ZF Friedrichshafen optimizes order picking with mobile wireless data solution

/in ,

Successful Implementation of a Mobile Data Radio Solution to Optimize Order Picking at ZF Friedrichshafen

The customer service team at ZF Friedrichshafen faces the daily challenge of efficiently and accurately processing a high volume of order picking tasks. Despite the impressive operation of a modern warehouse, where numerous orders are handled simultaneously, occasional errors occur, resulting in incorrect materials being recorded and shipped. To minimize these errors and optimize throughput times, a mobile data radio solution was implemented at MKS, the customer service division of ZF Friedrichshafen GmbH.

The Challenge: Order Picking Under Specific Requirements

The core challenge of this project was the intelligent allocation of order picking tasks to various picking groups according to ZF’s specific rules. These rules depend on numerous factors such as the recipient of the goods, shipping routes, deadlines, quantities, and materials. Precise control of these workflows was essential to increase warehouse efficiency and reduce errors.

The Solution: Verification and Automation of the Order Picking Process

With the new mobile data radio solution, all order picking processes are verified in real time. Pickers receive instructions on their mobile devices showing which materials, in what quantities, and from which storage locations should be retrieved. By scanning the material number on the label, the system immediately verifies whether the correct product has been selected. If everything matches, an integrated mobile label printer automatically prints the shipping label for the customer, which is then affixed to the material.

Another key aspect of the project was the enhancement and redevelopment of RF transactions to ensure simple, secure, and fast handling of the order picking processes. Additionally, the SAP monitoring functions had to be adjusted to oversee these operations and ensure seamless integration into the existing system landscape.

Results: Improved Quality and Reduced Throughput Times

Thanks to the implementation of the mobile data radio solution, ZF Friedrichshafen significantly improved the quality of its order picking processes. The error rate in material recording was substantially reduced, and the throughput times for order picking were noticeably shortened.

Conclusion: Sustainable Efficiency Gains Through Innovative Solutions

The introduction of the mobile data radio solution demonstrates how targeted technological measures can enhance efficiency and quality in ZF Friedrichshafen’s customer service. By seamlessly integrating into existing processes, not only was the error rate decreased, but customer satisfaction was also increased. ZF Friedrichshafen has thus taken an important step toward a future-oriented, error-free order picking system, promising sustainable improvements for years to come.

Efficient freight cost processing via credit note procedure in the building materials industry

/in ,

Automation and Transparency through the Credit Note Procedure

The processing of freight costs via the credit note procedure offers an innovative alternative to traditional invoicing: Instead of waiting for the freight forwarder’s invoice and manually verifying it, the company issues a credit note itself, which the freight forwarder then cross-checks. For this automated billing service, the company receives an additional processing fee.

The Challenge: Freight Cost Management in the Building Materials Industry

A typical process in the building materials industry illustrates the advantage of this procedure: For example, a building materials company orders a large quantity of gravel, delivered in multiple truckloads. The supplier organizes the transport—often based on a framework agreement—through a freight forwarder who subsequently issues an invoice. This traditional process is labor-intensive for the building materials company: For each truck delivery, material orders and goods receipts must be created, and invoices thoroughly checked and posted.

The Solution: Simplified Freight Cost Processing with amotIQ solutions

With the new freight cost processing developed by amotIQ solutions, a simplified workflow has been created for building materials companies. Multiple deliveries for a single material order can now be recorded in a newly programmed collective entry mask within the SAP system. This feature allows all relevant details—such as the freight forwarder and additional delivery vehicle information—to be entered directly without the need to access multiple transactions. Incoming trucks are promptly registered on-site, and the goods receipt is automatically posted thereafter. This makes the entire freight cost processing efficient and user-friendly.

The Process: Automation in the Background and Transparent Credit Notes

Parallel to the material recording, the SAP system generates transport and freight cost documents in the background, automatically calculating costs based on specific criteria—such as material group or transport route. A vendor invoice is created from this, serving as the basis for a credit note to the freight forwarder, which is then approved by the responsible clerk. Credit notes for various freight costs are usually consolidated in a payment process and announced to the freight forwarder in the form of an electronic payment advice, providing a precise breakdown of the settled freight costs. Alternatively, this data transmission can be done via IDOC, allowing system-based reconciliation to be automated as well.

