What's Happening?
Suntory Oceania has completed a $30 million IT transformation to support its new $400 million carbon-neutral manufacturing and distribution facility in Queensland, Australia. This facility is the largest
single FMCG investment in the region in the last decade. The transformation involved rebuilding the company's digital landscape around SAP S/4 HANA, creating an end-to-end ecosystem that spans production, warehousing, sales, and customer engagement. The project has resulted in a 35% workforce growth, 95% delivery in full, on time (DIFOT) from day one, and zero major outages during the rollout. The facility can produce 20 million cases of drinks annually and features advanced automation capabilities.
Why It's Important?
The IT transformation positions Suntory Oceania as a leader in advanced manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand, aligning with its global 'Growing for Good' philosophy. The digital infrastructure supports sustainability goals with data transparency and real-time control. The transformation enhances customer engagement and trade partner relationships through a new CRM platform, enabling dynamic pricing and real-time integration with manufacturing and logistics. This development signals the importance of digital transformation in achieving resilience and growth in the beverage sector and broader manufacturing landscape.
What's Next?
Suntory Oceania's transformation sets a precedent for other companies in the region to follow suit in integrating technology with sustainability. The facility's capabilities may lead to further expansion and innovation in beverage production and distribution. The company's success in digital transformation could inspire similar initiatives across the industry, promoting efficiency and customer intimacy.
Beyond the Headlines
The convergence of front- and back-office systems highlights the potential for legacy businesses to leverage enterprise platforms for more than just efficiency. Suntory Oceania's approach demonstrates how technology can be a catalyst for cultural and operational change, fostering a more connected and responsive enterprise.
