Raise Gruppen implements SAP S/4HANA
Raise Gruppen AS, one of Europe's largest hairdressing corporations with over 150 salons and 1,000 employees across Norway, Sweden, and the USA, modernized its core business systems with Pearl Group.
After nearly four decades of growth since 1984, the company behind Nikita and Sayso hair salons faced increasing system complexity. Pearl Group implemented SAP S/4HANA on Microsoft Azure with SAP Fiori interface, using template solutions that saved significant time and resources. The partnership focuses on streamlining workflows, automating processes, and enabling data analysis while preparing for future customer-focused system development.
Challenge
Since starting as a startup in 1984, Raise Gruppen had accumulated a complex mix of old and new systems and solutions. As the company grew from a single business to a corporation with over 150 salons, four hairdressing schools, an inspiration center, and a business academy, solutions were continuously added and connected.
This organic growth created an increasingly complex technical environment where more salons and business units were integrated into existing systems without strategic alignment. The company reached a point where system complexity was hindering operational efficiency and growth potential.
Solution
Raise Gruppen decided to clean up and replace their core solutions to optimize and streamline workflows across the organization. They chose to implement SAP S/4HANA on Microsoft Azure's cloud-based platform with a user interface based on SAP Fiori.
The implementation began with replacing core solutions alongside cash register systems and shop logistics. Pearl Group's fully developed template solutions proved ideal since Raise Gruppen's processes didn't require extensive customization, saving considerable time and resources during implementation.
Customer's benefits
The modernization delivered immediate operational improvements while positioning Raise Gruppen for future growth and innovation. Pearl's template-based approach significantly reduced implementation complexity despite the extensive and complex nature of the company's systems.
The primary goals of streamlining workflows and maximizing automation were achieved, while SAP S/4HANA's advanced data analysis and insight capabilities opened new opportunities for business intelligence. Gaining control over master data became a crucial foundation for the next development phase.
The phased approach allows Raise Gruppen to first stabilize core operations before moving to customer-facing systems, focusing on enhancing the customer journey and overall customer experience in subsequent phases.
A strong partner
Before selecting Pearl Group and SAP, Raise Gruppen conducted a comprehensive procurement process evaluating multiple suppliers and solutions. "Since we have not had any special requirements for the solution, we have been very keen to find a strong partner and advisor who is proactive and may also be able to develop new things together with us," explains Chief Digital Officer Parisa Yousefi.
The decision was based on excellent references and the quality of dialogue during the selection process. "Our experience is that Pearl is very solution-oriented and has followed the implementation closely. When we choose new partners, we want a long-lasting collaboration – ERP solutions are not something you change often, and so far, Pearl has met our expectations of a partnership," Yousefi concludes.
Our experience is that Pearl is very solution-oriented and has followed the implementation closely. When we choose new partners, we want a long-lasting collaboration – ERP solutions are not something you change often, and so far, Pearl has met our expectations of a partnership.
- Parisa Yousefi, CDO of Raise Gruppen