Outcome: Efficiency and Transparency through the Credit Note Procedure

The credit note procedure for freight cost processing gains particular importance where transport costs constitute a significant portion of the total value of goods—as is common in the building materials industry. The company maintains control over the process while minimizing manual effort for all parties involved.

Conclusion: Forward-Looking Freight Cost Processing with amotIQ solutions

Freight cost processing via the credit note procedure is a smart solution that has been made more efficient and user-friendly, especially through the collective entry mask developed by amotIQ solutions. Thanks to this tool, which is closely aligned with the SAP standard, freight cost processing is optimized, and process effort is reduced to a minimum—a benefit increasingly appreciated by companies in the building materials industry.

Increased efficiency in invoicing through RPA

/in ,

Automated SAP Application for Invoice Generation and Verification

Challenge: Efficiency and Processing Issues in Invoicing

A global logistics company faced significant efficiency and processing challenges in invoicing certain products. The previously manual process relied on Excel files, which were entered into an SAP application, verified there, and used for invoice generation. Due to the high implementation effort required for an SAP interface, there was an urgent need for an automated solution to optimize data transfer.

Objective: Automation of the Invoicing Process

The company aimed to substantially increase the efficiency of invoicing while simultaneously reducing error rates in the process. An automated solution was intended to eliminate manual input and ensure error-free data transmission.

Solution: RPA with UiPath and SharePoint

To achieve these goals, amotIQ solutions implemented a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solution using UiPath and SharePoint. At the start of the process, the virtual assistant checks the Excel documents for plausibility. After successful verification, the validated documents are individually transferred into the SAP system, taking into account all technical requirements from the Excel files.
Once the data is stored in the SAP system, the SAP document number is recorded back in the Excel document. Subsequently, the processed documents are archived in an SAP repository, followed by a comprehensive invoice and reimbursement review.

Implementation: From 14 Minutes to 30 Seconds

The implementation of this automated solution dramatically reduced the processing time per document: The average processing time dropped from 14 minutes to just 30 seconds, representing a remarkable 96% improvement. Additionally, the error rate in the process was reduced to zero, significantly increasing the accuracy and reliability of invoicing.

Result: Increased Efficiency and Error-Free Processing

Thanks to the automation of the invoicing process, the logistics company was able not only to significantly improve efficiency but also to elevate the quality of invoicing to a new level. The automated process ensures timely and error-free invoice generation, enhancing satisfaction among all stakeholders.

Conclusion: amotIQ solutions as an Innovative Partner

The successful implementation of the RPA solution for invoicing demonstrates how amotIQ solutions supports companies in optimizing their processes and boosting efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the logistics company was able to decisively improve its operations while reducing error rates to zero.

Efficient outsourcing increases customer satisfaction at Villeroy & Boch

/in ,

Optimal 3PL Shipping Solution for Villeroy & Boch: Efficient Outsourcing Boosts Customer Satisfaction

Villeroy & Boch AG, a renowned German ceramics manufacturer that distributes high-quality bathroom and wellness products worldwide, has implemented an intelligent shipping solution by outsourcing transport and route planning to the logistics service provider Dachser. This measure relieves the internal logistics team and ensures that goods reach customers faster.

The Challenge: Efficient Transport and Fast Delivery

Until now, Villeroy & Boch managed the entire route planning and truck scheduling internally and only contracted Dachser as a freight forwarder. To improve customer service and shorten delivery times, the company decided to take advantage of additional logistics services from Dachser. With the new approach, customer orders are now processed and delivered significantly faster.

The Solution: Outsourcing Transport and Route Planning to Dachser

The new process model transfers part of the transport and route planning responsibilities to Dachser. After picking, shipments are immediately brought to the logistics center in Überherrn, where Dachser independently organizes the delivery routes. This not only enables optimized truck utilization but also allows the leveraging of synergies with other customers, further increasing efficiency.

