Aker Solutions Teams Up with SAP on Digitalization

Aker Solutions said it will move its internal SAP applications to SAP's cloud in a move that aims to improve operations, drive efficiency and accelerate digitalization.

Cloud-based systems are typically cheaper to run than physical systems as they require less expenditure on computer hardware, monitoring and software licenses. The move will save Aker Solutions (AKSO.OL) about 20 percent on software licensing costs alone, the company said.

"We're an early mover on this as we see it as yet another opportunity to use digitalization to transform our own internal processes," said Aker Solutions Chief Operating Officer Dean Watson. "It's also part of our broader strategy to harness the power of data to create greater value for our customers," he said.

"This will enable Aker Solutions to harvest the financial and operational benefits of running business critical systems in the cloud," said SAP's Nordics and Baltics Managing Director Martin Schirmer.

Aker Solutions has used SAP's suite of business applications for accounting, sales, inventory and payroll since 2004. Cognizant has provided the IT services.

Aker Solutions, Cognizant and SAP Digital Business Services have already started transferring the data from physical servers to the cloud-based platform. The transfer is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter.

The company has also decided to run SAP SuccessFactors - a cloud-based suite of human resources applications, which facilitates employee engagement and career development, including from mobile devices.