As large-scale SAP S/4HANA transformation programs continue to reshape enterprise operations across Europe, organizations are placing increasing emphasis on user adoption and training as critical success factors.
In this context, ERP training consultancy Optimum has been selected by Asahi Europe & International (AEI) as its training partner for a multi-year SAP S/4HANA transformation initiative. The program, known as Project Odyssey, will support Asahi’s transition from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, establishing a standardized regional template for core business processes across multiple European markets.
The initiative spans ten countries, including the UK, Germany, Poland, Italy, and the Netherlands, with a phased rollout planned through 2028. The first wave will focus on hub functions and key markets such as Central and Eastern Europe.
Training as a Strategic Layer in ERP Transformation
While ERP transformations are often discussed in terms of system architecture and process standardization, user readiness and adoption remain among the most complex and underestimated components of large-scale deployments.
Optimum’s role in Project Odyssey reflects a broader shift in how organizations approach ERP transformation — moving beyond system implementation toward structured enablement strategies that support long-term success.
The consultancy will lead the design and delivery of a global training program, beginning with a detailed training needs analysis to assess user roles, regional requirements, and operational priorities. This approach aims to ensure that training is aligned not only with system functionality, but also with local business contexts across different markets.
From Deployment to Adoption
The training program will follow a blended learning model, combining digital and in-person formats. This includes customized learning materials, instructor-led sessions, virtual training, and interactive eLearning components.
In addition to supporting both end users and super users, the program is designed to strengthen internal capabilities within Asahi’s teams — enabling the organization to sustain learning and system adoption beyond the initial rollout phases.
Optimum will also contribute to the development of a multilingual knowledge base and provide post-training support, reinforcing adoption as the transformation progresses through multiple waves.
“We are delighted to have been chosen by Asahi as their S/4HANA ERP training partner for this major transformation,” said Joanne Harrison, Sales Director at Optimum. “We pride ourselves on collaborating closely with customers and supporting long-term ERP success through effective user enablement.”
ERP Transformation at Scale: The Role of Training
As ERP systems evolve toward more standardized, cloud-based architectures, enterprises are increasingly managing transformation programs across multiple countries, business units, and regulatory environments.
In this context, training is no longer a secondary activity but a central component of transformation strategy. Ensuring that users understand not only how to use the system, but also how processes are changing, is critical to realizing the expected value of ERP investments.
Programs like Project Odyssey highlight how organizations are integrating training, change management, and knowledge transfer into the core of ERP transformation initiatives — particularly in complex, multi-country deployments.
A Growing Focus on Adoption-Led ERP Strategies
The selection of a dedicated training partner reflects a broader trend across enterprise technology: a shift toward adoption-led ERP strategies.
As companies invest in platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, success increasingly depends not just on technical implementation, but on how effectively users adopt new processes, workflows, and systems.
For organizations operating at scale, particularly across diverse markets, structured training programs and localized enablement strategies are becoming essential components of modern ERP transformation.
In that sense, initiatives like Asahi’s Project Odyssey point to a wider industry evolution — where ERP success is defined not only by go-live milestones, but by sustained user engagement and operational impact over time.
ERP News Editorial Team
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