The Process: Seamless Integration into SAP

The integration of the new shipping solution into SAP runs smoothly: forklift operators register trucks, triggering the automatic creation of a handling unit labeled “Truck” in the system. During loading, the driver confirms each pallet via scanner, and the corresponding status updates are recorded in the handling unit. Once the truck is fully loaded, the handling unit is marked as “complete.” This acts as a trigger for the automatic transmission of actual data to Dachser via EDI and the generation of accompanying documents, including the loading list. Based on these transports, freight cost documents are finally created, serving as the billing basis with Dachser.

Conclusion: Increased Efficiency and Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Thanks to the new 3PL shipping solution, Villeroy & Boch has significantly reduced complexity at its logistics center in Losheim and increased capacity. Outsourcing transport and route planning has allowed the company to leverage the synergy effects of an international logistics provider, saving both time and costs. The real winners of this development are Villeroy & Boch’s customers, who now receive their orders much faster than before. This smart transport solution was made possible by SAP and logistics consulting from amotIQ solutions, which contributed extensive expertise in integrating external service providers. This ensures not only customer satisfaction but also sustainably enhances it.

Efficient approval workflow at the Klosterfrau Healthcare Group

/in , ,

SAP-Based Process Optimization in Marketing

The Klosterfrau Healthcare Group, a leading provider in the self-medication sector, is known for well-established products such as Klosterfrau Melissengeist, neo-angin®, and taxofit®. The company’s marketing department is now efficiently supported by an optimized, SAP-driven approval workflow for planning and releasing marketing activities.

Challenge: Smooth Management of Large Advertising Budgets

Klosterfrau’s customer base consists of private consumers who are reached through diverse marketing initiatives such as TV commercials, print ads, and pharmacy promotional materials. These campaigns require substantial budgets and intensive planning. Advertising budgets are traditionally one of the largest investment items in the consumer goods industry, demanding careful control and approval. The new approval process is designed to ensure optimal use of funds while meeting transparency and audit compliance requirements.

Objectives: Efficiency and Transparency in Budget Approval

The SAP-based approval system aims to make the release processes for marketing measures more transparent and efficient. Each year, product managers prepare specific budgets for brands like Taxofit, and individual marketing activities are reviewed and approved within predefined value limits. A precisely defined organizational model ensures that every employee is assigned clear areas of responsibility. Furthermore, Klosterfrau enforces a mandatory dual-control principle, guaranteeing audit-compliant approval of all activities. Additional reviewers are integrated into the SAP workflow to secure every approval level.

Example: TV Advertising for Taxofit

An example illustrates the process: For 2013, a TV campaign consisting of 100 spots was planned for the Taxofit brand. The assistant, Ms. Musterschmidt, enters the campaign into the system, which is then forwarded for review to Mr. Mustermüller and finally to the audit manager, Mr. Mustermann. After successful verification, the final approval is granted by Ms. Mustermeier, the product manager responsible for the Taxofit budget.

Technical Implementation: Approval via SAP BSP Workflows

Technically, the workflow is enabled through a Business Server Page (BSP) that sends approval requests from the SAP system to the relevant personnel. The corresponding email link leads to a password-protected web interface accessible only to authorized users. This application presents all approval data clearly and user-friendly, making the approval process fast and secure.

Budget Overview and Transparency at the Push of a Button

One of the key improvements of the new approval process is the real-time overview of the available marketing budget. Since marketing measures are mostly planned and booked long-term, product managers can now view the current budget status at any time. SAP ensures that all involved parties are continuously informed about new tasks, status changes, or queries. Depending on the hierarchical level, measures for the upcoming fiscal year can also be approved in advance.

Automated Processes for Rapid Decision-Making

The SAP workflow adapts flexibly to marketing requirements: For certain value thresholds, the system automatically escalates measures to higher hierarchy levels, such as the marketing director, and informs responsible parties of any shifts or cost changes. In case of rejection, all stakeholders are promptly notified, and the budget is released again. This keeps the budget overview always current and complete.

