I recently had the opportunity to interview Robert Reuben, Managing Director of Proceed Group. In an era where data is both a critical asset and a growing challenge, he shared insights into how his organization helps businesses optimize their data landscapes, overcome common pitfalls, and prepare for the future.
Experts in SAP Data Management
“Proceed Group have been running SAP data management projects for over 20 years,” Robert noted. With a proven track record, the company specializes in helping organizations reduce the size of their systems through archiving, migrate unstructured data from on-premise systems to the cloud, and retain legacy data without needing to keep the legacy systems. “We help them make the smartest use of all the data they have across their organization and ensure it’s ready for the future,” he explains.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond Technology
One of the most significant misconceptions about data archiving projects is that they are primarily about technology. Robert quickly dispels this myth: “These projects are probably 20% technology, but 80% is really understanding the bigger picture.” This broader view encompasses legal and regulatory compliance, data retention rules which vary significantly by country and data type, and experience of the critical success factors in data projects. “In some countries, you need to keep financial data for seven years; in others, it’s 50 years,” he notes.
Equally critical is organizational engagement. Success hinges on involving the right stakeholders—from legal teams to functional departments—to ensure a comprehensive understanding of data requirements. “To make a success of your project, you have to engage the right people in your organization,” Robert emphasizes.
Highlight Projects: From Howdens to Dutch Rail
Robert’s favorite projects demonstrate Proceed Group’s ability to deliver long-term value. At Howdens, the team worked with in-house specialists in projects over the last three years to optimize on-premise systems, archive data, and streamline cloud migrations. “It’s been a true partnership as Howdens have evolved their IT systems and adopted SAP’s latest offerings” he says.
Another standout project involved Dutch Rail, where Proceed Group implemented the SAP Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) solution to manage archived data. “We helped them implement archiving on their S/4HANA system, and then further supported them by moving older data to ILM’s Retention Warehouse once each legacy ECC system was migrated,” explains Robert.
AI and the Future of Data Management
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses derive value from data. While archiving has historically been seen as a “boring necessity”, its importance has grown with the shift to cloud. “It’s a solution that offers a fantastic business case and a fast payback,” Robert asserts.
As organizations embark on AI initiatives, the focus is shifting toward making all data—whether in legacy systems, data warehouses, or other platforms—accessible and usable. “Make sure those data scientists have access to all the organization’s data,” he advises. “It makes a lot of sense to ensure your data is ready for valuable insights by avoiding data silos and using the latest technology.”
Getting Started with Proceed Group
For organizations considering data archiving projects, Proceed Group offers a straightforward starting point. “By all means, have a chat with us,” says Robert. The company provides free initial consultations and assessments, and tailored advice based on extensive experience. “In an hour we can cover a lot of ground, from helping customers understand how best to prepare for a project and avoid common pitfalls, reviewing their challenges in depth, and advising the options for how they can be addressed” he explains.
Proceed Group’s approach combines technical expertise with a strategic vision, ensuring businesses can tackle today’s data challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. As Robert sums it up: “Our priority is customer success, and it’s always a pleasure when those customers come back to us with their next challenge.”
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