Logistics 4.0 – Reducing Complexity
In the mechanical and plant engineering industry, logistics is in a transitional phase, with the trend leaning toward more frequent deliveries, smaller quantities, increasing pressure on deadlines and cost as well as more complex delivery chains with increased interconnectivity. The variety of non-standardised IT solutions is becoming a problem, and the result is greater complexity, processing complications and a lack of transparency and compliance. Best practice examples demonstrate that integrating logistics applications into an organisation's ERP system can resolve these problems with great efficiency.
Numerous non-standardised IT solutions
Serious deficiencies in shipping logistics
Integration in SAP-ERP reduces complexity
Greater transparency and effective work organisation
Integration into SAP-ERP makes logistics processes more comprehensible and significantly more effective. The integration of all processing steps into the SAP-ERP system standardises all of the processes and allows employees to always work with the same familiar user interface. All data are located in a single database and media disruptions are a thing of the past, reducing the potential for processing errors and increasing data security. Having the same methodology for all of these tasks means that employees can be deployed more flexibly and that training is simpler. Another fringe benefit that should not be underestimated is improved customer service. The automated processing of tracking information makes the statuses on all shipping orders for CEPs available throughout a company in line with user authorisation guidelines. It can also help your sales team to effectively answer customer inquiries.
On the road to Logistics 4.0
Integration into SAP-ERP makes the new challenges faced by shipping logistics manageable, because all of the information flows together in the ERP system. The entire process – from order placement and transport management to transport tracking and evaluating tracking information – is interconnected. Product Manager Steffen Udolph sums up the benefits of SAP integration: "EDI data exchange with partners and the automated processing of customs declarations and Entry Certificates are integrated into the ERP platform. The Mercoline add-ons not only build on one another, they're also interlinked."