Conclusion: Optimized Approval Workflow as a Success Factor

Thanks to the new SAP-supported approval workflow, Klosterfrau benefits from efficient and audit-compliant management of its marketing budgets. The Klosterfrau Healthcare Group can implement marketing activities faster and allocate resources more precisely. This optimized workflow provides significant relief to the marketing team and ensures greater security and transparency through adherence to clear approval rules.

Successful SAP ERP implementation at Bunge Germany by amotIQ solutions

/in ,

Successful Implementation of the SAP ERP System at Bunge Germany by amotIQ solutions within the FIGARO Project

Bunge Europe, a subsidiary of the publicly traded U.S. corporation Bunge Ltd., is one of the world’s leading companies in the trading and processing of oilseeds and grains, employing over 22,000 people across 32 countries. As part of the FIGARO project (“Financial Growth through the Advantage of a Roll-out”), Bunge Germany undertook a comprehensive SAP ERP rollout at its Mannheim and Bruck sites, with amotIQ solutions serving as the central implementation partner.

The Challenge: Harmonizing ERP Systems under Complex Requirements

The project aimed to consolidate three existing ERP systems—SAP, Navision, and GBS—into a single SAP system. This consolidation required the migration and integration of all relevant data and processes from the legacy systems into a central SAP solution, which was also intended to serve as a template for future rollouts at other Bunge locations. Besides adhering closely to standards and ensuring high release capability, the new system had to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOx) requirements to guarantee legally compliant reporting.

Objectives: Increasing Efficiency and Standardizing Processes

The focus of the project was on the MM, PM, WM, and CO modules, as well as integration with Financial Accounting (FI). The goal was to create a unified data foundation and improve maintenance efficiency. This involved efficient recording of maintenance, malfunction reports, and repairs, as well as optimal material management. Simultaneously, commercial processes were to be standardized and made transparent. A particular challenge was the consolidation of material master data, which had been maintained redundantly across the legacy systems.

The Solution: Strategic Consolidation and Modular Implementation

amotIQ solutions brought extensive expertise and profound experience in SAP implementation, taking on the technical and strategic leadership of the rollout. After a detailed “as-is” analysis and the creation of a business blueprint, the implementation proceeded in modules to ensure a phased, low-risk integration of the new SAP environment. Through the consolidation of material master data, the number of material masters was reduced from approximately 15,000 to 7,000 in Mannheim, and from around 23,000 to 16,000 in Bruck.

Execution: Efficient Integration and Sustainable Process Development

A key success factor was the close collaboration with Bunge’s departments and the strict adherence to SAP standards. Regular workshops and testing phases ensured that all system requirements were precisely met and process workflows perfectly aligned. The close cooperation between Bunge’s project managers and amotIQ solutions’ experts resulted in seamless integration, which was crucial to the successful implementation and achievement of project goals.

Results: Significant Efficiency Gains and Process Optimization

The successful SAP implementation enabled Bunge Germany not only to significantly increase maintenance efficiency but also to simplify material management and sustainably improve data quality. The consolidated SAP solution now facilitates streamlined process control and ensures compliance with legal requirements, leading to high satisfaction among project stakeholders and internal users alike.

Outlook: Sustainable Process Improvement and Partnership Expansion

The successful completion of the FIGARO project lays the foundation for further rollouts within the Bunge Group and strengthens the partnership between Bunge Germany and amotIQ solutions. In the future, additional locations will be migrated to the proven SAP solution, enabling sustainable process improvements and efficiency gains on an international scale.

Conclusion: amotIQ solutions as a Competent Partner for Complex ERP Projects

The FIGARO project demonstrates the importance of having an experienced partner for the implementation of complex ERP systems. With the professional support of amotIQ solutions, Bunge Germany successfully overcame the challenges of the SAP rollout and achieved sustainable process optimization. The partnership with amotIQ solutions ensures high project quality and strengthens the efficiency of Bunge’s system landscape for a successful future.

