Success Story | Walterscheid Powertrain Group
The Walterscheid Powertrain Group relies on Synertrade and the use of core solutions: Contract Management, Supplier Self Registration, Supplier Database, eSourcing, Reverse Auctions and S2C Intelligence (Advanced Reporting) are used. The introduction of a P2P solution is planned for the short term.
The integrated solutions from Synertrade enable improved compliance when selecting suppliers, as well as better structuring and automation of the entire procurement process. As a result, the effort involved in recording the requirements of the procurement strategy can be reduced and company processes can be optimized.
Project highlights
• Client since: 2019
• Synertrade solutions / modules / services in use: Contract Management, Supplier Self- Registration, supplier database, RFx, eAuctions, S2C intelligence
• Number of countries where in use: DE, IT, USA, CN, BR
• Number of locations where in use:> 20 organizational units
• Number of users: 120
Interview with Lutz Müller, HEAD OF GLOBAL PURCHASING INDIRECT & CAPEX
Why did your company choose Synertrade?
There has been a good relationship with Synertrade for years, and many years of experience of cooperation in the Metro Group and OBI, where the system is already in use. The decision is made after a detailed tendering process in which the cost and benefit effects were focused. Furthermore, the solutions were checked by various providers for handling and functionality. Synertrade showed the best solution for our company here.
How did you find the project handling by Synertrade?
Perfect! The project management was very structured, competent, and focused entirely on the needs of our company. The schedule was promptly agreed with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders and adhered to at all times. This enabled us to configure the individual modules and implement the global rollout in just two months. The project managers deployed were very cooperative and mastered the tool very well in order to be able to react quickly and in an advisory capacity. The subsequent training courses were also accompanied and supported very professionally. This applied to all time zones in which the training courses were held. After the implementation, the further adjustments were discussed in a regular exchange and implemented immediately.
In your opinion, what makes Synertrade and its portfolio so special?
Due to its long-standing market presence, Synertrade was able to make a good name for itself with well-known customers. Synertrade offers well-engineered modules whose handling can be learned quickly and used globally. The general reputation is very good and does justice to the company. This applies to the team and also to the management.
What are the biggest savings for your company? What percentage of the costs can be saved? How quickly will the investment be amortized / has it amortized (ROI)?
The focus for the decision to introduce an eSourcing tool in our company was essentially to be able to map uniform process maps globally. On the one hand, this applies to a uniform and documented sequence of all procurement processes and the possibility of being able to map a global contract management tool. Due to the standardization of the processes, we expect a significant increase in effectiveness and transparency in purchasing. After completion of the rollout phase, we plan a short-term ROI with the implementation of auctions.
In which direction should the project develop in the future? What further steps are planned?
In about two years we are planning to integrate the P2P C-Part ordering system and a connection to the ERP SAP system.
How was the new platform accepted internally? Training effort?
The introduction of the eSourcing platform means a significant process change in purchasing and also in the connected departments. In order to be able to carry out the implementation successfully, we have developed a change management process. At the beginning, the measure was presented to all responsible purchasing managers. In addition to a presentation, we received a live demo from Synertrade. After the uniform approval of the measure, the project was presented at the global locations. All employees showed great interest in the new approach. All employees were personally trained on two days within 4 weeks. In order to be able to specifically address the barriers and concerns of the employees, we pointed out the relevant advantages at the beginning of the training. We have placed one focus on the basic understanding of eAuction. After completing the training, you should immediately start working with the tool in order to apply what you have learned. Unfortunately, this was only successful at a few locations and subsequently required further explanation and training. The maintenance effort is therefore quite high in the first few weeks, but we receive good support from Synertrade employees. It would be desirable if Synertrade could create individual, customer-oriented training materials. Since the tool is very individually tailored to our needs, standard documents are of little help.
About the Walterscheid Powertrain Group
Walterscheid Powertrain Group is a global provider of networked and intelligent drive train solutions - for efficiency and performance in the construction industry, in mining, for commercial vehicles and in the industrial sector. We offer lifelong service for all drive train products and systems over the entire life cycle. Thanks to our global presence on four continents, with 9 production sites and 20 service centers, the Walterscheid Powertrain Group is a technology partner and innovation leader for OEMs all over the world. Together with comprehensive support and services for the aftermarket, we are positioned for above-average and long-term growth.
Facts
• Industry: automotive industry
• Founding year: 1919
• Number of employees:> 2200
• Headquarters: Lohmar, Germany
• Locations: Germany, Italy, Austria, USA, Brazil, China,
• 10 production sites
• 130 sales partners
• 22 service centers in 16 countries
