From the stage to confidence: An SAP ALM success story with fenaco

How it all began – an encounter at “SolEd”

Success stories often don’t start where you expect them to. In the case of blue.works and fenaco, it begins in 2018 at the SAP ALM Summit in Heidelberg, or rather at the SAP Solution Manager Education Summit 2018 (SolEd) (as the SAP ALM Summit was previously known) – not with a project assignment, but with a presentation.

We were on stage for the first time to present our implementation with SAP Focused Build to an international audience. Nervousness and pride went hand in hand. It was a big moment for us – not just because it was our premiere, but because we could feel it: We have built something that has substance.

The fenaco team was in the audience. They had also arrived with a clear mission: To strategically develop their test processes in SAP Solution Manager. What happened next was unplanned, but groundbreaking. Even in the first conversations between the presentations, it became clear that two teams were meeting here who had more in common than just their specialist area.

Shared values as a foundation for cooperation

What struck us immediately was the common approach to challenges: structured, reflective, with a deep understanding of sustainable IT processes. That same evening, we deepened our exchange – it was about more than just technical details. We discussed SAP architectures, methodology, project management and quality. It became clear that we not only speak the same language, we also share the same values.

These values – openness, pragmatism, transparency and reliability – are central to blue.works and were also practiced at fenaco. A technical discussion turned into getting to know each other. Getting to know each other developed into trust. And this trust became the basis of a long-term partnership.

You can find out more about the values that guide us every day at blue.works here: Our values at blue.works

The first joint step: Focused Build at fenaco

A few months later, the first collaboration began. We were able to support fenaco in setting up their Focused Build solution for SAP ALM. A project that was not only methodically exciting, but also deepened trust. The collaboration worked right from the start – both in terms of content and on a personal level.

We realized that this partnership would not be an isolated case. The way we communicated, the mutual understanding and the shared quality standards made us want more. And there was more.

The milestone: the “finaco” project

One project that was special for both sides was called “finaco“. The aim was to set up a central central finance (CFIN) solution for the entire fenaco Group – a complex, company-wide initiative with high demands on coordination, integration and operation.

Our task was quality assurance – especially in testing. At the same time, fenaco had two very experienced people in release management and operations, Tom and Carla, who had clear requirements and responsibilities. This constellation inevitably led to intensive coordination – and sometimes to friction.

But this is precisely where the quality of the partnership became apparent: the discussions were constructive, often passionate, but always goal-oriented. It was never about defending positions, but always about finding the best solution for the project and the company. Trust continued to grow – not despite the challenges, but precisely because of them.

You can find the complete success story of the “finaco” project here: Success story SAP Central Finance at fenaco

Quality, responsibility and cooperation in a triad

One particular aspect of the project was the close cooperation between project management, operations and quality assurance. All three areas had clear requirements and responsibilities. The ability to combine these perspectives without losing sight of quality or the schedule was one of the project’s great strengths.

In testing in particular, it became clear how valuable it is to work together as partners. Quality is not a product that is controlled at the end – it is created through continuous dialog, careful planning and mutual trust.

What we have learned – and what remains 

Technology is changing. Systems are replaced, processes are developed further. But what remains after a project is not just documentation or systems, but the relationships that have developed during this time.

In our collaboration with fenaco, colleagues have become partners, and in many cases even friends. Shared experiences – from go-lives to intensive workshops, from difficult moments to small successes – have shaped us.

Our most important findings from this period can be summarized as follows:

• Trust is the basis of every successful IT collaboration.
• Quality is created where people work together openly and respectfully.
• Long-term success does not start with the best tool, but with the right people.

Conclusion: A partnership that lasts

Our shared history with fenaco is a prime example of what real partnerships in the SAP environment can look like. They often start quietly – with a conversation, an idea, an initial collaboration. But if they are based on shared values, they can result in solutions that go far beyond the technical.

Today, we are proud of what we have achieved together – and grateful for what it has become: a strong, respectful and sustainable partnership that will continue in the future.

Would you like to find out more about our projects with SAP ALM?

Then visit our project portfolio or contact us directly. We look forward to dialog – and to new partnerships based on trust.