SAP S/4HANA on Azure: Delivering a FTSE 100 Retail Transformation During COVID-19

In one of the most ambitious SAP S/4HANA programmes ever undertaken in the global retail sector, Jeet Poptani — Chief Transformation Officer at Aumento AI — led the delivery of an intelligent technology platform for a FTSE 100 retail company, implementing SAP S/4HANA on Microsoft Azure Cloud.

Programme overview

This programme represented a complete digital backbone transformation for one of the world's most recognised consumer goods companies. The scope spanned production sites through to the boardroom, touching every major business function and impacting thousands of users globally.

Key challenges and how they were solved

The programme faced extraordinary complexity. COVID-19 restrictions emerged mid-delivery, threatening the entire timeline and requiring a complete rethink of the implementation model. Jeet Poptani reshaped the digital roadmap to adapt to COVID restrictions — transitioning the entire programme to a remote delivery model — and still achieved successful go-live across the business.

Technology deployed

The programme deployed SAP S/4HANA on Microsoft Azure Cloud, with SAP FIORI for the user experience layer. This cloud-first approach reduced infrastructure costs, improved scalability, and gave the business a modern, resilient ERP platform fit for the next decade.

Results delivered

The transformation was completed successfully — on time, in scope, and with full board endorsement. It stands as one of the most significant digital transformations in the retail industry's history, and a benchmark for how SAP S/4HANA programmes can be delivered at enterprise scale.

Lessons from the programme

Jeet Poptani shares three lessons from this programme that apply to any major SAP S/4HANA transformation:

• Adaptability is non-negotiable: even the most detailed programme plan must be able to flex when external conditions change. COVID proved that remote delivery at scale is possible with the right structure.

• Board alignment is a programme asset: securing and maintaining C-suite confidence throughout the programme lifecycle is as important as the technical delivery itself.

• Cloud-first SAP deployment future-proofs the investment: running S/4HANA on Azure Cloud gave the business agility, lower total cost of ownership, and a platform for AI-enabled capabilities going forward.

About the programme lead

Jeet Poptani is Chief Transformation Officer at Aumento AI, a UK-based consultancy specialising in SAP S/4HANA transformation, AI strategy, and digital programme delivery. To discuss your SAP transformation, visit www.aumentoai.com.