Purchasing is at the heart of many digitalization initiatives - but how can a transformation that creates real added value succeed? A look at Wemhöner Surface Technologies GmbH & Co. KG shows how the consistent digitalization of C-parts procurement not only accelerates processes, but also inspires employees and realizes savings potential. The company from Herford proves it: Those who take a holistic approach to digitalization can secure sustainable competitive advantages.

However, despite the innovative strength in production, C-parts procurement was still characterized by manual processes and a lack of integration just a few years ago. The level of digitalization in this area was rather low until then. Traditional emails and paper-based purchase requisitions dominated day-to-day business - with correspondingly long throughput times and high administrative costs.

Wemhöner launched a comprehensive digitalization project with the clear aim of increasing transparency, efficiency and speed.

The challenges were clear:
Eliminate media disruptions, shorten throughput times and improve collaboration between users, accounting, incoming goods, IT and controlling. Wemhöner laid the foundations for a comprehensive transformation with the decision to reorganize the entire procurement process using the simple system e-procurement platform and create a direct ERP integration.

simple system proved to be an important partner, not only providing the technological platform, but also significantly supporting the implementation with extensive process and project experience.

Particular attention was paid to involving all those involved. Internal stakeholders were actively involved in the change process from an early stage - a measure that proved decisive for the high level of acceptance of the new solution.

Suppliers also supported the change by quickly adapting to the new platform. Technical challenges were solved efficiently thanks to the close cooperation with the simple system support team.

Key success factors of the project:

• Faster turnaround times: Order processing times fell from an average of six to seven working days to just one or two.

• Process cost savings: Benchmark analyses enabled cost savings of up to 30 percent in individual areas.
• Holistic view of processes: Not only purchasing, but also accounting, incoming goods, IT and controlling were integrated at an early stage. This allowed interfaces and subsequent processes to be seamlessly integrated.
  
• ERP integration as the key: The direct connection of the e-procurement platform to the ERP system laid the foundation for end-to-end, automated processes - from ordering and goods receipt to invoice verification.
• Employee-oriented implementation: Acceptance was built up in a targeted manner by clearly communicating the benefits and actively involving all users in the introduction.
  
• Suppliers as partners: The suppliers' quick willingness to embrace the new platform proved to be an important success factor.
• Full transparency of processes: The status of an order can now be viewed at any time, and approvals can even be processed on the go via smartphone.
  

Particularly noteworthy: Employee satisfaction also benefited from digitalization. Thanks to the new tools and simplified processes, all departments involved report a noticeable reduction in workload and greater efficiency in day-to-day business.

Wemhöner Surface Technologies, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has taken a significant step towards the future by digitalizing its C-parts procurement.

The results speak for themselves: shorter lead times, increased efficiency, reduced costs and satisfied employees. At the same time, the project shows that digitalization in procurement is not an end in itself - but a strategic tool to ensure a company's long-term competitiveness.

Those who are open to change, think about processes holistically and consistently focus on integration will also successfully shape the next steps of the digital transformation.