One of Malaysia's largest retail Pharmacy, BIG Caring Group, is set to transform its operations by implementing RISE with SAP on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This strategic move aims to create a unified, scalable, and cloud-based data platform that will integrate its retail operations across its extensive network of over 500 stores nationwide.
Looking back
The company's transformation journey began in 2019 when Caring Pharmacy, prior to its merger with BIG Pharmacy, encountered limitations with its on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. These limitations included capacity bottlenecks and complex data transformations, which hindered cross-divisional collaboration.
The merger between BIG Pharmacy and Caring Pharmacy in 2023 intensified the complexity of operations, presenting an opportunity to accelerate digital transformation efforts. The newly formed BIG Caring Group sought to integrate disparate systems into a secure, scalable, and agile cloud-based platform.
In emphasising the importance of this integration, BIG Caring Group's CIO, Ooh Chin Boon said: "Integrating our diverse retail operations onto a unified cloud platform is a crucial milestone for us.
Ooh Chin Boon
"We have selected RISE with SAP on AWS to help us access more accurate and comprehensive data across the entire group, so that we can respond with more agility to customer demands and supply chain volatility. This strengthens our capacity to deliver enhanced customer experiences and future proof our business." Ooh Chin Boon
Strategic shift to cloud innovation
The adoption of RISE with SAP on AWS will enable the company to consolidate data from its numerous stores and divisions into a single, unified platform in the cloud. By integrating critical business functions, the group anticipates improved operational efficiency through reduced manual processes, lower operating costs, and faster decision-making across all business units.
The deployment will also provide the company with enhanced flexibility and scalability, allowing it to adjust operations efficiently to meet changing customer demands and market conditions.
The future of pharmacy retail
With this strengthened digital foundation, BIG Caring Group aims to leverage emerging technologies, including generative AI and advanced predictive analytics, to set new standards in customer experience.
This includes optimising inventory management through real-time analytics, enhancing customer engagement with AI-driven personalized experiences, and achieving operational excellence by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and machine learning to refine supply chain operations.
"SAP Business AI is a huge enabler of automation and innovation for our customers, and being in the cloud is the first step to unlocking its full potential," said Vipin Chandran, Managing Director, SAP Malaysia.
On BIG Caring Group's decision to go with SAP, he added:
Vipin Chandran
"With the group’s massive scale of operations in the country, there is so much opportunity that we can uncover together and reimagine retail experiences in Malaysia." Vipin Chandran