Increased efficiency through ETL with RPA

/in ,

Faster Data Flow for Proactive Parcel Centers

Challenge: Proactive Information Delivery for Parcel Centers

A globally leading logistics company faced the challenge of increasing the efficiency of its data processing workflows. The focus was on the regular and rapid provision of shipment information for parcel centers, covering departure and arrival sorting as well as direct transports. Until now, the data was processed manually via an ETL interface (Extract, Transform, Load) — a time-consuming process that severely limited flexibility and timeliness. To make data delivery more efficient, a solution was sought to automatically transfer the information daily into the reporting database.

Goal: Automate and Accelerate the Data Flow

The goal was to integrate the daily shipment reports into the reporting database as quickly as possible without requiring complex manual processes or lengthy ETL implementations. Automation was intended to ensure that parcel centers always have access to up-to-date data, enabling them to proactively manage their processes.

The Solution: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with UiPath

To achieve this goal efficiently, amotIQ solutions implemented an RPA solution (Robotic Process Automation) using UiPath and SQL Management Studio to automate the entire data processing workflow. A virtual robot monitors a designated email inbox at defined intervals, which receives the daily shipment reports. The solution is flexibly configurable and accesses all new, unread emails to save and process the attachments immediately.

Next, the robot establishes a database connection, reads the shipment data from the reports, and writes it into a specified target table in the reporting database. This ensures the data extraction is transferred smoothly and without manual intervention, making all relevant information available to the parcel centers in a timely manner.

Implementation: Fast and Effective in Just Two Days

Thanks to the efficiency of RPA, the solution was implemented in only two days. Compared to a traditional ETL implementation, which would have taken approximately 12 days, the process was accelerated by 83%. Using the RPA tool UiPath, amotIQ solutions was able to realize the entire workflow without extensive system interventions or modifications to the existing infrastructure.

Result: Significant Efficiency Gains and Up-to-Date Data Delivery

The automation of the daily data processing significantly improved efficiency and timeliness in the data flow. Parcel centers now receive shipment information proactively and almost in real time, enabling faster and more targeted control of their operations. The RPA solution ensures reports are automatically and error-free transferred into the reporting database — an advantage that significantly reduces process costs and increases operational efficiency.

Conclusion: RPA as a Driver of Efficiency in Logistics Processes

By introducing the RPA solution for the ETL processes, amotIQ solutions provided the logistics company with a cost-effective and rapid way to ensure proactive, real-time information delivery. This collaboration demonstrates how logistics processes can be effectively optimized through the targeted use of modern technologies to guarantee seamless and responsive data processing.

Successful introduction of delivery, freight cost and credit note processes

/in ,

Credit Memo Procedure Optimizes Delivery and Freight Cost Processes at Thomas Beteiligungen

Thomas Beteiligungen, a company in the building materials industry and part of the Thomas Group, has undergone a fundamental transformation in the area of freight cost processing. While such projects are common practice in the automotive sector, the building materials industry poses unique challenges. Thomas Beteiligungen offers a comprehensive range of construction services, from raw material extraction in quarries to production in cement, ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, and asphalt plants, all the way to application in road and civil engineering. With numerous sites stretching from the Saarland in the west to Poland in the east, the company requires efficient logistics processes to maintain operational excellence.

The Challenge: Complex Procedures and High Administrative Effort

Until recently, procurement at Thomas Beteiligungen followed a traditional model: after placing an order for gravel, the freight forwarder delivered the goods in multiple truckloads. Communication between the supplier and the carrier was often cumbersome, and each delivery required separate orders, goods receipt entries, and invoice verifications. This resulted in considerable administrative effort and slowed down the efficiency of the entire supply chain.

The Objective: Streamlined Processes and Increased Efficiency

The new freight cost handling process was designed to provide Thomas Beteiligungen’s users with a simpler and more efficient workflow. The goal was to structure the process in such a way that only a single order was needed. Upon delivery, carrier information and the truck’s license plate would be recorded via a newly developed input screen. Given that bulk materials like gravel and sand are often delivered in large quantities, this represented a critical step toward process optimization.

