For a global real estate conglomerate like CDL, well-structured processes and the right technological platforms are not just operational tools but strategic assets.
Recognising this, we partnered with SAP and EY to embark on Project COMET in pre-pandemic 2020, an ambitious undertaking to implement leading-edge Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to make the leap from our legacy system to a complete, modular cloud ERP system.
This new system, comprising of SAP S/4 HANA Cloud, Ariba, and Kyriba, and powered by AI and analytics, would mark a significant milestone in our technological evolution.
Little did we know that Covid would soon reach our shores. Uncertainties abounded as workers were mandated to work from home, but our steering committee continued meeting virtually and kept the project moving forward.
CDL colleagues lent their strong support by performing system tests after completing their day’s work.
Despite many challenges, the team made good progress, and the project went ‘live’ in 2022, just 12 months after its initiation. By 2023, all teething issues had been effectively resolved, and the system was fully stabilised.
We achieved three key outcomes: enhanced efficiency through automating processes and reducing manual work; increased effectiveness with a faster month-end close and easier access to data and reports; and a simplicity that balances customisation with maintenance.
Project COMET has not only enabled a technology-driven future for CDL but has also significantly boosted our business transformation journey as we expand our global footprint.
The crowning achievement of this project is its trailblazing nature – CDL is proud to be the first real estate company in Singapore to implement such an advanced solution.
The name ‘Project COMET’ is indeed a fitting metaphor for our swift and luminous journey through those challenging times.