Implementing and Evaluating SAP Solutions at the Union Pacific Railroad: MultiCriteria Decision Analysis Using the COPRAS Method

Union Pacific is making a transformational effort by adopting SAP solutions to improve its operations. The company is migrating its back-office systems to SAP S/4HANA Cloud with the aim of streamlining finance, sourcing, logistics, human resources and cost management. The transition will help reduce technical debt, simplify processes and improve decision-making through better data integration. In addition, Union Pacific is using SAP Transportation Management (TM) to improve logistics, focusing on improving freight movement, carrier management, bidding, tendering and invoicing, which is an operational Research significance: The integration of SAP Transportation Management (TM) and SAP S/4HANA cloud migration within Union Pacific delivers significant improvements in logistics optimization, operational efficiency, and decision-making. By using SAP TM, Union Pacific is improving freight movement, carrier management, bidding, tendering, and invoicing, directly improving the speed and accuracy of service delivery. This technology transformation allows suppliers to better manage supplier data and conduct smooth business transactions by providing training materials and support tools to help them register and manage their profiles within the SAP business network. Seamless data exchange ensures that supplier information is accurate and up-to-date, further facilitating efficient business operations. Methodology: The alternative options for infrastructure are SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Ariba, SAP Transportation Management, Mobile Plant Maintenance App, Supplier Registration and Training, and System Integration, Data Analytics and Reporting. The evaluation criteria Operational Efficiency, Data Integration and Accuracy, Implementation Costs, Disruption During Transition. Result: According to the results, Data Analytics and Reporting was ranked highest, while Mobile Plant Maintenance App was ranked lowest. Conclusion: Data Analytics and Reporting has the highest value for Union Pacific Railroad Company according to the COPRAS methods approach.