In an era where digital transformation defines the competitive edge, Svenska Foder, a leading supplier in the agribusiness and food production sector, stands out by becoming one of the first global Oracle customer to implement JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Release 24, Tools 9.2.8.1. This achievement was made possible through their collaboration with xperitus, an Oracle partner since 2008 and a long time supplier to Svenska Foder, setting both Svenska Foder and xperitus at the forefront of using new and advanced technology.
In an era where digital transformation defines the competitive edge, Svenska Foder, a leading supplier in the agribusiness and food production sector, stands out by becoming one of the first Oracle customers in the world to implement JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Release 24, Tools 9.2.8.1. This achievement was made possible through their collaboration with xperitus, an Oracle partner since 2008 and a long time supplier to Svenska Foder, setting both Svenska Foder and xperitus at the forefront of using new and advanced technology.
About Svenska Foder: A Legacy of Innovation
Svenska Foder, a part of the international DLG Group, has established itself as a cornerstone in the farming industry since its inception in 1989. With a product range that spans from feed and agricultural products for the farming sector to cereal products for the food industry, Svenska Foder has consistently prioritized quality, safety, and sustainability. Operating with 329 employees and generating an annual turnover of approximately 6 billion SEK, the company manages around 2 million tons of raw materials and finished products each year. Svenska Foder’s expansive distribution and sales network, in close collaboration with about 250 retailers nationwide, exemplify its commitment to customer proximity, efficiency, and service.
Catarina Hagelberg, Project Manager at Svenska Foder, reflects on the company’s journey with JD Edwards, a relationship that began in the early '90s. "When we first implemented JD Edwards, it was a strategic choice to support our complex operations. Over the years, this system has become integral to our growth and operational efficiency," Catarina Hagelberg shares. With a small team managing 120 servers, including JD Edwards, across 32 sites in Sweden and serving 320 users, the challenge was not just in maintaining the system but in leveraging it to foster innovation and drive business value.
Catarina Hagelberg, Project Manager at Svenska Foder
Goals and Achievements: Digitalization and Automation at the Forefront
Under the IT leadership of Anders Falk, CIO of Svenska Foder, the company embarked on a digital transformation journey focusing on digitalization, automation, and system consolidation.
"Our mission was clear from the start – to streamline operations, enhance our customer service, and maintain our leadership in the agribusiness sector through innovation," Anders Falk explains. This vision propelled Svenska Foder to continually invest in and develop their JD Edwards platform to maximize its capabilities.
The upgrade to EnterpriseOne 9.2 in 2020 which introduced e.g. the Orchestrator facilitated the automation of critical business processes such as harvest contracts and pricing schedules, which previously required extensive manual effort. "The automation of these processes has not only reduced our operational costs but also significantly improved our responsiveness to customer needs, setting a new standard in service excellence," says Anders Falk. "Having consolidated our data into a single source of truth, we're now able to harness this information to maximize functionality and outcomes," Anders Falk explains.
The implementation of JD Edwards Release 24 marked another significant milestone in this journey, offering even more possibilities for future digitalisation and automation.
Anders Falk, CIO of Svenska Foder
The Business Value of JD Edwards Release 24
The use of Orchestrations and User Defined Objects has been transformational for Svenska Foder. The company has seen improvements in business processes throughout the organization, primarily through automation and integration.
"Automating our harvest contract process and the planned integration of JD Edwards with our CRM system will allow us to respond more flexibly to the dynamic needs of our farmers," Catarina Hagelberg notes. The strategic integration of contract processing has streamlined operations, resulting in substantial time and cost savings while improving the quality of their services.
Furthermore, the introduction of new digital functions in EnterpriseOne has automated and optimized various processes, leading to significant operational improvements. "The automation of our Point of Sales system with JD Edwards has streamlined how we manage in-store transactions. Real-time updates of master data and transaction data mean that our store staff can work more efficiently, reducing manual labour equivalent to more than one full-time employee," Catarina Hagelberg adds.
xperitus: A Catalyst for Innovation
The use of Orchestrations and User Defined Objects has been transformational for Svenska Foder. The company has seen improvements in business processes throughout the organization, primarily through automation and integration.
The successful implementation of JD Edwards Release 24 at Svenska Foder was conducted by xperitus, specialists in business processes and system implementations. xperitus's role was not just as an implementer but as a partner in innovation.
"Being among the first in the world to implement and go live with JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Release 24 at Svenska Foder is a testament to our commitment to leading through innovation," says Mikael Andersson, JD Edwards Product Manager at xperitus.
Mikael continues: "It's a privilege to work with clients who understand the benefits of staying current and adapting to new features Oracle delivers. Svenska Foder has for the last few years really embraced orchestrations and no/low code solutions for integration, digitalization, and automation. Now, they are in an even better position to leverage their investment."
This partnership between Svenska Foder and xperitus illustrates the synergy that can be achieved when two organizations share a vision for innovation and excellence. "Our collaboration with xperitus exemplifies an open, engaging, and hassle-free partnership, enriching our corporate culture and operational fluency," Anders Falk concludes. He continues, "Our journey with JD Edwards and xperitus has been about more than just upgrading our systems; it's been about transforming our business to stay ahead in a competitive landscape."
Conclusion: Setting a New Benchmark
The success story of Svenska Foder and xperitus with Oracle JD Edwards Release 24 is a signal for the industry, highlighting the possibilities when tradition meets innovation. Through this partnership, Svenska Foder has not only enhanced its operational efficiency but also set a new benchmark in customer service and business agility. This achievement underscores not only the importance of digital transformation and strategic technological investments to maintain competitiveness – it also shows the strength of the partnership between a visionary customer and a skilled Oracle partner. The possibilities that arise from this shared commitment puts Svenska Foder in an excellent position for continued future innovation.