io optimizes logistics processes at Endress+Hauser

Endress+Hauser, a leading global supplier of measuring instruments, services and solutions for industrial process engineering, is realigning its site logistics with new, automated warehouse and transport systems and SAP EWM for manual and automated processes at its Maulburg site. Technical consulting and planning company io-consultants GmbH & Co. KG and io-DigitalSolutions GmbH, a specialist in SAP logistics consulting and optimization, have been commissioned to plan the project and are jointly responsible for the overall design and implementation of the new logistics facilities and the related systems. io-DigitalSolutions will also transfer the necessary expertise to Endress+Hauser InfoServe employees so they can take over support of the systems after completion of the project. Endress+Hauser InfoServe’s IT specialists provide IT support to the group of companies worldwide, including the new logistics project in Maulburg.

Conversion to SAP EWM enables automated processes and increased transparency
By converting its warehouse management system from the current SAP WM to SAP EWM, Endress+Hauser will significantly increase transparency in raw material, semi-finished and finished product inventories as well as all movements through warehouse and production. Future warehouse process planning with SAP EWM will help to digitalize and streamline many manual processes. The existing automatic small parts warehouses will also be fully integrated into the SAP EWM strategies and controlled directly via SAP MFS. The process design focuses on specific production supply strategies and transferring the individually customized finished goods to the shipping department. Integrated route logics will make transports within the warehouse more transparent and efficient. Throughput times will be reduced and existing logistics processes will become more fluid.

Knowledge transfer in practical coaching sessions
Besides designing and implementing the system, a further important focus of the project is to effectively transfer specific SAP EWM knowledge to Endress+Hauser InfoServe. “The excellent and practical coaching provided by io-DigitalSolutions has continuously built up and expanded our knowledge. This has made us confident that we can independently support our system after project completion,” reports project manager Daniel Dervoz from Endress+Hauser InfoServe, who is responsible for the SAP EWM IT support.

The implementation of SAP EWM is agile, according to io-DigitalSolutions’ standardized and proven project approach. All the involved departments at Endress+Hauser are therefore always up to date. “User tests on ongoing and completed work packages are creating a vital knowledge base for the previously unfamiliar SAP EWM system, already at this early stage of the project. This is crucial for go-live and beyond – both for end users and the project team,” sums up Christian Töpner, Project Manager at io-DigitalSolutions.