In the wake of the digital transformation, organizations face a constant search for solutions that optimize their operations. Within this panorama, SAP emerges as a central figure, providing innovative business management software that redefines the way companies approach their internal processes.
The name SAP carries with it a rich history and a trajectory that dates back to its foundation in 1972 in Germany. With its creation, it introduced revolutionary concepts in business management, and its operations were expanded in Brazil as local companies sought innovative solutions to boost their efficiency and competitiveness.
The importance of SAP solutions has become clear as companies from various sectors have adopted these platforms to optimize processes, reduce costs and boost operational efficiency. In addition, SAP continues to innovate constantly, incorporating technologies such as cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotization and machine learning to prepare businesses for the digital future.
Against this backdrop, Cast group stands out as one of the main partners in the successful implementation of SAP projects in Brazil. Over the years, the German giant has established itself in the market as a benchmark for innovation and reliability, and its solutions are recognized for their ability to process large volumes of data efficiently and securely.
Investing in SAP solutions means choosing a path towards digital transformation, allowing the business to remain competitive and agile in an increasingly technology-driven market.
In this context, we will explore SAP's evolution, from its origins as a pioneer in the development of data processing systems to its consolidation as a global leader in integrated solutions for the digital age.

What is SAP?

The name SAP is an abbreviation for Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing. It is a company of German origin, founded in 1972, specializing in  software for business management.
SAP is one of the pioneers in the development of IT systems. data processing and it was she who created the first version of what we would later come to know as ERP. The acronym stands for management software capable of integrating all areas of the company into a single interface, and which is so well known in the era of digital transformation.
The company expanded its operations into the Brazilian market from 1995 onwards and its consolidation occurred naturally, as local companies sought software solutions for improve your efficiency and competitiveness.
The German giant has adapted its services to meet the specific needs of the Brazilian market and has also invested in technical support in Portuguese. Today, Brazil is already considered one of the main markets of SAP, just as the company is also a reference when it comes to Information Technology.
That's why, today, the term "SAP" is naturally used to refer to software and systems that improve performance and operational efficiency in companies.
All SAP products and functionalities are known for their integration capacity and flexibility. customized according to the needs of each business. Companies of various sizes and sectors use SAP solutions to optimize processes, reduce costs and boost operational efficiency.
SAP also adopts innovations such as cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotization and machine learning to constantly improve their products and services, preparing companies for the future. digital future. Because of its efficiency and comprehensiveness, SAP is the market leader in business application software.

The Importance of SAP Solutions 

SAP solutions can be defined as a comprehensive set of systems that help companies of all sizes optimize their processes and increase operational efficiency.
One of the main advantages of SAP solutions is the data integration between different departments of the company. They are designed to facilitate the integration of various business areas which, in isolation, would not talk to each other. This provides a unified view of operations and allows for more assertive, data-based decision-making.
This aspect also has an impact on scalability, since SAP solutions adapt to the growth of companies, supporting everything from small operations to multinationals with high data complexity.
Their implementation can also be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization, which allows companies in a variety of sectors, from manufacturing to financial services, to configure the software to address the specific challenges of their industry.
Solutions are delivered in both on-premisei.e. located on the company's premises, or in the cloud, which allows customers to choose the model that best suits their IT infrastructure and strategy.
The aspect of process standardization is also fundamental. With SAP solutions, companies implement proven market practices, ensuring regulatory compliance and better quality control.
In addition, the constant support offered by SAP ensures that any problems are resolved quickly, making the company's operations flow without significant interruption. SAP solutions are continually evolving, keeping pace with technological trends and market needs.

How Cast group implements successful projects

In the Brazilian market, Cast Group is a benchmark when it comes to SAP solutions. Operating since 1990, the company has consolidated its position as one of the largest SAP partners in the country since 2021.
Over the years, Cast has evolved based on the needs of its clients and has built its history on foundations such as innovation, research and development, quality in its services and significant investments in certifications and infrastructures.
The commitment to excellence and innovation has always guided the decisions that have led to the company's constant expansion. In 2016, Cast group acquired HRDevelopers, the first HCM company for SAP in Brazil, a crucial milestone for expansion in the area of Human Resources solutions for SAP.
With more than 18 years' experience and an impressive track record of serving more than 120 clients, HRDevelopers brought expertise in services such as SAP HCM, Cloud SuccessFactors, Employee Central, SCP and e-Social.
The following year, Cast group further expanded its reach in the technology market by acquiring Pelissari, one of the main SAP partners in Latin America. This incorporation not only strengthened the company's geographical presence, especially in the south of the country, but also strengthened ties with SAP, consolidating services in Post-Modern ERP Implementation, RollOut, Analytical Solution, Tax Solution, Sustainability and SAP S/4HANA Upgrade.
The continuous search for excellence led to the acquisition of AVANNT in 2017, further strengthening the business through the SAP partnership for the private sector and digital transformation. With a focus on SAP S/4HANA, Tax Solution, AMS Support and software factory, AVANNT has strengthened Cast group's ability to offer comprehensive and innovative solutions.
These strategic acquisitions highlight Cast group's dedication to providing cutting-edge SAP services, consolidating its position as a leader in the Brazilian business solutions market.
Learn about our five pillars for implementing successful projects below.

Strategic Needs Assessment

Cast Group begins its projects with a strategic plan with each client, in order to understand their specific needs and objectives. This is the question that guides the decision on which SAP solution is best suited to your company.
This process can vary depending on the type, size and segment of the business, but generally takes place in the following stages:

1. Assessment of business needs

It involves a comprehensive analysis of the company's business processes and the identification of areas that need automation, improvement and integration. This is followed by a list of the system's specific requirements, taking into account modules such as finance, logistics, human resources, production and sales, among others.

