SIDF becomes first government entity to receive SAP Customer COE certification

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) has received the Primary Certification for Customer Center of Expertise (Customer COE) from global software company SAP SE, making SIDF the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first government entity to receive this prestigious recognition.

At the certificate handover ceremony, Bader Alsamdan VP of Corporate Services at SIDF, said: “This certification confirms the SIDF has its own Customer Center of Expertise with the knowledge, capabilities and network necessary to centrally drive continuous improvement and innovation. As part of the digital transformation journey, the SIDF has implemented a number of significant initiatives over the past year to digitally enable all business lines and maximize efficiency and value delivery to SIDF customers. This has been achieved by using advanced SAP technologies, such as cloud computing and business intelligence solutions, as well as by implementing an effective IT governance, continually optimizing IT operations and investing in knowledge and resource development.”

The Global Customer COE Program aims to establish Customer COEs that operate with maximum transparency and efficiency in the implementation, innovation, operation, and quality of SAP software solutions and services.

In order to earn Primary Certification for Customer COE, an entity must demonstrate its proficiency across five core functions: 

(1) Strategy, Governance and Organization

(2) Information and Knowledge

(3) Contract and License

(4) Continuous Success

(5) Supportability and Collaboration

Mohammed Alromaizan, Vice President of SAP Saudi Arabia, said of the certification, “Industrialization is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s diversified economic growth, and the continued SAP partnership with the SIDF is in line with our long-term support for public sector innovation and nationwide digital transformation. We congratulate the SIDF on this certification, which is a testament to its commitment to building its technological expertise with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation and success.”

The SIDF was established in 1974 to take the lead in implementing development policies and programs in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector. The SIDF assists industrial firms in overcoming challenges and succeeding in a rapidly expanding economy by providing medium- and long-term soft loans as well as technical, administrative, financial, and marketing consultancy services.