Synthomer — Global S/4HANA Transformation

RunFast Launchpad RunFast Transformation

What did we have achieve?

The Challenge

Synthomer recognised the need for a global transformation programme to support the next phase of the company's growth — standardising operations across global business units, consolidating six legacy ERP systems into a single S/4HANA landscape, and creating the organisational capability to implement a global template to any future acquisitions.

When the programme was first initiated, Synthomer needed support to structure it for success — to ensure it progressed at the required pace whilst maintaining the quality of delivery. The goal was not just to implement technology but to establish a new operating model, bring business and IT into genuine alignment, and create a legacy of methodology that would outlast the programme itself.

What we acheived

Solution

Limelight's initial engagement began with a programme structure review. Recommendations were implemented quickly — including a simplified governance framework, a stage-gate process, and programme-wide status reporting. With these foundations in place, the programme secured full board sanction for delivery and the benefits case.

Limelight then led the programme through full delivery — working with executive sponsors and a multinational team across newly formed global divisions. The scope covered the consolidation of six legacy ERP systems into a single S/4HANA application, the adoption of a suite of complementary solutions including Ariba, Concur, BPC, B/4HANA, and Arkieva, and the build of a global template capable of supporting future acquisitions.

The result was a single global way of working — scalable, efficient, and built with the compliance requirements of a global chemical manufacturing business in mind.

What were the benefits?

Results

Six legacy ERP systems consolidated into a single S/4HANA landscape — giving Synthomer a unified data and process foundation for the first time.
A global template established and deployed across all business divisions, with full localisation completed for each market.
Board confidence restored and maintained throughout delivery — with governance, reporting, and stage-gate processes that gave leadership a clear, honest picture of programme progress at every stage.
A methodology and organisational capability built into the business — enabling Synthomer to deploy the global template to future acquisitions independently.

What Synthomer had to say

Limelight partnered with Synthomer to lead the transformation programme, working closely with colleagues at all levels of our business and engaging with of a number of our key suppliers. The Limelight team have been instrumental in leading us through the journey.

Calum Maclean
CEO - Synthomer

The Limelight team provided experience based, pragmatic leadership in addition to detailed knowledge and methods in SAP implementation and deployment.

Stephen Bennett
Chief Finance Officer - Synthomer

The team have delivered standardised processes and controls, supported by the introduction of centralised support functions and enabled by SAP S/4HANA technology.

Calum Maclean
CEO - Synthomer