“Initially, we were engaged to write a vision statement to improve and future-proof internal project reporting. For this, we conducted an analysis. It turned out that in addition to renewing the system, we also needed to simplify and align the financial processes more. This while also taking into account the uniqueness of the different entities. We want to take advantage of this moment to optimize and standardize processes where possible, taking into account the different characteristics of the governance of City of Antwerp,” explains Davy Van Ingelgem. He leads the Belgian SAP practice with a strong focus on business integration. “We help our clients maximize their system adoption and ensure that all users feel as engaged and comfortable as possible, but also competent to work with it.”
“Besides the technical aspects of the system, we also try to implement a business and human transformation at the client. Here in Antwerp, we want to formulate the right objectives together with the city and then achieve them. The goal is to develop a technology platform that is ready for the future and supported by the City of Antwerp and its employees.”
“We are now concluding the blueprint phase, which is drawing up the future way of working and the future system. A first part of this blueprint will be implemented in 2024, followed by the second phase a year later. By early 2026, the transformation of the financial systems and processes will be completed. And of course, we will continue to optimize along the way.”
Focus on security
The city deliberately chose an external partner for its transformation process. “EY has years of experience with large projects, both in the private and public sector. Moreover, it is a neutral player. Over the years, the city's employees have developed their own processes. It's good to have an external partner take a look at those and distil simpler processes from them,” explains Kennis.