2. Definition of implementation objectives

Establish clear and strategic goals that the company hopes to achieve by implementing the SAP solution, such as increasing efficiency, reducing costs, improving decision-making, etc.

3. Choose between On-Premise and Cloud

The decision on the deployment model involves assessing whether the client wants an on-premise solution, in the cloud or a hybrid approach. Factors such as security, scalability and accessibility are taken into account when making this joint decision.

4. Scalability and Future Growth

You need to choose an SAP solution that is scalable and capable of growing with your company. This is vital to ensure that the solution can withstand an increase in the volume of transactions and users.

5. Compatibility and Integration

Evaluation of how the SAP solution will integrate with the systems and applications already in use in the company in question. Efficient integration is essential to avoid data silos.
This stage also takes into account the importance of mobility and whether the solution offers efficient support for mobile devices, allowing remote access and real-time decision-making. This is one of the main features of SAP S/4HANA, the most intelligent ERP model on the market.

6. Customizations and updates

Assessing the solution's flexibility for customizations that meet your company's specific needs.
You also need to understand together how software updates take place, in order to have a clear strategy on how to keep the system up to date with the latest functionalities and security fixes.

7. Practical Evaluations

So-called Proofs of Concept (PoCs) are essential for directly evaluating how the SAP solution meets your company's needs in a controlled environment.
Choosing an SAP solution is a long-term strategic decision. Involving all stakeholders, from end users to executive leadership, is key to ensuring a successful implementation.
In addition, having the guidance of Cast group's expert consultants is key to making more informed decisions.

Specialized and Certified Team 

SAP solutions are implemented by a specialized team of SAP-certified professionals. They have extensive experience in projects in a wide range of industries, guaranteeing efficient implementation of the solutions.
Cast has 2,500 employees spread across eleven cities in the country, 700 of whom are SAP consultants with expertise recognized by clients.
Implementation methodology
Cast group uses a clear and structured methodology for implementing SAP solutions, from planning to execution. This methodology follows the best standards and practices recommended by the market.
In addition to the points described above, one of the great differentials of our implementation is our own developments and customizations. This means that, based on an analysis of your company's needs and objectives, we can identify the need to go further and customize SAP solutions so that their use is more appropriate and effective for each type of business.
Continuous monitoring of market developments has also opened up opportunities for our company to develop its own products, which can be used to complement SAP solutions.
Customization and Integration
A practical example of this is what we call a Complementary Fiscal Solution (SOFICOM), software developed by Cast group that fully integrates with SAP ERPs to promote fiscal and tax management in companies.
There are other alternative solutions in the same vein, such as our A/P and A/R invoice management software, or more specific developments such as SalesCon, designed to make it easier for sales representatives to issue orders even without an internet connection.

Ongoing Support and Training

After implementing SAP solutions, Cast Group provides ongoing support to ensure optimal system performance. The best practice for this is what we call AMS (Application Management Services) Support .
IT Sustainment is the set of activities that guarantee the proper functioning of a company's applications, networks, programs and IT infrastructures. Its main function is to monitor and keep all these fronts working properly, so that there are no setbacks.
When you have this type of contract, your company can count on ongoing support and training services provided by the AMS provider. As far as the AMS universe for SAP is concerned, Cast group works with the whole scenario of providing project services, such as ERP implementation, rollouts, migrations, new modules, improvements and various customizations.
Achê, Randoncorp, Marcopolo, Kepler Weber, Stara, Libbs, Grupo Mueller, Fras-le, Controil and Triel - HT are examples of some of the companies that rely on Cast group support on the SAP AMS front.

Why hire Cast group?

In addition to the advantages detailed above, Cast group stands out in the market for its consolidated experience in supplying SAP solutions. With more than 14 implementations of the most advanced ERP on the market, Cast group is considered the leading specialist among SAP partners in Brazil.
Recently, in November 2023, Cast took another step towards being recognized as one of the largest SAP representatives in the country: we received the Customer Loyalty award during the SAP Partners Sales Meeting.
If you need to implement SAP solutions in your company, having a reliable partner recognized by the German giant is essential. One of the main reasons for this includes specialized experience, since these partners have teams with in-depth knowledge of the solutions, guaranteeing efficient practices.
In addition, they have access to exclusive resources, such as tools, training and direct technical support from SAP, which keeps your team up to date with the latest innovations and best practices.
Partners' official certifications are a guarantee of quality and expertise in implementing SAP solutions, and they undergo rigorous certification processes.
SAP-certified partners also offer ongoing support after implementation, which is crucial for resolving technical problems, applying updates and ensuring system stability over time.
Choosing a partner recognized by SAP demonstrates a commitment to quality and excellence, as these partners have high standards to meet in order to maintain their certification.
Cast group represents a strategic partnership that combines experience, innovation and quality in implementing SAP solutions, always focusing on boosting results and optimizing its clients' business processes.

Conclusion

SAP, a world reference in innovative business management software, plays a crucial role in organizations' quest to optimize their operations in the era of digital transformation.
In Brazil, Cast group stands out as one of the main partners in the successful implementation of SAP projects, with a track record marked by innovation and strategic acquisitions.
Cast's expertise lies not only in implementing SAP solutions, but in customizing and integrating these tools to meet the specific needs of each client. Specialized and certified teams, combined with an efficient implementation methodology, guarantee the effective application of SAP solutions.
Cast also stands out for its own developments that enhance the customer experience with SAP solutions, and for offering ongoing support and training after implementation. Our company not only implements solutions, but also provides a strategic partnership committed to quality, innovation and boosting its clients' results.
By choosing Cast Group as an SAP partner, companies gain access to an experienced and certified team, as well as a partnership committed to constant evolution. In a technology-driven business world, Cast and SAP offer a powerful combination for tackling challenges and turning them into growth opportunities.