I recently had the opportunity to interview Robert Reuben, CEO of Proceed Group. In an era where data is both a critical asset and a growing challenge, he shared insights on how his organization helps companies optimize their data environments, overcome common obstacles, and prepare for the future.
Experts in SAP Data Management
“Proceed Group has been running SAP data management projects for over 20 years,” said Robert. With a proven track record, the company specializes in helping organizations downsize their systems through archiving, migrating unstructured data from on-premises systems to the cloud, and retaining legacy data without needing to retain legacy systems. “We help them make the smartest use of all the data they have in their organization and ensure it is ready for the future,” he explains.
The bigger picture: beyond technology
One of the biggest misconceptions about data archiving projects is that they are mostly about technology. Robert is quick to dispel this myth: “These projects are probably 20% technology, but 80% really understand the big picture.” This broader view encompasses legal and regulatory compliance, data retention rules that vary significantly by country and data type, and experience of critical success factors in data projects. “In some countries it is necessary to retain financial data for seven years; in others, 50 years,” he notes.
Equally critical is organizational commitment. Success depends on engaging the right stakeholders (from legal teams to functional departments) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of data requirements. “To make your project a success, you need to involve the right people in your organization,” Robert emphasizes.
Featured 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 internal project specialists over the past three years to optimize on-premises systems, archive data, and streamline migrations to the cloud. “It has been a real partnership as Howdens evolved its IT systems and adopted the latest SAP offerings,” he says.
Another notable project involved Dutch Rail, where Proceed Group implemented the SAP Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) solution to manage archived data. “We helped them implement archiving into their S/4HANA system and then provided additional support by moving old data to the ILM retention warehouse once each legacy ECC system was migrated,” explains Robert.
AI and the future of data management
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is transforming the way companies derive value from data. While archiving has historically been considered a “boring necessity,” its importance has increased with the shift to the cloud. “It’s a solution that offers a fantastic business case and a quick return on investment,” says Robert.
As organizations embark on AI initiatives, the focus is on 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 data in the organization,” he advises. “It makes perfect sense to ensure your data is ready for valuable insights by avoiding data silos and using the latest technology.”
First steps with the Proceed group
For organizations considering data archiving projects, Proceed Group offers a simple starting point. “Of course, chat with us,” says Robert. The company offers free initial consultations and assessments and personalized advice based on extensive experience. “In one hour we can cover a lot of ground, from helping clients understand how best to prepare for a project and avoid common mistakes, to reviewing their challenges in depth and advising them on options for how to address them,” he explains.
Proceed Group’s approach combines technical expertise with strategic vision, ensuring companies can address 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.”