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2026 Case Study from Suzuki New Zealand

Suzuki New Zealand, part of a global automotive brand, faced a familiar challenge for many small-to-mid-sized enterprises: how to modernise HR and payroll processes while staying aligned with global systems. With a mandate to remain within the SAP ecosystem, the team initially explored SAP SuccessFactors—but quickly found it wasn’t suited to their lean local operation. They needed something more right-sized, without compromising capability.

LagomHR, Lagom Group’s HRIS and payroll template solution built for the SAP ecosystem, provided that balance of affordability and functionality  with all the flexibility of SAP SuccessFactors platform.

Before implementation, Suzuki NZ struggled with limited visibility and inefficient processes. Leave management was particularly problematic. Managers had little transparency over employee balances, often approving leave that pushed entitlements into negative territory. Reporting was manual and time-consuming, and HR lacked the flexibility to generate insights independently. As one team member put it, “W-e were processing payroll and HR blind prior to LagomHR.”

The goal was clear: introduce transparency, enable employee self-service, and streamline payroll and HR operations.

LagomHR delivered on all fronts. Employees can now view their own leave balances, submit requests, and plan ahead—reducing administrative overhead and improving accountability. Managers benefit from a simple approval workflow, backed by accurate, real-time data. Meanwhile, HR has gained the ability to run reports using their own metrics, manage employee data more effectively, and handle on-boarding, off-boarding, and performance reviews within a single system.

From a payroll perspective, the impact has been measurable. Suzuki NZ reduced payroll processing time by 12% and cut error rates by 10%, creating a more reliable and efficient operation.

The implementation journey wasn’t without challenges. Early training leaned heavily on observation rather than hands-on experience, and the first live payroll cycle surfaced issues, including bank file errors. However, Lagom’s support team responded quickly and collaboratively. Key team members worked closely with Suzuki NZ to resolve issues in real time, ensuring continuity and building trust. In another instance, when leave balances became inconsistent, Lagom identified and fixed the issue swiftly.

This level of responsiveness has been a defining factor in the partnership. Lagom’s ability to deliver across the full lifecycle—implementation, product fit, and ongoing support—aligned closely with Suzuki NZ’s needs and expectations, particularly given the influence of their Japanese headquarters on systems and values.

Looking ahead, Suzuki NZ plans to expand its SAP ecosystem further, with Concur for travel and expense management on the roadmap. With LagomHR as a foundation, they are confident in their ability to scale efficiently while maintaining operational clarity.

For SMEs in New Zealand seeking a practical, SAP-aligned HRIS and payroll solution, Suzuki NZ’s experience highlights a key takeaway: the right system isn’t just about features—it’s about fit, visibility, and having a partner who can support you every step of the way.