globally.

Formerly Wellington Hospitality Group, K?pura is named after a M?ori word for fire.

It is one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in New Zealand, employing over 800 people. The group currently owns over 30 bars within the Wellington region in addition to a craft brewery, function and events business and catering business.

Working with SAP and Deloitte, the group implemented SAP S/4HANA Cloud to improve operational efficiency and employee productivity, by gaining a consolidated view of its different entities and turning real-time data insights into actions.

The implementation is part of the group’s growth strategy, as it aims to become a $500 million market leader in the next five years, says Cormac Denton, chief financial officer at K?pura.

Denton says K?pura needed a system that set the foundations for this growth strategy and will future proof the business.

SAP S/4HANA Cloud was selected, as its accelerated implementation timeframe decreased disruption to the business, he says.

He also notes that moving to a tier two system would have resulted in the need to upgrade again in the medium term due to their growth.

K?pura has been able to transform its operations with minimal disruption Phil Cameron, SAP NZ

As a SaaS offering, the SAP system allows K?pura to focus on growing its business, not run systems.

“We have bold growth ambitions, so we need a robust IT architecture, which can run as fast as we do,” says Denton, who is also the group’s CIO.

“We chose SAP for its seamless integration with our existing operational systems, as well as providing us a platform for future innovation, as we look at technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver unique experiences for our customers and insights to our employees,” says Denton.

“By investing now in our people and processes, we will make life easier for our employees and ensure we can scale with minimal disruption.”

He says SAP S/4HANA Cloud has enabled the team to streamline and improve transparency of data, while continuing to focus on the rapid growth of the business and delivering delightful experiences for their customers.

The new system will reduce operational processes, provide employees with real-time data on business performance and improve efficiency with administrative tasks.

This foundation can be used for further innovation, including personalised customer experiences using big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The platform also paves the way for future integration with SAP C/4HANA, SAP Concur and SAP SuccessFactors.

Dave Lane, associate director, Deloitte NZ and Cormac Denton, chief financial officer/CIO at K?pura

Industry impact

“New Zealand’s hospitality industry achieved record sales in 2018 and is set for continued growth,” notes Phil Cameron, managing director, SAP New Zealand.

“In this era of change, it’s critical for small to medium sized businesses to get their digital framework right, so that their business has the flexible and agile foundations to seize the opportunity for growth.”

“By achieving an implementation timeframe of just 28 days, K?pura has been able to transform its operations with minimal disruption,” says Cameron.

“SAP S/4HANA Cloud will help K?pura create a thriving hospitality scene in Wellington, across New Zealand and beyond by supporting local communities and striving for excellence in hospitality.”

“We are extremely proud of the joint success achieved during this rapid implementation of SAP S/4HANA Cloud,” says Darren Wood, partner, Deloitte New Zealand.

“At the outset we collectively set an audacious goal, and then worked cohesively in partnership to ensure a successful outcome.”

K?pura Group currently owns over 30 bars within the Wellington region in addition to a craft brewery, function and events business and catering business

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