In industries like retail, manufacturing, and distribution, transforming business operations with ERP solutions such as SAP has become a critical step. But even with the best software, one key question remains: how can you manage the transformation without disruption, without losing control—and while achieving real business results?
The answer lies not (only) in the technology. The answer is in the team driving it.
That’s why this article isn’t about SAP features.
It’s about the people who make the difference. The ones who help you navigate every obstacle on the path to one of the most powerful ERP systems.
You’ll also learn why companies like Sport Vision, operating in over nine countries, rely on proven implementation partners—and how a rollout can be so seamless that end users don’t even notice the change.
What can go wrong during SAP Implementation (and why it often happens to big players)
SAP solutions offer immense potential—but they also come with risks.
In large organizations operating across multiple markets, with diverse software landscapes and regulatory requirements, even small missteps can lead to major consequences. Ironically, problems often arise when everything seems “under control.”
Some of the most common issues we see in practice include:
Misaligned processes across departments and countries—where everyone pulls in a different direction, and the system can’t keep up.
Non-compliance with local regulations—which can lead to serious legal and financial risks.
Employee resistance to change—when the new system feels imposed rather than embraced as a tool for better work.
Insufficient testing and preparation—where, under time pressure, key areas remain unready for Go-Live.
Operational disruptions during transition—when stores can’t issue invoices, IT fights fires, and users lack support.
Extended post-production dependency—when the company remains reliant on external support, without internal knowledge transfer.
And the most dangerous risk of all?
Thinking SAP is “just another IT project.”
In reality, projects like this are organizational transformations that go far beyond technical implementation. They require experience, deep business understanding, and outstanding team dynamics. Because the transformation is complex and deep, it simply doesn’t tolerate improvisation.
The advantage of having an experienced SAP Team
The success of an SAP implementation doesn’t depend on software version, number of licenses, or hours spent in consulting.
It depends on the people leading the process—and their ability to:
Understand the complexity of your business
Communicate with all levels of the organization
Anticipate and prevent issues
Align the entire system with your business model
Good SAP consultants don’t start with configuration. They start with understanding—of your organization, processes, local laws, and industry-specific nuances.
The result isn’t “just another ERP project.” It’s a solution tailored to how you do business.
Ensuring a smooth, disruption-free project
Experienced teams know what can go wrong—and proactively manage the project to avoid disruptions. They don’t rush where they shouldn’t. They don’t test superficially. They won’t go live until every component is fully synchronized.
You get realistic timelines, clearly defined phases, and a fully prepared team—meaning fewer unplanned interruptions and no emergency interventions.
Bridging the gap between IT and business
One of the biggest challenges in large organizations is communication between business and IT teams. A seasoned SAP team understands both sides—and helps turn the ERP system into a tool that connects people and processes.
The result?
Faster decision-making
Fewer misunderstandings
Clearly defined requirements that reflect your actual needs
Instead of meetings that end in confusion, you get aligned collaboration without communication gaps.
Driving user adoption from day one
Employees are the key to SAP success.
If they don’t embrace the new system and use it properly—all technical benefits are lost. A skilled SAP team knows how to engage people from different departments, offer meaningful support, and clearly communicate the value of change.
This leads to lower resistance, faster adoption, and greater efficiency from day one.
Getting faster results
When your system is stable, users are prepared, and processes are aligned—the benefits of SAP become visible faster. Fewer post-Go-Live issues means lower costs, less stress, and quicker ROI. Your internal team takes control sooner, and the business returns to full capacity—now supported by a modern ERP backbone.
How Sport Vision transitioned to SAP—without disruptions across 400+ retail locations
Sport Vision is the leading sportswear retail chain in the region, operating in more than nine countries, with over 400 stores and 4,000 employees.
When a company of this size decides to implement SAP ERP—it’s clear that every detail must be flawless.
The SAP rollout in Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the group’s most complex projects. Precisely because of its complexity, Sport Vision once again chose M&I Systems Group as its implementation partner—an experienced advisor in IT and business transformation.
The project lasted from October 2018 to November 2019 and involved:
Aligning with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unique legal framework
Integrating diverse systems into a single SAP architecture
Driving organizational change within teams
Preparing hundreds of users for the new environment
From day one, everyone knew: this wouldn’t be a “typical” rollout.
The team had to align central SAP logic with local market needs—without compromising on functionality or compliance.
Preparation, alignment, and a shared goal
Thanks to in-depth analysis, gradual preparation, and full alignment among project members, all core processes were defined and tested ahead of time. Change came not “top-down,” but through collaboration, education, and support.
As one of Sport Vision’s project managers put it:
“What mattered most was that the three of us, as PMs, were always on the same wavelength. That energy spread through the whole team—whenever it mattered, the momentum was there.”
A Go-Live night without errors
On the night SAP went live—everything worked as planned. No sales interruptions. No system errors. No need for a backup plan.
The retail director said the next morning:
“Well done, everyone. The stores are running smoothly—they didn’t even notice a change happened last night.”
That was the goal: a transformation that happened silently in the background—while business continued as usual.
Minimal post-Go-Live support. Maximum impact.
After Go-Live, the SAP system remained stable, and Sport Vision’s internal teams successfully took over daily operations. The project was delivered on time, on budget, and with minimal need for extended support—a rare feat in the SAP world.
Internally, the Bosnia project is still used as a benchmark.
For M&I Systems Group, this is yet another example of how a clear strategy, experienced team, and close client collaboration can make the difference between implementing a system and driving real digital transformation.
The results—in numbers
Following the SAP ERP implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sport Vision achieved measurable results that reflect the value of a precisely managed project:
35% improvement in inventory management, driven by centralized data and full visibility across all locations
50% increase in marketing precision, thanks to better data and integrated CRM modules
Successful integration across nine countries where the group operates
All enabled by a well-planned rollout, a dedicated team, and close partnership between Sport Vision and M&I Systems Group.
Final thought: SAP transformation doesn’t depend on software—It depends on people
When dealing with a solution as powerful as SAP, technical implementation is just one part of the story. The real challenge is fitting the system into real-world business operations—and delivering change that enhances, not disrupts.
As the Sport Vision example shows, with the right SAP partner, even the most complex rollouts can be executed:
Without downtime
Without user resistance
With measurable results from day one
If your organization plans an SAP implementation, enters a new market, or modernizes existing systems, consider the team behind the technology.
Because technology is powerful.
But people make it work.
