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SAP and Zespri have kicked off the second phase of the kiwifruit giant’s long-running Horizon digital transformation.
The first tranche of work saved more than $1 million in infrastructure costs over six years, 15,000 hours in productivity and $2.2 million in profit and loss savings, the Mt Maunganui-based coopoerative said.
The team’s focus on developing a “clean core” – cloud-based ERP infrastructure that separates core applications from custom modifications – was enabled by a recent upgrade of the firm’s SAP S/4HANA platform.
The successful establishment of the core technology to digitally enable finance and supply chain processes will see Zespri move into the second stage of its ambitious, multi-year Horizon transformation programme.
“Zespri’s transformation is entirely focused on creating sustainable, long-term value for our kiwifruit growers by ensuring robust digital platforms enable offering consumers the world’s leading portfolio of branded kiwifruit all year round,” said chief digital officer David Scullin.
The partnership with SAP had so far seen Zespri distribute more than 193 million trays of kiwifruit across 51 countries through its digital platforms, he said.
“And this is just the start. The next phase of our work will see greater focus on data to improve decision-making, simplify operations, modernise with innovation, and provide higher returns to our grower community.”
As part of that programme, Zespri has purchased SAP Sustainability Control Tower as part of its Rise with SAP implementation. The solution will enable to record, report, and act on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data, embedded into its business processes.
Zespri has been transforming its operations with SAP since 2021, having gone live with SAP S/4HANA cloud, private edition and SAP Integrated Business Planning in 2022.
The implementation also includes SAP Business Technology Platform capabilities, including SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Integration Suite, the SAP Extension Suite, and SAP-endorsed partner solutions from OpenText, Tricentis, and Celonis.
“Our Horizon transformation programme is designed to amplify and enhance our business capabilities and creating a seamless, user-friendly experience across our operations,” Scullin said.
“By deepening our use of SAP RISE and S/4HANA, we’ve created a robust, clean core that can scale for success, fuel our data-driven ambitions, and unlock the full potential of our customer, grower, and staff ecosystem.”
Zespri has also invested in an innovative AI-powered quality control software with SAP-partner Clarifruit. The implementation included a specialised mobile app and artificial intelligence engine designed specifically for the fruit and vegetable industry.
The new app has modernised quality control processes, achieving five per cent improvement in the quality and efficiency of the supply chain, enhancing inspection productivity by 25 per cent, and ensuring that every piece of fruit meets rigorous standards before reaching the consumer.
Angela Colantuono, president and managing director of SAP A/NZ, said Zespri’s transformation had shown the value of focus, innovation and excellence in delivery.
“Zespri has long been one of our most forward-looking customers,” she said. “As we begin the next phase of their ambitious RISE with SAP programme, I look forward to the innovative ways Zespri will continue to grow and delight consumers, boost sustainability, and maintain its amazing returns for growers.”