Ctac helps STICHD build stable SAP data flows with SAP Datasphere

After a challenging SAP S/4HANA implementation with another implementation partner, STICHD needed stability and confidence in its data. Ctac stepped in and structurally improved the organisation’s SAP data flows using SAP Datasphere. 

STICHD is part of the PUMA Group and operates behind the scenes for a strong portfolio of brands, clubs and teams. From fashion essentials for PUMA, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and HEAD to fanwear for Manchester City, McLaren and Aston Martin. STICHD ensures products reach the right destination, whether that’s retail stores, online shops or sporting events.

In an environment like this, reliable data is essential. Inventory levels, customer information and other SAP data feed dozens of business-critical systems. With SAP Datasphere, Ctac helped STICHD make these data flows more stable, scalable and easier to manage. The result: fewer errors, greater confidence in the data and more peace of mind across the organisation

Data as a source of uncertainty

STICHD operates across multiple business models. In addition to its B2B activities in fashion essentials and fanwear, the company also manages e-commerce, online shops, retail stores and on-site merchandise sales at major sporting events. To support this growth, STICHD migrated from a legacy Microsoft ERP environment to SAP S/4HANA at the end of 2023.

The implementation, carried out by another implementation partner, proved challenging. In particular, the data flows from SAP to the wider application landscape caused significant issues. “We rely on SAP data to feed the rest of our application landscape,” says Daan Damhuis, Manager Data & Analytics at STICHD. “If that data doesn’t flow properly, it has an immediate impact on the business.”

The existing solution was not stable enough. Updates did not always come through, data loads failed, and correcting issues was time-consuming. In some cases, SAP itself had to be involved to reset processes. “There was always something going wrong,” Daan recalls. “If there wasn’t an error showing up in the monitoring, we almost assumed the monitoring itself was broken.”

When STICHD started looking for a structural solution to its data challenges, Ctac was the logical choice. “We wanted to move away from the existing tooling”, says Daan. “Our question to Ctac was open: what options are there to solve this? We did not want a quick fix. We wanted stability, calm and confidence back.”

Ctac recommended SAP Datasphere. The solution aligned with SAP’s direction and with STICHD’s hybrid landscape, where SAP data also needs to be available for Microsoft Azure and other systems.

SAP Datasphere as a stable foundation for data flows

Ctac and STICHD started with a Proof of Concept to answer one key question: could they reliably extract the right data from SAP and securely deliver it to STICHD’s wider application landscape? STICHD already had extensive expertise in Microsoft technologies, particularly Azure. Ctac contributed its deep SAP expertise, creating a clear division of responsibilities. “Ctac made sure the data was extracted securely from SAP and delivered to us,” says Daan. “From there, we transformed and distributed that data to the systems that depend on it.”

SAP Datasphere was implemented as a reliable bridge between SAP S/4HANA and STICHD’s broader data landscape. During the first phase of the project, the most business-critical data extractions were migrated, and the impact quickly became visible. Data flows became stable, processes ran more smoothly, and the business gained greater confidence in both reporting and operational processes. “The question used to be: can we trust this data?” says Daan. “Now we’re having conversations about the business again and looking ahead. That’s a huge difference.”

The project also transformed the day-to-day work of the Data & Analytics team. Instead of constantly responding to disruptions, the team now has the space to start the day as intended. “One of my colleagues came back from holiday and was actually able to tell us about his trip first,” says Daan. “Before, he would have had to jump straight into firefighting. That really says it all.” 

The collaboration continues today. Ctac now supports STICHD across a broader range of SAP services, both technical and functional, and is also responsible for managing the SAP Datasphere environment. “During the project, we deliberately made some pragmatic decisions to keep things moving,” says Daan. “Given the urgency, those were the right choices at the time. Now we’re working together to optimise those solutions further. That’s how we continue to build on what we’ve achieved.”

Gain insight into SAP data extraction early

STICHD’s key takeaway is simple: don’t underestimate SAP data extraction. Especially if you’re moving from a non-SAP ERP environment to SAP S/4HANA while continuing to operate a broad application landscape.

“If you’re coming from a non-SAP environment, make sure you understand the available options before you start,” says Daan. “Looking back, we would have benefited from having a deeper understanding of SAP data extraction much earlier in the project.”