S/4HANA Introduced in Portugal in February

ERP Systems

As part of the harmonization of ERP systems, a total of 35 SAP R/3 implementations have been carried out, enabling efficiency-enhancing developments to be leveraged across the entire Group. The next step, the implementation of the cloud-based ERP solution SAP S/4HANA, will be completed Group-wide by 2029. An important milestone was reached with the first go-live at ALSO Portugal. The transition to the new system is being implemented successively company by company, minimizing risk.

In addition to growth-supporting scalability, the system offers high integration capability, flexibility, improved automation options, and a modern working environment. These factors are expected to further enhance productivity at ALSO.

BI and CRM

Based on the central database established through the aforementioned measures, modern monitoring systems continuously generate automated analyses, providing the foundation for data-driven decision-making. The BI system, introduced in 2013, is used by the ALSO team for in-depth business data analysis and profitability optimization. Since 2015, the CRM system, linked to BI, has served as a tool to accelerate sales activities. By analyzing customer-relevant data, sales and distribution efforts are optimized, and new sales opportunities are identified.

WMS

Due to the high volume of articles and the ongoing need to optimize working capital and logistics processes, a centralized warehouse management system (WMS) has been implemented across 21 locations. This centralization enhances maintenance, support, and development, contributing significantly to operational excellence.

AI

The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors as a central HR system and Eightfold as a talent management platform ensures the efficient execution of internal administrative processes, enhances transparency in personnel data management, and supports both employee development and talent identification. These AI-based systems are state-of-the-art.

The use of software robots and, more recently, artificial intelligence, further contributes to operational excellence. ALSO-specific AI applications accelerate processes and free employees from repetitive tasks that can be automated.

Security

The resilience of the system landscape is regularly tested and evaluated through penetration tests conducted by external cybersecurity experts. Identified vulnerabilities are promptly addressed. Additionally, ongoing employee training increases awareness of cyber threats and prepares staff for potential attacks. Continuous threat analyses serve as the basis for proactive defense measures.

Data Center

Mirrored data centers, equipped with the latest energy-efficient technology and built to the highest security standards, form ALSO's hybrid infrastructure together with the cloud. High performance, data loss prevention, and robust resilience are essential prerequisites for optimal business support.

Digital Platforms

Internally operated platforms such as webshop, cloud, IoT, virtualization, AI, and cybersecurity are offered to our customers and their clients to optimize and stabilize their operations. This leads to an expansion of our sales offerings and improvement of our profitability.

Ingo Adolphs, CTO of ALSO Holding AG: “With the investments made, the ALSO ecosystem now has a future-proof, high-performance, and stable system environment that ideally supports the company's continued growth.”