What if one controversial decision could catapult a company from the shadows of outdated technology into the limelight of innovation? That's exactly what IMA (Ichimura Sangyo)—a global heavyweight in textiles and chemicals and a proud subsidiary of Toray Industries—has done.
After over a decade chained to SAP's legacy systems, IMA found itself hamstrung by technology that couldn't keep pace with today's lightning-fast business environment. So, they made a daring move: they bid farewell to SAP and embraced Tailor, a cutting-edge, headless ERP system that's turning industry norms on their head.
But why Tailor? How did IMA's exhaustive search through over 100 vendors culminate in this game-changing choice?
This isn't just a tale about swapping software. It's a gripping story of shattering conventions, choosing innovation over tradition, and how IMA is not just keeping up with the future—but fearlessly forging it.
SAP has long been the go-to solution for many businesses, but for IMA, the system was no longer delivering. Two key issues stood in the way:
Lack of Flexibility: As the world changed, so too did the needs of businesses. SAP’s inability to evolve with the times, particularly during moments of crisis like the pandemic, became a critical concern. Even with add-ons, upgrading SAP was expensive and time-consuming. Internal debates about the cost of these upgrades often delayed improvements until it was simply too late. Tailor’s promise of a “non-obsolescent” system, designed to stay up-to-date with minimal cost, felt like a breath of fresh air. The company needed a system that could keep pace with the business environment, and Tailor’s flexibility checked that box.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach: When IMA first implemented SAP, their textile division dominated profits. The system was tailored to fit that business, leaving the company’s growing chemical products division underserved. SAP’s inability to support the unique needs of both divisions created operational silos and drove up costs.
With Tailor’s headless design, IMA could unify their backend while customizing the frontend for each business segment. This was exactly the kind of tailored solution they were looking for—a system that could serve both divisions without creating unnecessary friction.
When IMA’s CEO challenged the team to envision the next generation of their ERP system, they embarked on a six-month journey, researching over 100 products and vendors. The findings were stark: Japanese ERP vendors had stagnated, while foreign solutions had become prohibitively expensive for all but the largest enterprises.
In the final selection round, IMA considered several major players, including SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Netsuite, and low-code platforms like GeneXus and OutSystems. Ultimately, Tailor emerged as the clear winner for two key reasons:
Real-Time 2-Way Data Integration: For IMA, the future lies in real-time data integration. While many vendors still rely on outdated methods like CSV integration, Tailor was built with APIs at its core, ensuring seamless and future-proof data connectivity. This capability was non-negotiable for IMA, especially as they look to scale their operations.
Trust and Expertise: Successful ERP implementations are not just about the technology; they’re about the people behind the system. IMA’s experience with systems integrators taught them that the success or failure of a project often comes down to the skill of the team involved. When they met with Yo from Tailor, it became clear that the Tailor team had both the technical expertise and the enthusiasm necessary for a successful partnership. This trust, combined with Tailor’s proven skill set, made them stand out from the competition.
While the project is still in progress, IMA is already seeing significant benefits. Long-standing issues that SAP couldn’t solve are finally being addressed. Thanks to Tailor’s support, IMA's internal teams have been able to break down these problems, identify the root causes, and prioritize solutions.
The trust and collaboration between IMA and Tailor’s team have fostered a positive atmosphere within the company. Employees who were once bogged down by system inefficiencies are now energized by the progress being made, and there’s a real sense of optimism about what’s to come.
At the core of this project is IMA’s vision for true digital transformation (DX). Too often, companies mistake IT upgrades for transformation, focusing on operational efficiency without addressing broader business goals. IMA is determined not to make this mistake.
Their goal with Tailor is to create a system that not only improves internal processes but also contributes directly to business expansion. One key area they plan to address is expanding their sales channels. While IMA currently operates as a B2B company, they see enormous potential in linking their system to platforms like MonotaRO to tap into the growing DIY trend and the D2C (direct-to-consumer) model. By expanding their reach to individual contractors and end-users, IMA hopes to create new revenue streams and future-proof their business.
Additionally, as the market becomes increasingly competitive, IMA knows they can no longer rely solely on product differentiation. Instead, they are focusing on improving the overall quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) for their partners. By leveraging Tailor to gather and analyze vast amounts of data, they aim to turn insights into action, delivering valuable information to their partners and improving their services.
IMA’s decision to move from SAP to Tailor is more than just a system upgrade; it’s a bold step toward true digital transformation. With Tailor’s flexible, future-proof design, IMA is poised to not only streamline their operations but also expand their business in new and exciting ways.
As the project moves forward, IMA is confident that Tailor will help them stay ahead of the curve, enabling them to respond to market demands, improve internal processes, and drive business growth. For IMA, this isn’t just about IT—it’s about building a system that supports their vision for the future.
By focusing on long-term goals, trusting in their team, and embracing a system designed to evolve, IMA is setting the stage for success in a fast-changing world. And as more businesses look to modernize their operations, IMA’s journey with Tailor offers valuable insights into what’s possible with the right ERP solution.
Ready to revolutionize your own business? Explore how Tailor can transform your operations, too. Visit Tailor.Tech and book a demo today to see how our future-proof ERP system can drive your business forward.
