Schmitz Cargobull SUCCESS STORY

We work with a diverse field of suppliers both large and small, so we need a solution flexible enough to accommodate all kinds of system require- ments. AX4 lets us check the on-time performance and shipping statuses of any supplier at any time. This in turn allows us to continuously improve our own supply chain performance.”

Schmitz Cargobull AG is Europe’s Peter Schmitz leading manufacturer of truck Chairman of the Board, Schmitz Cargobull AG bodies, with production plants in Germany, Spain, and Lithuania.

The company is headquartered in Horstmar, Germany, but gene- rates 65 percent of its revenues in other European countries.

Managing orders with AX4: a solution that works for all suppliers

Schmitz Cargobull AG has 45 sales offices and a presence in nearly every coun- try in Europe. Providing markets what they need, when they need it requires the close collaboration of some 150 suppliers. In the old days, orders were sent off to suppliers manually by fax or snail mail. Schmitz Cargobull introduced the AXIT AX4 logistics platform back in 2002 to streamline the order management process, which had become tedious for everyone involved, and to improve its own supply chain performance. The IT solution brings together all suppliers on a single platform. Data is exchanged automatically, centralizing the order management process and eliminating inefficient communication channels. Employees are able to check the current status of their orders at any time and generate delivery notes. Photos: Schmitz Cargobull Schmitz Cargobull SUCCESS STORY

THE CHALLENGE Schmitz Cargobull has replaced Schmitz Cargobull works with suppliers both small and large. The company manual processes with auto- needs a software solution that can accommodate both the diverse structures mated processes. The result: and the varying systems of these suppliers and integrate them through a sin- heightened cost-effectiveness, gle centralized interface. To optimize both its supply chain performance and enhanced reliability, and grea- its receiving processes, Schmitz Cargobull is looking for a solution that can mo- ter transparency throughout the nitor the on-time performance of its suppliers and simplify its goods receipt supply chain. process with a barcode-supported inbound check system. The IT solution needs to adapt to the SAP system and eliminate manual tasks along the entire process chain. Another goal is to implement supply chain event management (SCEM) that will generate proactive alerts of any deviations from the normal processes.

THE SOLUTION Instead of transmitting orders individually, Schmitz Cargobull links its SAP system to the AX4 platform. All orders are then transmitted to the appropriate parties through a centralized interface, eliminating the need to go to the post office, send faxes, or re-enter the data into the supplier’s system. Suppliers then use their AX4 web account or an interface to return order confirmations, shipping notices, and final delivery notes to Schmitz Cargobull. The company can now simply continue processing the appropriate documents in SAP. AX4’s barcode printing feature is yet another benefit: Suppliers apply the prin- ted barcode to outbound shipments. Then, Schmitz Cargobull only needs to scan the barcode when it receives the goods. This accelerates the previously time-consuming process of checking incoming goods and improves reliability. For better planning precision, the platform incorporates an SCEM solution that compares ordered quantities to confirmed quantities and notifies the appropriate parties if there are any deviations in the shipping process.

THE RESULT The IT solution AX4 links all suppliers through one centralized platform, ensuring that orders are passed along quickly and directly. Employees are able to check the current status of their entries at any time. AX4 compares target data to actu- Contact Germany: al data and notifies all involved parties early on if any changes are made as the e-mail: [email protected] order is processed. The program also notices if certain responses are not recei- phone: +49 (0) 62 33-4 59 43 - 0 ved and warns the company ahead of time. Introducing barcode-driven goods receiving processes helped significantly accelerate order replenishment times. Contact UK: e-mail: [email protected] phone: +44 20 8757 8708

Contact China: e-mail: [email protected] phone: +86 10 64 767 579

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