Bridor (the LE DUFF Group) supports its development with SAP S/4HANA intelligent ERP
To support its transformation into a global player, Bridor needed to have a modern ERP and to redesign its business processes. A large-scale project that led to the adoption of SAP S/4HANA and SAP IBP, with the help of VISEO teams.
Founded in 1976, the LE DUFF Group has grown to become a global leader in the restaurant and bakery sector. With 1,250 restaurants and bakeries in 100 countries and 15 production sites, it employs over 30,000 people and generates an annual turnover of more than €2 billion. The group’s remarkable success can be attributed to its strong growth, with its turnover doubling every five years.
Key Subsidiary: Bridor
The group’s main subsidiary, Bridor, is a premium frozen bakery product manufacturer that contributes 45% of LE DUFF’s total turnover. Bridor is quickly establishing itself as a global player in the bakery industry. To support this rapid expansion, the company needed a modern information system capable of handling its organic and acquisition-led growth. According to Ronan Le Janne, the Transformation & IS Director, “Bridor must have a modern information system with processes that can support this strong organic and acquisition-led growth.”
SAP Solutions Since 2002
The LE DUFF Group has been using SAP solutions since 2002. However, by 2012, Bridor’s SAP ECC ERP system had become outdated. “Bridor had fallen somewhat behind, the last SAP technical upgrade took place in 2012. Dealing with this technical debt was becoming critical,” said Le Janne. It was especially challenging to adapt the system to tax regulations in the various countries where Bridor was expanding.
Redesigning Bridor’s Information System
To address these challenges, Bridor decided to overhaul its information system by migrating to SAP S/4HANA ERP while redesigning its business processes. The project had two key components: technical conversion to a new ERP and an audit of the company’s key processes. For this transformation, the LE DUFF Group partnered with VISEO, a company specializing in both retail and manufacturing, which matched the group’s business needs.
Hybrid Migration Approach
Bridor opted for a hybrid migration strategy known as Bluefield, which enabled a smooth transition to SAP S/4HANA without the burden of legacy systems. This method allowed Bridor to reclaim its system and simplify it by redefining its scope and functions.
The auditing process and scoping workshops identified over 100 business developments. Some of these developments included:
- Redesigning organizational structures.
- Implementing SAP CO-PA and General Ledger.
- Rolling out Bridor and Group P&L in SAP.
- Integrating forecasting, planning, and S&OP processes into SAP IBP.
Project Execution and Success
The project began in April 2021, with the scoping phase, and continued until the end of 2022. SAP S/4HANA went live on January 1, 2023. Despite the complexity of the project, it was executed smoothly. Le Janne attributes this success to strict organization, high engagement from the business lines, and VISEO’s responsiveness. By January 2, large volumes of transactions were already being processed without significant incidents, marking a smooth start to the new system.
Ongoing Work and Future Plans
While some work continues on the finance side during the first quarter of 2023, the project is nearing completion—on time and within budget. The next phase for LE DUFF Group is to adopt SAP S/4HANA Retail, further expanding its technological transformation.
In conclusion, the LE DUFF Group’s ambitious SAP S/4HANA ERP migration marks a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to support global growth and efficiency.