Common ground

The subscription service, Cloud Information Model (CIM) as the basis for a multi-cloud ecosystem, is now available in the PwC Store. "The integration of central enterprise IT systems is a prerequisite for innovative digital solutions such as differentiating apps or special software for sales and support", says Dr. Stefan Pühl, Partner and EMEA Salesforce Strategy Leader at PwC Germany.

Pühl continues: "However, the technical integration is very complex and must be constantly kept up to date in the cloud. With the Connected Journey Suite, companies get a flexibly configurable, fully integrated solution out of the box. They can take the productive integration of manufacturer standards for granted and concentrate directly on the essentials."

The linking of Salesforce and SAP S/4 is so promising because it brings together sales-side and finance-side data management and digital capabilities. Salesforce, as the world's leading CRM system, provides all the essential functions for sales, customer retention and interaction.

As an ERP solution, S/4 covers central business functions for ordering and distribution as well as finance and accounting. Many companies are exploring how to bring these platforms together as part of their cloud transformation. The combination in a connected and central multi-cloud ecosystem enables bundled access to all functions along the company's digital value chain.

"By linking the Salesforce and SAP systems, companies can realize entirely new customer journeys, as connected journeys. This is the digital lead-to-cash-to-care experience - creating seamless user experiences, from first contact to ordering to support", explains Dr. Joachim Englert, Partner, Managing Director and Head of Consulting at PwC Germany.

Stefan Pühl adds: "In addition, the productive integration of CRM and ERP offers great potential for harmonizing the business processes involved. It simplifies cross-system processes that were previously characterized by breaks. With the Connected Journey Suite, we take the standard functionality of the two manufacturers out of the high-risk integration equation; development can focus on the actual differentiated digital capabilities."