ABB & SNP: Taking the global cFIN implementation to the next level with the SAP New GL
ABBRedesigning financial processes: ABB relies on the SAP New GL with SNP
To strengthen the integration of Central Finance (cFIN) across the entire organization, ABB opted to implement the New General Ledger (New GL) in seven countries. Efficiently implementing the document split was particularly important to meet the countries’ special requirements. Smooth collaboration between ABB and SNP made the complex project a success, laying the foundation for the future financial system landscape. The project “ABB NewGL” demonstrates that specific technological innovations in combination with operative excellence help to achieve critical transformation goals. In collaboration with SNP, ABB not only established a key foundation for global cFIN reporting, but also elevated the efficiency, quality, and compliance of its daily financial processes to a whole new level. pwc
The challenge
As a part of the global cFIN program and supported by PwC, ABB was faced with the task of implementing the SAP New General Ledger (New GL) in multiple countries on schedule. Many countries were able to implement the transition independently. However, this was not possible in Switzerland, Canada, and several Eastern European countries because they were missing the mandatory document split. This feature is essential for seamless reporting in the central S/4 system. Since ABB was bound to a global cFIN timeline, there was significant implementation pressure. At the same time, the focus was on keeping operations in the local entities running seamlessly. It was a complex project with a major impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.
The solution
ABB chose SNP as an experienced partner capable of efficiently implementing the document split within the existing system – technically valid, reliable, and seamlessly integrated into ongoing operations. Supplemented by the Kyano CrystalBridge Transformation Cockpit (TC), SNP’s solution enabled a stable and controlled data migration with a fully on-premises implementation within ABB’s systems. This implementation was tailored to the specific infrastructure of each country. This process also enabled SNP to meet complex requirements, such as processing multiple clients in parallel. SNP’s approach stood out thanks to its technical depth, flexibility, and minimal impact on daily operations.
The project
The project started in February 2023 and was managed centrally by ABB’s project teams based in Switzerland. SNP was responsible for the technical implementation, working closely with teams in each country to ensure a smooth process. Switzerland and Canada successfully went live in October 2023. Delays within ABB required adjustments to the rollout plan in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. These companies also successfully went live in June 2024 thanks to flexible project management and effective change request management. The project established a company-wide cFIN connection and significantly improved the data quality, efficiency, and governance of local financial processes.
The result
Parallel project management from the Switzerland-based teams made it possible to transform individual systems in different countries at the same time. Thanks to flexible planning, the project duration remained stable despite the customer’s change requests. For change requests, ABB used a fixed-price model with clearly defined change management processes for additional clients.
Our partnership with PwC
SNP and PwC, a leading audit and consulting firm, have been collaborating closely as part of their global partnership since 2021. In addition to the SAP S/4HANA and cloud conversion, the cooperation focuses on highly automated solutions from a single source for M&A and finance projects to ensure a fast and secure data migration.
The advantages of the SNP approach
- Significantly increased efficiency in the finance area: Accounting processes have been significantly simplified with the automated document split. Instead of manually separating the postings, they are now segmented automatically – more quickly, more securely, and without errors.
- Higher data quality: The use of TC and CENG enabled a clean, consistent migration of the posting data – the basis for reliable reporting in cFIN.
- Improved compliance and governance: Using structured data preparation, the company can meet audit requirements efficiently. This reduces the effort involved in internal and external audits for ABB.
- Faster month and year-end closings: The harmonization of financial structures across borders facilitates coordination and shortens closing processes.
- Less manual effort: Finance teams have significantly less manual rework to do. This reduces the burden on employees and provides space for new tasks – adding more value.
- Foundation for further digitalization: Due to the New GL implementation, ABB is well prepared to enhance its cFIN architecture and to perform S/4HANA transformations in the future.
Key lessons learned
- Early involvement of local teams increases acceptance and quality.
- Flexible but structured change management is critical for international rollouts.
- Transparent communication at all levels is the key to efficient project management.
Key facts
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Countries involved
CH, CA, CZ, SK, HU, BG, RO
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Systems and clients
4 systems, >7 clients
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Project duration
15 months (02/2023 to 06/2024)
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Downtime
8-16 hours per country
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Technology stack
SAP ECC, TC, CENG
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Unique aspects
Document split within ECC, parallel local projects
During our global finance transformation program and the introduction of the new Central Finance system, SNP was a competent, reliable, and efficient partner and met the key requirement of a document split, including historical data. The rapid implementation was essential to make the rollout a success.
Juergen Reinhard
VP – Technology Lead, ABB Way Data and Systems Modernization
About ABB
