Reduced system downtimes and increased availability with Google Cloud’s SAP-certified VMs on Compute Engine
Cost-effective scalability for SAP workloads with memory-optimized VMs, tailored for S/4HANA and R3/HANA systems
Real-time data-driven decisions enabled by BigQuery
Seamless global collaboration supported by Google Workspace
Agile regulatory compliance with Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure
Lorenz Snack World, a German snack producer, migrated its SAP systems to Google Cloud to support growth and meet regulatory requirements. This transition has improved operational efficiency and enabled seamless global collaboration.
Lorenz Snack World, a German snack producer, migrated its SAP systems to Google Cloud to support growth and meet regulatory requirements. This transition has improved operational efficiency and enabled seamless global collaboration.
Laying the foundation for scalable growth
As a leading producer of salty snacks with a presence in over 80 countries, Lorenz Snack World faced increasing operational demands and regulatory complexities. The company’s shared services division, led by Carsten Korthaus, recognized the need to modernize their IT infrastructure to sustain growth, streamline processes, and navigate new regulatory landscapes. Migrating their systems to Google Cloud marked a pivotal moment in Lorenz’s transformation journey.
“We’ve seen consistent growth over the past few years, and despite economic challenges, people don’t stop snacking,” says Korthaus. “However, we needed to modernize our IT systems to support this growth and to ensure we could adapt quickly to the regulatory changes we face.”
We needed to modernize our IT systems to support this growth and to ensure we could adapt quickly to the regulatory changes we face.
Carsten Korthaus
Managing Director of Lorenz Shared Services
Migrating SAP to Google Cloud: The cornerstone of Lorenz’s transformation
At the heart of Lorenz’s cloud migration was the decision to move its critical SAP systems to Google Cloud, a strategic step designed to improve operational efficiency, reduce system downtimes, and enhance security. This large-scale migration included multiple SAP system landscapes, covering key business functions such as HR and ERP.
"In collaboration with our partner Public Cloud Group, we executed a lift-and-shift migration of our SAP systems, moving from an outsourced managed services to Google Cloud," explains Korthaus. "One of the biggest advantages we’ve experienced is the significant reduction in downtimes and the flexibility that Google Cloud provides, allowing us to scale resources dynamically to meet business needs."
Lorenz utilized SAP-certified Compute Engine VMs optimized for large SAP workloads such as R3/HANA and S/4HANA systems. By managing resource allocation for its SAP systems, this enables precise scaling during peak demand periods. This transition has improved overall system performance, particularly during critical business operations such as production planning and order processing.
One of the biggest advantages we’ve experienced is the significant reduction in downtimes and the flexibility that Google Cloud provides, allowing us to scale resources dynamically to meet business needs.
Carsten Korthaus
Managing Director, Lorenz Shared Services
"The flexibility and scalability of Google Cloud mean we can efficiently handle peaks in demand, which are common in our industry during the holiday season. With Google Cloud, we can optimize resource usage and ensure continuous availability, which wasn’t possible with our previous provider," Korthaus adds.
Optimized demand forecasting and improved operational efficiency
In addition to migrating SAP systems to SAP-certified VMs on Compute Engine, Lorenz leverages a wide range of Google Cloud services to support its operations. Compute Engine provides the robust infrastructure necessary for running SAP workloads such as S/4HANA and R3/HANA, supporting optimal performance, scalability, and compliance with SAP standards.
Collaboration is key for us, especially when working across borders. Google Workspace has been instrumental in enabling real-time collaboration between our teams in Germany, Poland, and beyond.
Carsten Korthaus
Managing Director, Lorenz Shared Services
For non-SAP workloads, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is used to manage containerized applications, offering precise resource allocation and efficient scaling during peak periods. Additionally, App Engine supports the development and deployment of custom applications, enhancing Lorenz’s ability to innovate and adapt to evolving business needs.
Beyond infrastructure, BigQuery plays a central role in analyzing vast amounts of data, enabling Lorenz to optimize demand forecasting and make data-driven decisions. Meanwhile, Google Workspace facilitates seamless collaboration across departments and regions, improving operational efficiency and supporting global teams.
"One of the critical aspects of our digital transformation has been our ability to process and analyze data in real-time using BigQuery," Korthaus explains. "This allows us to make more informed decisions, particularly around production planning, logistics and sales data."
To enhance collaboration across its global teams, Lorenz has fully integrated Google Workspace, enabling employees to collaborate seamlessly across departments and regions. This transition has significantly improved operational efficiency by reducing reliance on legacy systems like shared drives and introducing innovative generative AI tools. The integration of Gemini for Workspace has further transformed collaboration, allowing employees to leverage AI-powered features such as automated insights, smarter document creation, and real-time translation capabilities.
One notable feature, translated live captions, has enabled more inclusive and effective communication during meetings, particularly for teams working across different languages. This adaptation of GenAI tools within Google Workspace highlights the commitment of Lorenz to fostering innovation and improving productivity across its global operations.
"Collaboration is key for us, especially when working across borders. Google Workspace has been instrumental in enabling real-time collaboration between our teams in Germany, Poland, and beyond," says Korthaus.
Tackling regulatory challenges with Google Cloud
Lorenz’s migration to Google Cloud has also been crucial in helping the company navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. With the introduction of new regulations like e-invoicing in Germany and Poland, and the NIS2 directive from the EU, Lorenz needed an agile solution that could adapt to these legal requirements.
"Google Cloud’s infrastructure has been vital in ensuring we stay compliant with new regulations. It allows us to quickly adapt to changes and meet our legal obligations, particularly around invoicing and data security," Korthaus notes.
Google Cloud’s infrastructure has been vital in ensuring we stay compliant with new regulations. It allows us to quickly adapt to changes and meet our legal obligations, particularly around invoicing and data security.
Carsten Korthaus
Managing Director, Lorenz Shared Services
Leveraging AI to improve the customer experience
Looking ahead, Lorenz plans to take full advantage of Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to further enhance operations. The company is already deploying Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform to support its AI-driven initiatives, including chatbot agents and product recommendation systems. This will allow Lorenz to deliver more personalized experiences to its customers and optimize marketing efforts.
"We’ve started rolling out Gemini-powered AI chatbots, and we’re excited about how AI can help us offer the right products to the right customers at the right time," Korthaus says. "This is just the beginning of our journey with AI, and we see tremendous potential for growth in this area."
We’ve started rolling out Gemini-powered AI chatbots, and we’re excited about how AI can help us offer the right products to the right customers at the right time.
Carsten Korthaus
Managing Director, Lorenz Shared Services
Lorenz Snack World is a leading German producer of savory snacks, known for its high-quality products exported to over 80 countries. The company continuously innovates to deliver a unique consumer experience while meeting growth and sustainability demands.
Industry: Manufacturing
Location: Germany
Products: Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, Google Workspace, Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform
About Google Cloud partner — Public Cloud Group
Public Cloud Group (PCG) specializes in implementing Google Cloud solutions, providing expert services in cloud migration, application development, and managed services. As a certified Google Cloud partner, PCG supports businesses in leveraging Google Cloud’s infrastructure to drive digital transformation.
