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With the introduction of SAP S/4HANA, the Heinemann Bros. faced the challenge of redesigning the mapping of excise duties. The previously used solution from SAP Beverage was no longer available, so a new, powerful and future-proof solution was required.
As part of the project, seven countries with up to eleven different tax types and packaging levies were integrated. These complex tax structures are now mapped using the GQS@taxsolution , which processes a total of 73 combinations of tax and levy types and regions.
The scale of the project is impressive: over 200,000 material movements per day and more than 100 million document items per year have to be recorded and evaluated correctly for tax purposes. Every perfume packaging and every whisky bottle generates its own booking item that flows into the system.
Another key requirement was the integration of the EMCS interface, as around 50% of all relevant documents have to be reported via this system.
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Countries
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Tax & types of levy
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Combinations
Special challenges
Ambitious timeframe for complex project
The implementation of the project faced considerable challenges, particularly due to the tight schedule. Only ten months remained from the start of the project to go-live – an ambitious deadline for the implementation of such a complex solution.
Diverse tax requirements mapped in GQS@tax
A key challenge was mapping 73 combinations of tax types and countries using GQS@tax. Each country has specific legal requirements and calculation logic that had to be implemented precisely in order to ensure error-free tax calculation. It was particularly challenging to take into account the different requirements of the tax warehouses in the various countries.
Time-critical EMCS interface newly developed
In addition, the EMCS interface to SAP GTS (SAP Global Trade Services, a platform for managing all customs and foreign trade processes) had to be developed from scratch. The EMCS processes are highly time-critical: when deliveries are loaded, there are often only a few minutes to obtain the official approvals and create the necessary documents. Any error can cause delays or even delivery blocks, which is why all possible sources of error had to be identified and eliminated in advance.
On-schedule implementation despite challenges
Despite these challenges, the project was implemented on schedule. The successful implementation ensures that Gebr. Heinemann can also guarantee efficient and legally compliant processing of excise duties in the new SAP S/4HANA environment.
We knew that the project was a huge task. But we quickly realized that we had the right partner in GQS.
Andreas Hartman
Head of SAP Process Solutions, Gebr. Heinemann
Why GQS@tax and the team were the ideal solution
GQS@tax as a key technology in the project
The choice of GQS@tax proved to be the key to success in mastering the complex requirements. GQS@tax is not only capable of technically mapping individual tax warehouses, but also takes entire economic areas into account. This means that country-specific regulations and cross-border tax processes can be managed efficiently.
Flexible architecture for cross-border control logic
The modular structure of GQS@tax enabled uniform management and reuse of customizing settings for different tax types and countries. Instead of developing each tax logic from scratch, only what was actually different had to be adapted. An impressive example of this flexibility was the smooth integration of the new sugar tax in the Netherlands – an additional milestone that was implemented almost unnoticed during the project.
Agile project approach as a success factor
GQS’s agile project methodology was also a key success factor. The ability to make decisions quickly, set clear priorities and react flexibly to challenges was a perfect match for the ambitious requirements of the project.
Voices from the GQS project team
Michaela Rickers
Andreas Unger
Sebastian Lindig
Michaela Rickers
Despite the extreme time pressure, we were able to get the project across the finish line very successfully. The project was also a challenge for our GQS@tax product because we had to process a very large number of combinations of taxes and countries. We were able to show that we can also map special requirements such as a “cigarette paper tax” quickly and efficiently.
Michaela Rickers
Senior Consultant GQS@tax
Andreas Unger
This project was a real challenge – complex, intensive and a balancing act right from the start. What kept us going was the team spirit, the trust and the common will to succeed. The smooth go-live was the best proof of this.
Andreas Unger
Product Owner GQS@tax, Project Manager
Sebastian Lindig
It was a knife-edge ride – but together we brought the ship safely into port. Thanks to strong teamwork, open discussions and tireless commitment, even when debugging directly on site, we overcame every challenge. A strong team with real cohesion – even when the evenings got longer.
Sebastian Lindig
Developer GQS@tax
Gebr. Heinemann - Pioneer in Travel Retail
Gebr. Heinemann is a leading global family-owned travel retail company based in Hamburg. Since its foundation in 1879, the company has developed from a regional retailer into a global player operating both as a retailer and wholesaler.
With over 230 stores at airports, on cruise ships and in border regions, as well as an extensive wholesale network, Heinemann Bros. supplies customers in more than 100 countries. The product range includes exclusive perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco products, confectionery and fashion.
Thanks to its many years of experience, innovative strength and strong partnerships with international brands, Heinemann Bros. sets standards in duty-free and travel retail.