Success Story

thomas gruppe: digital excellence in the building materials sector

With BDF EXPERTS as its partner, the thomas gruppe is transforming its IT landscape by migrating to SAP S/4HANA.

17. June 2025
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The S/4HANA transformation of the thomas gruppe

The thomas gruppe, an owner-managed building materials manufacturer, is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation. With BDF EXPERTS as its partner, the company is modernising its IT landscape by migrating to SAP S/4HANA. A project that is setting new standards in the industry.

The starting situation

The thomas gruppe divides its business into five divisions: cement, precast concrete components / prefabricated parts, ready-mixed concrete, road construction and asphalt / stone. After acquiring what was once the largest cement plant in the GDR, in Karsdorf, the company became the third-largest cement manufacturer in Germany. This expansion, together with the end of support for the existing ECC system, made a comprehensive system modernisation unavoidable.

The challenge: mastering complexity

The migration project covers:

  • 54 company codes with differing requirements
  • Integration of third-party software such as Gesys, LOGiQ and Doxis
  • Replacement of a 20-year-old system with numerous in-house developments
  • Half-yearly go-lives for continuous progress

Credit management in particular represents a central challenge, owing to the complex structures with numerous divisions and credit control areas. The migration from classic credit management to FSCM Credit Management requires precise coordination and technical know-how.

The solution: step-by-step transformation with expert knowledge

BDF EXPERTS is responsible for the FI/CO area and works closely with the internal SAP module support team and the consultancy amotiq solutions. The approach includes:

  • Standardisation instead of customisation: migrating Z developments into the SAP standard
  • Modular go-lives: controlled migration of the company codes in six-monthly cycles
  • Seamless integration: careful coordination of all interfaces between SAP and third-party systems
Added value

The added value: concrete benefits for the thomas gruppe

The project is a prime example of how even complex corporate structures can be digitalised successfully with the right expertise. As a result, the thomas gruppe is well equipped for the challenges ahead.

Sebastian Feldges
Profit Centre Manager Finance, BDF EXPERTS
„The S/4HANA transformation at thomas gruppe shows how digitalisation creates real added value: with clear processes, integrated systems and modern reporting capabilities, we help our customers reduce complexity and stay competitive in the long term.“

More about the thomas gruppe

The thomas gruppe is an owner-managed building materials manufacturer.

  • Industry: construction and building materials industry
  • Divisions: 5 divisions (cement, precast concrete components / precast parts, ready-mixed concrete, road construction and asphalt/aggregate
  • Products and services: complete value chain: from raw material to transport
  • Number of employees: 1,500

Website: https://www.thomas-gruppe.de

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About BDF EXPERTS

BDF EXPERTS is the brand of bdf consultants GmbH, a leading SAP Silver / SolEx partner with comprehensive end-to-end expertise in Digital Supply Chain and Corporate Finance & Treasury (CFT).

For more than 25 years, BDF EXPERTS has been helping companies, on the basis of SAP ERP and S/4HANA, to achieve measurable value creation through fully digitalised processes. In Digital Supply Chain, BDF EXPERTS has developed particular expertise in holistic data management.

With SAP PPG (Product and Process Governance), BDF EXPERTS offers an innovative solution for centrally managing all product and process data in SAP, thereby laying the foundation for data-driven business models.

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Any questions? We would be glad to help you in person.

Would you like to learn more about implementing SAP PPG in your company? Our experts will be happy to advise you individually.

Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation.

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The BDF EXPERTS Insights platform is aimed at decision-makers and specialists working with SAP, supply chain and corporate finance. It offers well-founded expert articles, practical insights and strategic perspectives on process harmonisation, digitalisation and technological developments.

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