“By combining SAP Activate and SAFe, we combine a structured approach with Agile execution. This enables us to drive our SAP S/4HANA transformation forward in a planned, flexible, and effective manner across our complex business processes – in line with the Swiss public transport.”
— Toni Oberhofer, Program Manager at SBB
Overview
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is a joint stock company under special law with its registered office in Bern. Its public services include passenger services and rail infrastructure. It transports more than 1,390,000 people and 170,000 tonnes of freight to their destinations every day.
SBB connects people, goods and places, bringing millions of people together and linking up cities, cantons, and rural regions. Day in, day out, its connections are there for Switzerland. More than 35,000 employees make SBB the backbone of the public transport system and ensure that its customers reach their destination safely, reliably and on time.
SBB is facing a significant challenge in harmonizing processes across its employees and multiple value streams while implementing SAP S/4HANA applying a greenfield transformation approach. To tackle this complexity, SBB combines the structured methodology of SAP Activate with the agility and collaboration enabled by the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
Why SAP Activate and SAFe?
SAP Activate provides a structured delivery model, pre-configured tools for managing requirements, and accelerated delivery through automated regression testing and continuous deployment.
SAFe creates a common language, aligned processes, and fostered collaboration across teams. Its Lean-Agile principles enables SBB to adapt to evolving business needs.
Key Benefits to SBB
- Streamlined Delivery: SAP Activate’s delivery model ensured high-quality, efficient deployments. Continuous testing and deployment minimized errors and supported rapid implementation cycles.
- Enhanced Agility: SAFe enabled flexibility and faster responses to changing market demands. Teams were empowered to work more autonomously while maintaining alignment with overall goals.
- Strategic Alignment: Enterprise Portfolio Management harmonized processes across divisions, reduced resource duplication, and maximized value delivery.
- Managed Complexity: Value nodes and a 30-week tactical planning approach optimized decision-making, ensuring smooth collaboration across value streams.
- Culture of Collaboration: Foundational training in SAFe and SAP Activate for the whole workforce. Collaboration patterns for planning and execution established across different value streams.
Results of the business transformation with SAP and SAFe
In June 2023, S/4 SBB celebrated its first successful go-live, becoming Switzerland’s largest SAP S/4HANA transformation. In January 2025, two more divisions went live with the new SAP solution. Those milestones highlighted how the integration of SAP Activate and SAFe accelerates value delivery, enhances agility, and ensures seamless system integration.
By leveraging these complementary approaches, SBB not only modernized their ERP systems but also strengthened their ability to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in the fast-evolving transportation industry.
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