Get to know David Bento

David Bento, ERP consultant at Cubis Luxembourg, has significant experience in SAP ERP systems, focusing on the automotive sector. In this interview, he discusses his transition from a large corporation to a start-up environment, offering insights into the challenges and benefits of this shift. David explores the critical aspects of ERP implementation, the evolving role of technology, and the importance of collaboration between IT and business teams. His perspective is valuable for those interested in the complexities and opportunities within ERP consulting.

Hi David, explain to us, what drew you to work for a startup company like Cubis Luxembourg?

I’ve been with Cubis for over two years now. Coming from a different company, I wanted to find a place where I could make an impact and leave my mark. Cubis resonated with my values and my way of thinking, which made it a perfect fit for me.

It was Pedro Araujo, ERP manager at Cubis Luxembourg, who reached out to me, introducing Cubis and outlining the role they envisioned for me. This was the perfect opportunity for me, so I decided to go for it!

And how did you get into ERP consulting?

While studying in Liège, Belgium, I had the opportunity to take some extra classes. We had three topics to choose from, and one of them was SAP ERP. It looked very interesting, so I gave it a go. The training was extensive, totaling 360 hours. But I learned a lot about ERP systems. After completing my studies, I decided to pursue a career in SAP ERP consulting.

There are a lot of different modules in ERP. Which one is your favorite and why did you became an expert in it?

It’s true that ERP has a lot of modules. I would say that ‘Sales & Distribution’ is my favorite module because it is quite comprehensive. It addresses many different aspects of business operations and provides answers to a wide range of questions. Recently, I’ve also been exploring ‘Transportation Management’, which I find very interesting and equally extensive.

How has your role evolved over the years as an ERP consultant?

I began my career in Belgium, working with SAP and generating various documents such as orders, deliveries, and invoices. Over time, my role evolved, and I started focusing more on the ERP module Sales & Distribution. After a few years, I moved to Luxembourg, where I expanded my expertise in logistics and procurement. Currently, my role has shifted towards management and system architecture, although I still enjoy and participate in the operational aspects.

Lately, you’ve put more focus on the automotive sector. What are the biggest challenges that specific sector faces today that ERP systems can help solve?

In the automotive sector, one of the primary challenges is operating with a minimal amount of stock while aiming for just-in-time and just-in-sequence production. ERP systems, like SAP, are addressing these challenges by helping with planning, warehousing, and logistics. It’s not an easy challenge to take on but once you manage to align the just-in-time and just-in-sequence parts in your ERP system, you almost reach perfection.

We all know that the ERP world is rapidly evolving. How is SAP responding to the continuous change of ERP in the automotive sector?

Transportation Management, initially not a part of SAP, is now embedded within SAP S4/HANA. This integration ensures timely arrival of parts by making the models adaptable and reliable, covering multiple options. Additionally, SAP is evolving in IoT and demonstrating its ability to respond effectively to the continuous changes in the automotive sector. So, I’m very excited to see how ERP is going to address the next years!

What are the most common mistakes companies make when implementing an ERP system?

A common mistake we see is that companies are treating an ERP implementation as solely an IT project rather than a comprehensive, global project. It’s crucial for IT and business teams to collaborate closely to achieve the best results. Unfortunately, this collaboration doesn’t always happen, leading to suboptimal outcomes. It’s important for companies to know that once you agree on implementing an ERP system, every team, whether it’s business, IT or another part of your company, is aligned and involved in the project.

 

“There are of course some critical factors we need to consider before we implement an ERP system. Adaptability and reliability for example are crucial for minimizing failures.”

Help us getting started in ERP. How do you approach a customized ERP system to meet the specific needs of an automotive company?

The first question we ask is: can we achieve this using standard SAP? If not, the next step is determining who needs to change—does the business need to adapt, or does the system? It’s an exercise that takes time but is certainly worth the effort. This discussion is crucial for making the right decision. It’s not always about developing the system further; sometimes, internal business changes are necessary to optimize the ERP system effectively.

Can you walk us through a typical ERP implementation process for an automotive company?

The steps you take to implement an ERP system in a company is quiet the same for every sector. The process begins with a thorough analysis of the business. Next, we create a blueprint that outlines the system’s structure and processes. This is followed by the implementation phase, where the system is set up according to the blueprint. After implementation, we move on to the testing phase to ensure everything functions correctly. Once testing is successfully completed, the system is ready to go live. It’s essential to test every aspect very well, because if something goes wrong, it could cost a lot of money.

What are the critical factors for a successful ERP implementation?

There are of course some critical factors we need to consider before we implement and ERP system. Adaptability and reliability for example are crucial for minimizing failures. Businesses can change very fast, so it’s important to customize the system to be adaptable for future needs. The amount of operations that are done are huge so you need to be reliable.

 

“AI can definitely have an impact on ERP systems, particularly in the maintenance of machinery. For example, it can predict when maintenance is needed and the company can plan accordingly.”

Can you share a case study or an example where an ERP implementation significantly improved an automotive company’s operations?

There are several examples. For instance, a European car manufacturer using SAP ERP managed to reduce their production time by 20%. That means that they gained 20% of time to put effort into other things. They became more efficient which made a huge impact on their business.

Another example is a Japanese supplier who achieved a 99.5% on-time delivery rate thanks to SAP ERP. These improvements made the company more profitable and allowed them to reduce the prices of their final products. It gives you great satisfaction to know that you have been part of a team that has been able to make this happen.

Let’s talk about the future: how do you see emerging technologies like AI influencing ERP systems in the automotive sector?

AI can definitely have an impact on ERP systems, particularly in the maintenance of machinery. For example, it can predict when maintenance is needed and the company can plan accordingly. AI also optimizes supply chain management and helps develop advanced algorithms. The capabilities of AI open up a new world of information and opportunities. Of course there are many more ways how AI can help in the automotive sector, but I think these are great examples to start with.

How is SAP using AI technology for the automotive sector?

Some companies are already using SAP IoT capabilities to streamline the production processes. They can achieve real time monitoring and predict maintenance of the machinery. I’ve never worked with it before, but I’m very interested in learning it.

What advice would you give to companies looking to invest in or upgrade their ERP systems?

For companies not currently using SAP, I recommend exploring the extensive possibilities SAP offers and consider moving to SAP S4/HANA, whether on cloud or on-premise. For those already using SAP, I advise upgrading annually or as frequently as possible. Regular upgrades keep the system up-to-date with the latest improvements.

Let’s go back to your own career. What do you enjoy most about working at Cubis Luxembourg?

What I enjoy most about working at Cubis Luxembourg is the trust I receive from the management team—Pedro, Jeroen, and Wim. It’s very encouraging and creates a positive work environment. There’s also room for innovation, which means we’re always adapting to new technologies. Additionally, we have a close relationship with our sister companies in Belgium, which is very nice. The flexibility, great atmosphere among colleagues, and the overall supportive environment make it a fantastic place to work and grow. It truly makes me happy to come to work every day.

Where do you see your career going in the next five to ten years?

I joined Cubis when it was a startup, with the intention of leaving my mark. Cubis has provided me with the opportunity to grow, and I hope to continue that growth in the coming years. My vision is for the company to keep expanding and becoming even more successful, allowing us all to achieve our full potential.

Why should someone apply for a job at Cubis Luxembourg?

Cubis offers a great working environment. It’s a fast growing company that makes your job meaningful. Here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and learn. The atmosphere is great, and the work-life balance is well-maintained. Additionally, we have a very good relationship with all of our customers. Overall this makes Cubis a great place to work!