Month: February 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the mobility experience in corporate fleet management. A great example is the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and SAP where the companies are both customers and vendors to each other. Mercedes-Benz is using SAP solutions to digitalize its omnichannel buying experience, and SAP is the first customer using its own technology to manage the company’s vehicle fleet in Germany.

As longtime partners, SAP and Mercedes-Benz have a history of shared knowledge for mutual competitive advantage. The fleet management program is grounded in the companies’ similar business philosophies and product road maps.

Mercedes-Benz has committed to move the company’s B2B business to 100% digital and plans to sell 25% of all new cars online by 2025. The company selected SAP Commerce Cloud to help support this mission. It will create a future-proof composable commerce portfolio designed to reliably power the company’s digital strategy, including a standardized offering across different markets. It will also simplify processes and reduce time-to-market.

Benefits of Digitalized Fleet Management

From the SAP employee’s perspective, ordering a company EV couldn’t be simpler. Instead of time-consuming manual research and back and forth communication with the car dealer, employees can use the guided buying capability in SAP Ariba solutions to order the EV they want directly from the Mercedes-Benz online catalog. They can choose the features they want, such as car make and model, color, and equipment packages, within SAP’s pre-set guidelines.

“The car configurator automates the EV selection process end-to-end, eliminating manual steps and saving time while providing the employee with a highly personalized experience,” said Steffen Krautwasser, head of SAP’s global car fleet. “Automating the approval process assures data consistency and eliminates the need for manual quality checks.”

There’s a tremendous convenience factor in captured EV data as well. In one pilot program for select EVs in SAP’s fleet, the digital twin will automatically track mileage. Drivers will no longer need to manually enter mileage every time they recharge, and SAP can use this data to better manage the fleet.

Connected Data Drives Sustainable Business

Once ordered, EVs are tracked as assets in SAP’s financial system. After delivery, SAP Digital Vehicle Suite creates a digital twin that can capture relevant, secure data across the EV’s lifetime. SAP’s fleet management team can track CO2 emissions based on green energy usage, mileage, and the number of vehicles on the road. Krautwasser envisioned reporting this data to support the company’s global sustainability commitments.

“Performance data from the EV digital twin can help corporate fleet managers guide employees in choosing the best vehicle for their driving needs,” said Krautwasser. “Over time, drivers can better understand travel ranges between charges.” Data is expected to help address so-called range anxiety, alerting EV drivers when their vehicle needs a charge and, most important, where to recharge. Mercedes-Benz is investing in charging infrastructure to create an ecosystem that would be integrated with public and private charge point providers in the U.S., China, and Europe.

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability. Mercedes-Benz has committed to become carbon neutral by 2038, and transition to 100% electric vehicles by 2030 wherever possible. SAP is transitioning the company’s vehicle fleet for employees in Germany to all EVs by 2025 as part of its corporate commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Omnichannel Is Fastest Path to Customer Love

The digital experience is extremely important for customers who expect convenience and quality. Organizations in many industries have shifted to an omnichannel strategy that offers people their preferred experience, whether online or in-person, building brand loyalty and repeat business.

“We want to provide a seamless journey for employees as they research, select, purchase, and enjoy their vehicle,” said Krautwasser. “The most exciting part of our EV fleet management strategy is how we can use our knowledge to enhance the employee experience. Through data and digital services, we can get closer to our employees and act quickly based on their feedback, making improvements and introducing new offerings that keep us on top of trends and support SAP’s sustainability commitment.”

EVs represent a profound business model shift for the entire automotive supply chain as automakers sell direct to customers, provide digital services from vehicle data, and explore new revenue opportunities. It’s clear that Mercedes-Benz and SAP are going the distance for a sustainable and satisfying driving experience.

Susan Galer is a communications director at SAP. Follow her @smgaler.

Taco Bell blog

February in the U.S. is dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the history of Black Americans and celebrating their contributions to the economy, culture, arts and society. At Yum!, we are committed to making room for all people and voices at our tables, because we are most relevant when our people – at all levels – represent the customers and communities we serve.

Black History Month started off as a one-week celebration founded by Carter G. Woodson in February 1926. Fifty years later, the week was extended into a month dedicated to honoring Black American history.

This year’s nationwide Black History Month’s focus is African Americans and the Arts, detailing African American artistic and cultural movements.

To celebrate our Black team members and these communities, we will share some of their stories. Get ready to be inspired, get involved and continue learning and celebrating the culture and achievements of the Black community.
 

Jeff W. (He/Him) – Global Director of Cybersecurity

Jeff W. was born and raised in Greenville, Mississippi, one of the most economically disadvantaged states in the country. Growing up being one of 12 kids to a single parent, he faced many hardships early on.

“We had a lack of electricity, water, food and proper clothing. In addition, I was pitted against unfair societal biases as a Black child. As early as 8 years old, I experienced blatant name calling and neighborhood segregation.”

Jeff worked in the cotton fields of a plantation to help his family, and at the same time, he attended school where he excelled in academics.

“I was a skinny “undercover” nerd who didn’t want to be beat-up by the cool kids. I secretly made the National Honor Society, doing homework in study hall to avoid being seen taking books home to do homework.”

Just 3 weeks after graduating high school with honors, Jeff joined the U.S. Marine Corps. This was his steppingstone and badge of honor.

“I joined the U.S Marine Corps for a better life. I was deployed overseas multiple times and even shattered my left forearm due to an explosion. But through it all, I was chosen for several advance communication schools until I finally found my calling in Information Assurance (Cybersecurity). I left the Marines after 8 years to pursue a career in this field.”

Jeff was the first in his family to go to college and complete multiple degrees. Over the course of six years, he received his Associate’s, Bachelor’s and two Master’s in Networking Management and Information Security. At the same time, Jeff navigated parenthood as a single father to his now 23-year-old daughter and co-parenting his now 27-year-old Marine son.

After finishing his degrees, Jeff ended up in California where he took on the first-ever Cybersecurity role for L.A. Fitness. Not too long after, Jeff found his way to The Bell.

“When I first came to Taco Bell, my role was in Cybersecurity Architecture where I was responsible for the protection of our infrastructure and collaborating with business stakeholders to lessen the risk of vendors and technology implementations. After two years in that role, I was promoted to Global Director of Cybersecurity.”

Since coming to Taco Bell, Jeff has been able to re-ignite his passion for education and giving back which he had since high school. Besides his involvement in the Business Employee Resource Group Live Más T.A.A.C.O.S, Jeff is a mentor to two amazing individuals through the Cybersecurity Mentorship Program that he started in collaboration with the Taco Bell Service Desk. Outside of Taco Bell, Jeff takes pride in giving back to his community, especially during Black History Month.

“During this time, I celebrate by giving back to the younger generation in my family and friend circle and attending community events in the Long Beach and Los Angeles area. Black history is a story of strength, resilience, and perseverance. It’s a celebration of the struggles and triumphs of my community, a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, and a recognition of the rich contributions Black people have made to the world despite facing numerous adversities.”

Looking to the future, Jeff hopes to leave a positive impact on the Black community.

“I have “Learning” as one of my top 5 strengths, so I hope my legacy reflects a positive impact in the Black community, one that is based on empowering through knowledge, understanding, and continuing to help others achieve their goals.”