The Implementation of SAP S/4HANA for the Optimization of the Quality Management System in a Metal Packaging Company

The metal packaging industry, particularly in the food sector, operates in an environment characterized by increasingly stringent regulatory, quality, and sustainability requirements. In this context, digital transformation through advanced ERP systems has become essential to ensure compliance and maintain long-term competitiveness. This thesis explores the implementation of SAP S/4HANA as a lever to optimize the Quality Management System (QMS) in a company specializing in coatings and inks for metal containers intended for contact with food. The study is based on a real case and analyzes how the migration from a fragmented legacy system (AS400) to SAP S/4HANA, with a focus on the Material Management (MM) module, can address operational inefficiencies, support regulatory compliance (ISO 9001, ISO 22000, REACH, FDA), and improve quality control processes. The analysis follows the five phases of the SAP Activate methodology (Prepare, Explore, Realize, Deploy, and Run), focusing on system configuration, process mapping, master data alignment, and Business Partner parameterization. The results indicate that the adoption of SAP S/4HANA has significantly improved the company's ability to manage complex production processes, ensure data accuracy, and strengthen traceability throughout the supply chain. Real-time access to quality key performance indicators (KPIs), automated audit documentation, and improved integration between departments have helped reduce errors and speed up decision-making. In addition, the transition has enabled the adoption of more sustainable practices, such as digital label management, VOC emissions monitoring, and alignment with MOCA and environmental regulations. Although innovation was not the initial goal of the ERP transformation, the results demonstrate that SAP S/4HANA has created a digital foundation that indirectly fosters innovation by providing better control, standardization, and data-driven decision-making. By integrating quality, compliance, and sustainability into a unified system, the project demonstrates how ERP platforms can serve as enablers of strategic transformation in highly regulated industries.