The SEB Group is an international group, a leader in small domestic equipment and professional coffee, with a turnover of 8 billion euros in 2023. It operates in more than 150 countries, with a portfolio of 40 brands and nearly 31,000 employees.
As part of the implementation of the ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) directive, leading to the widespread adoption of electronic invoicing, Althéa supported the SEB Group through the software vendor selection stages and the gap analysis for France, between the reform requirements and the SEB Group’s processes, data, and tools.
Many thanks to Laurence Kohler, E-invoicing Program PMO, and Thierry Page, Project Manager within the Finance Transformation Department, for their trust and feedback.
How did you hear about Althéa, and why did you trust them?
T. Page: Before this collaboration, we were not familiar with Althéa. Contact was established directly by Althéa’s founder, David Bellaiche, and the Finance Transformation Director.
L. Kohler: When we launched the tender, Althéa was put in competition with the Big Four. The approaches varied significantly between firms. We particularly appreciated Althéa’s ability to adapt to our needs with tailored pricing and a keen understanding of the points to be addressed. Their methodology was very structured and detailed, with a precise breakdown by phase. This included well-defined workshops and concrete content, which facilitated the internal mobilization of all stakeholders.
What was the scope of the intervention?
L. Kohler: The support was structured around three areas:
- A market screening.
- Development of the tender specifications and assistance in selecting the solution.
- A gap analysis for France, between the reform specifications and the Group’s processes, data, and tools.
Insight from Garri Goldberg
Four Althéa Senior Consultants & Managers were mobilized for the project. Althéa worked on key aspects such as defining the roadmap, developing the schedule, and establishing compliance prerequisites. They also assisted IT departments with PMO management and coordination to ensure aligned decisions on a European scale.
How did the engagement proceed?
L. Kohler: Very quickly, Garri Goldberg (Althéa Director in charge of the Finance & Procurement Transformation and Supply Chain teams) became our main point of contact. He worked on the proposal and introduced us to the team of managers and consultants. We greatly appreciated their concrete and pragmatic approach, and their high level of understanding of our challenges.
The schedule was respected with very few delays, and adjustments were made collaboratively. In early 2024, a manager worked full-time to support us in finalizing the software vendor selection.
The strengths of the intervention?
T. Page & L. Kohler:
- Personalized services.
- Proximity and an in-depth understanding of client challenges.
- Great agility in execution and attentive listening to our feedback.
The skills of the assigned teams facilitated the creation of trust. An end-of-mission survey revealed very positive feedback from our sponsors regarding the collaboration with Althéa.
Are you satisfied with the collaboration with Althéa? Would you recommend them?
T. Page & L. Kohler:
Yes, without a doubt. We are currently in phase 2, as the reform has evolved with new specifications, and we are renewing our trust in the firm.
Any advice for Althéa?
L. Kohler:
Maintain this client proximity despite the firm’s growth. The quality of the relationship is a precious asset to preserve.
Thank you again to the SEB Group for this feedback. At Althéa, we are very proud to support international groups on ambitious and complex transformation projects.
