- Location
- Canada
- Industry
- Agribusiness, Food Products, Meat Processing, Retail
- Solutions
- SAP SuccessFactors
How Olymel Modernized HR and Payroll Without Disrupting Business Operations
Successful HR transformation is about more than implementing new technology. It requires balancing business continuity, employee experience, and operational excellence while preparing for future growth.
For Olymel, one of Canada's leading food processing companies, that meant modernizing HR, payroll, time, and workforce management across a vast, multi-site operation in Canada, without disrupting day-to-day operations. Facing the limitations of highly customized legacy systems and increasing regulatory, operational, and workforce expectations, Olymel needed more than a technology upgrade — it required a scalable, future-ready foundation.
Together, Olymel and Rizing HCM, a Wipro company, delivered an enterprise-wide modernization program that achieved 100% of the planned scope, on time, within budget, and with more than 99% issue resolution during hypercare.
Here's how the journey unfolded.
100%
of planned scope
99%+
issue resolution in hypercare
37
system integrations
Putting People at the Center of Transformation
Operating in a highly regulated environment, Olymel set out to improve how employees interact with HR services while modernizing critical payroll, time, and benefits processes.
The organization also wanted to strengthen data accuracy, enhance compliance, and create a better employee experience, all while ensuring payroll remained uninterrupted.
As Philippe De Villers, Senior Director, Business Practices Human Capital, Talent and Culture at Olymel, explained: "It wasn't only about technology. It was about how our people experience HR services on a daily basis." He added: "When we think of employee pay, there's nothing more important. It needed to be done right."
Navigating Enterprise Complexity
Behind the HR transformation was a highly complex technology initiative. Olymel was replacing customized legacy systems built on the AS/400 platform while integrating with SAP S/4Hana and numerous downstream applications. In total, the program included approximately 37 integrations across the enterprise.
As Michelle Demers, Vice President of Information Technology at Olymel, shared: "This wasn't just an HR project. It was a core enterprise transformation with significant IT accountability."
The objectives were clear:
- Deliver a stable, secure, and scalable solution
- Replace legacy HR and payroll systems
- Integrate seamlessly with SAP S/4HANA and connected applications
- Meet an aggressive implementation timeline
A Partnership Built on Trust
Managing a program of this scale required more than technical capabilities. It required a partner who could combine structured delivery with the flexibility to adapt as the project evolved.
Working closely with Olymel's HR and IT teams, Rizing aligned project execution with the organization's business priorities, operating model, and culture.
According to Olymel, that collaborative approach made all the difference.
"Their team earned our trust and respect through disciplined execution, responsiveness, and a genuine understanding of our people, the way we operate, and our culture."
— Philippe De Villers
Michelle Demers also highlighted the team's delivery approach.
"Rizing brought a very structured yet flexible delivery approach. Their methodology emphasized strong governance and close collaboration between functional and technical teams."
— Michelle Demers
As the engagement progressed, Rizing continuously refined the project team to ensure the right expertise and working style aligned with Olymel's evolving needs.
Delivering with Confidence
To support Olymel's ambitious timeline, Rizing brought specialized expertise across SAP SuccessFactors, WorkForce Software, and enterprise integrations.
That experience proved essential given the scale and complexity of the program.
"They had deep expertise across SAP SuccessFactors, payroll, WorkForce Software, and integrations, which was critical given the roughly 37 integrations involved." — Michelle Demers
The result was a successful implementation that maintained quality while moving at pace.
Measurable Results
As Michelle Demers summarized: "The results speak for themselves."
The project delivered:
- 100% of planned project scope
- Delivery on schedule
- Delivery within budget
- More than 99% issue resolution during hypercare
- A successful transition to ongoing operations
For the business, the impact extended well beyond implementation.
Olymel now benefits from:
- Centralized HR data
- More consistent HR processes
- Increased automation
- Improved data accuracy
- Stronger compliance
- Enhanced employee experience
- A scalable operating model that supports future growth
A Foundation for What's Next
Looking back, Olymel's leaders agree that the project's greatest success was not simply delivering a new system. It was creating a strong foundation for the future.
As Philippe De Villers shared: "They didn't only deliver a system. They really helped us build a sustainable model that continues to evolve as our business grows."
Michelle Demers echoed that perspective. "From an IT standpoint, it was a well-governed, well-executed program and a partnership we trust."
Their experience demonstrates that successful HR modernization is built on more than technology. It requires trusted collaboration, proven delivery, and a shared commitment to long-term business outcomes.
Ready to Modernize Your HR Landscape?
Whether you're planning to modernize SAP SuccessFactors, payroll, workforce management, or your broader HR technology ecosystem, the right partner can help you move forward with confidence.
At Rizing and Wipro, we combine deep SAP expertise with proven delivery methodologies to help organizations navigate complex HR modernization initiatives and achieve lasting business value.
Connect with our experts to discuss your HR transformation goals and discover how we can help you build a future-ready HR ecosystem.