Scalable data provision: From SAP legacy to modern system architecture

Data moves more than vehicles – a look behind the scenes of a special project

What happens when a leading car manufacturer has to migrate a central data provision application to a new technical foundation in the middle of ongoing operations? That was precisely the task we faced: we had to migrate a critical legacy SAP application to a modern system architecture—without interrupting day-to-day business.

At the same time, our goal was to fully integrate a second application. This resulted in a highly complex project with many unknown variables. Nevertheless, we worked together to develop a sustainable solution.

A project with many moving parts

We worked intensively on this project from 2022 to 2025. We had to be flexible and react quickly, as the framework conditions changed regularly. Not only did resources and teams change, but also service providers. In addition, there were several transitions between nearshore and offshore setups.

We overcame these challenges by establishing a clear setup and relying on agile methods. It was particularly helpful that we were able to draw directly on expertise from the previous project—the original application had only gone live a year earlier.

Structure meets flexibility

We combined a classic project setup with agile implementation. The product owner also took on the role of technical sub-project manager, which significantly shortened decision-making processes. A small, well-coordinated core team ensured that the project remained efficient even under pressure. This enabled us to react quickly when new requirements or technical challenges arose.

Architecture with perspective

A particular highlight: the architecture was designed in such a way that additional systems such as a DWH and eDAL could be seamlessly integrated, a clear step towards scalability and future-proofing.

The results speak for themselves:

• 489 integrated data fields

• A significantly simplified, maintenance-friendly architecture

• Technical basis for connecting international individual transaction data

Our conclusion

Complex projects can be mastered—with commitment, clear communication, and an agile mindset. Even when conditions are challenging, transparency and a strong team enable sustainable results.