Fully in sync thanks to SAP
Moser-Baer AG, which specializes in precision in time and technology, needed a new ERP system to optimize processes and data quality. The following case study shows how the project went and what benefits it brought.
It is part of the national identity, every child knows its red second hand, and it is impossible to imagine Swiss train stations without it: the station clock. The Mobatime brand of Moser-Baer AG in Sumiswald produces such clocks and other clock systems. Its products are sold in over 150 countries around the world. Since Moser-Baer AG was looking for a sustainable ERP solution it launched an evaluation project with various Swiss ERP providers.
GIA Informatik AG emerged as the winner from this competition. "GIA understands as one of a few SAP-providers," says Reto Reist, CEO of Moser-Baer AG, explaining the decision. "She was convincing both in her presentation and in her references. In addition, she speaks the language of SMEs."
Modern ERP solution from SAP
Max Götschmann, responsible project manager on the part of GIA: "To cover all needs, we have an ERP system template for the manufacturing industry that includes all company processes and process groups." Moser-Baer AG and GIA subsequently prepared the ERP implementation of the following process groups: Controlling, Finance, Materials Management, Human Resources, Production, Production Planning and Control, Sales and Order Processing. Subsequently, the project partners imported the existing data into the system configured for Moser-Baer AG.
Mobile packaging processes
A first part of the project, which had its kick-off in March 2013, was to change the previous numbering logic. Max Götschmann: "We no longer wanted to assign the numbers externally, but rather internally within the system. This was a big step because all spare parts catalogs still had old numbers."
Another focus was on the processes in the shipping department. "The packing processes - from the definition of the crate to the creation in the system and the use of handling units to the packing of material - are now mobile. The picking system is enabled by a cockpit," explains Max Götschmann. Labeling processes are also special at Moser-Baer AG: For this, data is fetched from the ERP system and the contents are placed on labels, which vary depending on the customer, on different layouts.
Tips for other companies
Reto Reist offers the following advice to other companies that are also interested in an ERP system:
- A strong, knowledgeable project manager is central to the success of the project. On the one hand, he should understand a lot about SAP, and on the other hand, he should have knowledge of the business.
- Before starting the procedure, the interested company must decide whether it will provide an internal project manager. If it decides against it, it must hire an external professional for the company side.
- Companies should ensure that the master data is prepared correctly and cleanly. There must be no errors if they are transferred from the conventional system to the new one.
- Good process thinking is important in the integration team. The people involved must reflect the entire value creation process in the company.
Enjoyment of transparency in operation
Summing up, Reto Reist says that the collaboration over the entire duration of the project - from kick-off to project acceptance in March 2015 - worked flawlessly: "Thanks to this project, we can minimize the effort for the entire administration. Today, we have a fully transparent operation." Max Götschmann adds: "Thanks to an integrated, central data management system, Moser-Baer AG has a 'single source of truth' in which everything relevant is placed in one place."
What's in store for the future?
"At the moment, we are initiating processes for transparent price lists that we can then sell," says Reto Reist. The next stage of expansion involves the creation of interfaces to the sister companies: This will allow the company to simplify collaboration and data exchange, as well as integrate the system more deeply.
Author:
Silvan Wyser is Head of Marketing at GIA Informatik AG in Oftringen. GIA offers IT services with core competencies in the development and operation of solutions from a single source in the areas of SAP, IT services with its own cloud infrastructure and product development. Contact: T +41 62 789 74 17 / silvan.wyser@gia.ch / www.gia.ch
