Enhancing SME collaboration through SAP: a digital model for local markets

Abstract

This final degree project develops a proposal to improve the competitiveness, coordination, and effi ciency of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a digital model based on SAP. The goal is to demonstrate how SMEs can collaborate by sharing logistics and procurement processes through a common digital structure. The project focuses particularly on the context of local markets and their potential to interconnect using advanced technology, typically reserved for large corporations. Firstly, the evolution of the SAP system is analyzed, and a complete theoretical framework is pre sented, with special attention given to the Materials Management (MM) module. This module is the central axis of the project, as it allows for the management of vendor selection, purchase order creation, goods receipt, and invoice verification. The study also explores how SAP MM integrates with other submodules and how it can be implemented in environments with multiple plants and purchasing organizations. The next section presents a market study that evaluates public perception of local retail and its digi talization. This study serves as the foundation for constructing two hypothetical scenarios: a network of interconnected grocery stores and a center of SMEs focused on electronics and appliances. These scenarios are used to extrapolate functionalities such as material classification, vendor master data management, and consumption simulation. The most innovative part of the project lies in the improvements proposed to the procurement logic. An automatic vendor assignment algorithm is designed based on a tier system with predefined toler ances for each Info Record. This system prioritizes vendors according to competitive criteria but also allows for specific exceptions to accommodate particular needs. A logic for intercompany purchasing assignment is also proposed. For stock optimization, a mathematical controller based on control theory is implemented. It calcu lates the quantity of material to be ordered based on the cumulative error between consumption and the desired stock level. Demand is modeled using sinusoidal functions to simulate environments with peaks and valleys, enabling more realistic and adaptive planning. As support tools, two key functionalities are developed: an Excel tool for fast, bulk updates of Info Record prices (especially useful for materials with daily price variation such as fruit), and a rapid registration system for goods receipt and sales using EAN codes. Finally, a user-oriented functional layer is designed, summarizing all system flows in a clear and in tuitive visual format. The project demonstrates that, with the right and adapted approach, SMEs can leverage complex tools like SAP to improve their processes, share resources, and strengthen their market presence without losing their local identity.