Overview:
Our Project with Pfeuffer GmbH
The company Pfeuffer GmbH based in Marktsteft manufactures cold and freezer rooms as well as cold room doors. Additionally, the company trades in fire doors. Customers of the company include the industrial, commercial, and gastronomy sectors. Currently, Pfeuffer has approximately 90 employees.
Since 2006, Pfeuffer has been one of our clients. Since then, we have performed upgrades from the existing, self-developed ERP system to Navision 3.7 (2005), to Dynamics NAV 2009 (2010), and most recently to Dynamics 365 Business Central (2019). From the beginning, we have been working hand in hand in a trusting relationship, providing IT support in day-to-day operations for Pfeuffer.
Initial Situation
“Originally, we had a self-developed ERP system that we managed independently. In addition, we used a system for variant configuration and a solution for connecting machines such as punches, presses, and production lines. Eventually, the desire for a professional ERP system and expert support became apparent. Due to various challenges we faced, in 2005 we decided to initially implement Navision.”
Challenges/Wishes at a Glance:
- Growing requirements for the existing solution
- Optimization of workflows (e.g., technicians should be provided with the necessary information when setting up a new cold room or door)
- Acceleration of response time to inquiries and changes in a highly competitive market
- Integration of processes (e.g., easily capture consumed installation materials and invoice them to the customer or record service performed on the purchased item and automatically apply a hundred percent warranty discount during the warranty period)
- Streamlining our complex and lengthy production process (drafting, planning, machine programming)
- Transition to a nearly paperless office and environmentally friendly operations
Set Focus:
The Goal
“Our goal was to optimize our processes and accelerate production with the help of a modern and legally compliant ERP system. This ensures that we are optimally positioned to meet the challenges of the digital world both now and in the future.”
Partner Search
“Through a personal contact, we were introduced to anaptis (formerly Infosim GmbH & Co. KG). The employees were immediately likable, and communication was on equal terms. We were also drawn to their agile methodology.”
Outcome
Initial ERP Implementation, Upgrades, and Ongoing Support
“In 2005, we partnered with anaptis to implement Navision. We requested add-ons and customizations for variant configuration and machine integration, along with interfaces to necessary systems.
After four and then nine years, technical necessities prompted upgrades to Dynamics NAV 2009 (in 2010) and finally to the latest version, Dynamics 365 Business Central (in 2019). As Microsoft discontinues support for its software solutions at certain points, it was also advantageous for us to benefit from the innovations of the new software solutions (e.g., web client, EU GDPR compliance). We were very satisfied with the collaboration during the implementation and upgrade projects.
The standard ERP solution enabled us to address many of our requirements (e.g., handling assembly and warranty cases). Over the years, anaptis implemented several minor and major customizations for us. One notable customization is the packaging calculation and pallet management for the cell and door department (sliding and swinging doors).”
Excursion: Pallet Management for the Cell and Door Department (Customization)
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“Our shipment of refrigeration cells and cold room doors is not on standardized Euro pallets but on pallets specifically manufactured for the articles to be transported. We sought a way to better plan the occupancy of the pallets in advance and then provide the shipping company with the necessary information about size and weight.
The standard solution did not offer a way to do this, so anaptis developed a custom pallet management solution for us. There are now two specialized pallet management modules for doors and cell elements. They enable the generation of a pallet proposal. Dimensions of wall elements are read from the machine table, and a virtual proposal is made for how the pallets should be stacked.
This proposal can be manually adjusted by adding or removing pallets and virtually reshuffling cell elements or doors onto other pallets. The user can always keep an eye on the dimensions and weight of each pallet with every change. In the end, all relevant documents can be printed, from detailed wood lists for building the pallets to transport requests to the shipping companies and the final shipping papers.”
Improvements at a Glance:
- Competent contacts who support daily operations and implement new requirements
- Optimization of our work processes
- Integration of processes
- Streamlining our complex and lengthy production process
- Accelerated response to inquiries and changes in a highly competitive market
- Nearly paperless office and environmentally friendly operations
Rainer Pfeuffer, Managing Director, Pfeuffer GmbH
Everything at a Glance:
Which Products Were Used?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the ERP solution for linking your departments.
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