The Solution: Automated Processes and Clear Responsibilities

Thanks to the new SAP-based system, a transport document and a freight cost record are automatically generated in the background, with costs calculated based on specific criteria such as material group or delivery route. This, in turn, triggers the creation of an FI accounts payable document that generates a credit memo proposal for the carrier. The responsible clerk simply has to approve this proposal. This marks a fundamental shift in the process: instead of verifying invoices, Thomas Beteiligungen now issues credit memos that the freight forwarder must review. This change brings greater clarity to responsibilities and significantly improves the overall billing process.

The Implementation: Smooth Integration and Comprehensive Training

The implementation of the new delivery and freight cost handling process was smooth, thanks to close collaboration between Thomas’s internal teams and the experts from amotIQ solutions. Targeted training sessions and workshops ensured that employees quickly became familiar with the new system and were able to implement the processes efficiently.

Results: High Efficiency and Cost Savings

The new processes have led to a significant increase in efficiency at Thomas Beteiligungen. The simplification of freight cost processing and the introduction of the credit memo procedure have not only reduced administrative effort but also shortened response times. In addition, Thomas now receives a handling fee for the billing service provided through the credit memo process, further increasing the company’s profitability.

Outlook: Strengthening Processes and Expanding the Partnership

The successful implementation of the delivery and freight cost handling process has the potential to be extended to other areas of Thomas Beteiligungen. The positive outcomes from this project lay the foundation for a continued partnership between Thomas and amotIQ solutions, with the shared goal of continuously optimizing processes and improving efficiency across the organization.

Conclusion: amotIQ solutions as a Strategic Partner for Process Optimization

The successful rollout of the delivery and freight cost handling process at Thomas Beteiligungen demonstrates the value of having an experienced partner by your side. Through the rapid and effective integration of SAP solutions, amotIQ solutions played a key role in increasing efficiency and reducing costs. This partnership provides a solid basis for future developments and long-term process improvements across the company.

Successful CEP connection at Hermle AG

/in ,

amotIQ solutions delivers seamless logistics processes


The Challenge: Increasing Efficiency in Spare Parts Shipping

Hermle AG, a leading manufacturer of precision machines, faced the challenge of optimizing its spare parts shipping process to meet growing demands for efficiency and accuracy. Approximately 80% of spare parts were shipped via the express service provider TNT. However, the existing process was labor-intensive and prone to errors: shipping documents were created manually and partially printed using dot matrix printers. There was no system-based integration with SAP, which limited both the smooth handling and transparency of logistics operations.

Hermle AG needed an experienced partner capable of thoroughly analyzing their requirements and developing a tailored solution. amotIQ solutions brought in-depth expertise in integrating complex logistics processes and SAP systems to the table.

The Objectives: Automation and Error Reduction

Hermle AG aimed to implement a fully automated, transparent shipping solution that would minimize manual input and eliminate common sources of error. In addition to boosting efficiency, the focus was on ensuring seamless communication between SAP and TNT, automating the generation of all shipping documents in TNT format, and integrating real-time tracking updates into the system.

The Solution: Custom SAP Integration with TNT

amotIQ solutions implemented a comprehensive solution that fully automated Hermle AG’s spare parts shipping process. As part of the project, transport processing and Handling Unit (HU) management were introduced in SAP, enabling all package data to be captured and seamlessly transmitted to TNT. Shipping documents and TNT labels are now generated directly within SAP, while status updates from TNT are processed in real time and automatically reflected in the system.

All communication with TNT runs through an XI server, which acts as a central interface to ensure continuous and reliable data exchange between SAP and the logistics provider.

Implementation: Close Collaboration and Precise Integration

The project was carried out in close cooperation with Hermle’s internal teams. Within just six months, all of Hermle AG’s requirements were fully implemented. Key milestones included establishing IDOC communication, implementing the transport document to reflect freight-forwarding requirements, and introducing HU management. The new HU process allows packages to contain multiple deliveries — a feature specifically developed to support TNT’s shipping processes.

Thanks to close collaboration and regular coordination, amotIQ solutions was able to respond quickly to challenges and successfully complete the project on time and within budget.

