Standardization with flexibility

Zimmer Biomet's flexible standardisation

Founded in 1927, Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in medical technology. They offer innovative implants and an ecosystem of digital technologies that support every stage of the patient journey, from pre surgical planning to rehabilitation.

30+

Years of strategic IT partnership

5X

Faster implementation of custom processes

100%

Automated support of critical customer processes

The challenge

As a global market leader, Zimmer Biomet made the strategic choice to standardise its IT landscape on the power of SAP and Salesforce. This is essential for consistency and scalability. However, this standardisation creates a paradox: how do you maintain the flexibility to quickly respond to specific, local business needs or unique customer processes not covered by the standard software? The challenge was not to replace the standard, but to enrich it without polluting the core with complex customisations.

The solution

For over 30 years, Compass RM has been an integral part of Zimmer Biomet's application landscape. Our role has evolved from building core applications to our current strategic function: acting as the intelligent, flexible shell around their standardised SAP and Salesforce core.

This is how we make the difference:

Agile development of customised processes: When a business team needs a specific process that the standard doesn't offer (e.g., a unique workflow for a new product or a specific questionnaire for a care pathway in a specific region), we don't build it in SAP, but as a separate, smart Compass component.
Seamless integration with the core: This Compass component integrates seamlessly and in real time with data from SAP and Salesforce via our Compass Mediatr platform. The component uses the single source of truth from the core systems, but operates as an independent, flexible service that doesn't disrupt the core.
Maintaining a clean core: This architecture is crucial. It allows Zimmer Biomet to keep their SAP core clean and standardised, significantly simplifying upgrades and maintenance and reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). We handle the complexity within our flexible shell.

The results

Our role as a strategic partner delivers continuous, measurable value that goes beyond a single project:

Strategic agility: Zimmer Biomet can now respond to new business demands up to 5x faster by deploying our flexible Compass components, without compromising the stability of their core systems.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Keeping the SAP and Salesforce core clean of customisations makes upgrades easier and less expensive, and reduces reliance on expensive, specialised ERP consultants.
Optimised customer journey: Critical, unique steps in the customer journey are 100% automated and supported, leading to more efficient processes and a better customer experience.
Sustainable partnership: Our 30 year partnership demonstrates a successful, symbiotic relationship where we grow and adapt to Zimmer Biomet's evolving strategy and technology roadmap.

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The proof

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