Results of the project
„The SAP logistics application provides complete transparency in our distribution center and increases throughput and delivery reliability.“
Wolfgang Müller, leader logistic, Groupe SEB Deutschland
Groupe SEB
The whole story
Groupe SEB – The Customer
Groupe SEB is represented worldwide as the market leader in the household retail market. The broad spectrum of products, the diversity of countries and needs, and the rapid development of new technologies offer new opportunities as well as strong growth potentials.
SEB holds more than 1,000 active patents and brings more than 200 new products onto the market every year. With more than 40 product families, Groupe SEB covers all areas of the market for small household appliances and is represented in more than 120 countries worldwide with 57 sales branches.
With the takeover of Rowenta in 1988 Groupe SEB also expanded to Germany. The company in Germany has its headquarters in Offenbach am Main, the Central Service is located in Solingen. International brands include Rowenta, Tefal, Mulinex, krups, All-Clad and Lagostina.
The Challenge: At a glance
Groupe SEB – The Challenge
High delivery reliability and transparent material and information flow – was the main goal of Groupe SEB Germany GmbH, as they re- organized operations for the distribution center in Solingen. From there the subsidiary of the French domestic appliance provider delivers its products under the established brand names Rowenta, Tefal and Krups all over Germany (165.000 shipments per year with a total weight of 14.500 tons).
Groupe SEB launched a tender to find a tailored solution that tracks customer orders until shipping. The logistics provider Kühne + Nagel proved itself. The company was able to demonstrate successful storage services for its customers in the past.
Groupe SEB
One warehouse software for operators and service providers
Groupe SEB – The Project
ERP software from SAP, completed by a logistics component fulfilled the requirements of Groupe SEB. Therefore, Groupe SEB decided to expand their existing ERP application by this storage management software. Kühne + Nagel reinforced the decision and started to manage the distribution center in Solingen.
Together Kühne + Nagel and Groupe SEB committed SERKEM GmbH to support the project as its implementation partner. As Special Expertise Partner of SAP, SERKEM offers special expertise in the logistics area. In close cooperation between Kühne + Nagel, SERKEM and Groupe SEB the detailed concept for processes was created. Existing sales processes as they were depicted in the existing SAP® enterprise software of Groupe SEB served as a basis.
On July 1st 2005 the new warehouse control and management started into running operations. The six-month implementation project was realized in scheduled time and within the planned budget. „We were advised by extremely knowledgeable logistics experts from SERKEM“, said Wolfgang Müller, Head of Logistics at Groupe SEB. „Their expertise helped us to connect warehouse operations with core SAP processes.“
“We were advised by highly knowledgeable logistics experts from SERKEM. Their expertise helped us connect warehouse operations with core SAP processes.”
The Result
The applications of the new warehouse management are very user-friendly. This is especially noticeable in seasonal peaks when the tribal personnel are supplemented by additional free forces. Within a very short space of time, the new employees are then trained in the storage processes. The Groupe SEB household appliances are always fast to the customers.
„The new warehouse logistics is working hand in hand with the individual departments. Integrated processes and a precise warehouse management provide significantly lower complaint rates.“