Results: Sustainable Efficiency Gains and Process Reliability

The implementation of the new solution led to significant efficiency gains and increased process reliability for Hermle AG. The entire shipping process is now faster, more transparent, and largely automated. Manual tasks have been greatly reduced, error rates minimized, and communication with TNT significantly improved.

Automation and real-time feedback ensure that all shipping information is fully available within the SAP system, allowing staff to monitor the shipping process accurately and efficiently.

Outlook: Long-Term Value for Hermle

Following the successful implementation of the parcel service integration, Hermle AG plans to further expand its collaboration with amotIQ solutions. Additional logistics processes are set to be automated, and the existing solution will be continuously enhanced to meet the evolving needs of a modern manufacturing company.

Conclusion: amotIQ solutions as a Trusted Partner for Logistics Automation

Through its collaboration with amotIQ solutions, Hermle AG implemented a robust and flexible shipping solution that meets the highest standards for both efficiency and accuracy. With its extensive expertise and targeted support, amotIQ solutions delivered a solution that provides added value beyond spare parts logistics — laying the foundation for a sustainable and successful logistics strategy at Hermle AG.

Automated invoicing at Klosterfrau

/in ,

Efficient Invoice Enclosure Within the Shipping Package

The Klosterfrau Healthcare Group, a long-established company based in Cologne, has firmly positioned itself as a national market leader in the field of self-medication. With a modern and forward-thinking orientation, Klosterfrau continuously pursues innovative approaches to increase efficiency. As part of a new project, the invoicing process was revolutionized to significantly reduce postage costs.

The Challenge: Cost Optimization in the Invoicing Process

With over 230,000 invoices mailed annually, there was enormous potential for savings. The goal of the project was to replace the previously batch-generated and centrally printed invoices with invoices enclosed directly in the shipment at the distribution center. Only a few large customers continue to receive invoices separately, while the majority now receive their invoice as a delivery note enclosed with the package — streamlining the shipping process.

The Solution: Integrating Invoicing into the Shipping Workflow

Klosterfrau’s typical customers are pharmacies that frequently order multiple products. Orders are picked into shipping boxes at the warehouse and transported via conveyor belts to the dispatch area. There, the invoice is automatically added to the package before it is shipped. To ensure the invoice reflects only the items actually packed, invoice generation is executed online within SAP.

Technical Implementation: Seamless Communication Between Systems

The key challenge was to efficiently integrate decentralized, SAP-based logistics systems (WLS) with SAP invoice generation. Communication between the two systems had to be fast and reliable. Once a package is fully picked in the warehouse, this status is recorded in SAP. While the package is briefly transported on the conveyor to the dispatch area, SAP checks order and actual quantities, verifies packaging and shipping data, validates payment terms, and adjusts the goods issue date if necessary. Partial invoices are then generated and print jobs are triggered via a web service (BAPI), preparing the invoice as a spool file for printing.

Final Execution: Efficient Print Trigger and Shipping Preparation

Upon arrival at the dispatch area, the shipping employee scans the package’s storage unit number, which triggers the invoice printout. The invoice is immediately added to the package, and the shipment is ready to go. The entire process runs smoothly and within seconds, enabling Klosterfrau to realize significant postage cost savings.

Results: Significant Cost Reduction and Process Optimization

Thanks to the automated invoice generation and its integration into the shipping process, Klosterfrau was able to not only reduce postage costs considerably but also boost logistics efficiency. This innovative approach improves customer satisfaction, as deliveries are now processed faster and with greater transparency.

Outlook: Forward-Thinking Process Optimization

The successful implementation of this automated solution ensures that Klosterfrau remains competitive in the future. Further enhancements in logistics and accounting are already in the pipeline, aimed at continuously increasing efficiency and improving the customer experience.

Conclusion: Klosterfrau as a Pioneer in Automation

The innovative implementation of automated invoicing demonstrates the importance of integrating technology into modern business processes. Klosterfrau shows how targeted process optimization can reduce costs while simultaneously enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction — solidifying its position as a forward-looking company in the healthcare industry.