Florian’s SAP career: How he is advancing the cloud business at valantic in Austria

Florian Steinwendtner

Hello, my name is Florian Steinwendtner. I come from Upper Austria, am currently Head of SAP Cloud Advisory and also head the logistics team at valantic Austria. In my private life, I am the father of almost four children - number four is currently on the way - and I like to spend my free time on the tennis court or soccer field.

Florian Steinwendtner

My entry into the SAP world was anything but a "classic" consulting path. I originally did an apprenticeship as a landscape gardener before switching to the IT world through my second apprenticeship as an IT technician. Through a company that supported me in my development, I was able to gain my first experience in the SAP Basis area and then develop into a consultant. I first came into contact with valantic via LinkedIn when a recruiter contacted me. After the first interviews, I was quickly impressed by the opportunities at valantic and the "Vorarlberg charm" of the team. I found it particularly exciting that SAP Cloud is seen as a strategic pillar at valantic and that we have a rapidly growing business here. Since April 2024, I've been part of the valantic SAP team in Austria and can actively contribute to this cloud success story.

Florian Steinwendtner

In my role as Team Lead Logistics, it was important to me to make my team fit for the future and I had the opportunity to be involved in exciting projects that focused on cloud solutions. Over time, I was able to convince the management to set up the SAP Cloud Advisory division to focus even more on the future of cloud projects. I am very pleased to have been entrusted with the responsibility for the strategic development of this new area. Precisely because cloud is a key growth driver at valantic, this role is a great opportunity for me - and I look forward to continuing to drive this forward as Head of SAP Cloud Advisory.

Florian Steinwendtner

A lot has changed in my new role, but many aspects have also remained the same. I still appreciate the creative freedom we have at valantic. What is new is the targeted focus on cloud topics. The SAP Cloud Advisory division concentrates on everything to do with cloud consulting. My tasks include the strategic development of the division, building up the team and supporting the presales phase and customer projects. At the moment, my focus is on discovery projects: Together with our customers, we examine how SAP Cloud ERP systems can best meet their needs and how the transition to the cloud can be strategically designed.

Florian Steinwendtner

I find SAP's "Suite First" and "AI First" approach particularly exciting. This gives customers a complete solution - from the ERP core to the HCM component and all the necessary supply chain processes - all without interface problems and with guaranteed accuracy of fit. Another highlight is the integration of AI agents such as SAP Joule, which is integrated into all Business Suite solutions and supports customers in making processes more intelligent and efficient.

Florian Steinwendtner

One project that I particularly remember was a preliminary project for the cloud transformation of a customer with very specific production challenges. Together with the customer, we were able to develop a strategy and accompany the first steps towards SAP Cloud ERP. This combination of technical challenges and finding individual solutions was extremely exciting.

Florian Steinwendtner

SAP's strategy is clear: the future lies in the cloud, especially in the public cloud. My goal is to establish valantic as the powerhouse in the SAP Cloud ERP sector. We want to be a central point of contact for innovative and future-proof cloud solutions and offer our customers the best service.

Florian Steinwendtner

To clear my head, I am passionately involved as an assistant coach for two children's soccer teams. It gives me energy to be outside and concentrate fully on the children and their sporting development. Of course, I also have a lot of fun!