Optimized logistics with AEB software for GEA Westfalia Separator
AEB software increases efficiency, reduces freight costs, and simplifies export processes at GEA Westfalia Separator Group for worldwide machine and spare parts shipments.
Challenge
Modernization of logistics software for global efficiency
The GEA Westfalia Separator Group is a global mechanical engineering company specializing in the supply of separators for breweries, dairies, marine operations, and other industries. The company operates a complex logistics network with production sites in Germany, France, India and China, and a central warehouse for spare parts in Cologne. Prior to introducing the AEB software, GEA faced operational difficulties because their internal SAP®-based logistics solution became increasingly demanding in terms of maintenance and lacked flexibility. The in-house transport module programming was outdated and required a clear separation from the ERP system to enable more efficient collaboration with logistics service providers. In addition, the manual entry of packing data for international shipments was time-consuming and prone to errors. GEA therefore needed a solution that would increase process transparency, minimize the potential for errors, and ensure more stable handling of foreign trade processes. For the Commercial Order Processing department in Oelde, this meant in particular that the existing solution had to be simplified and modernized in order to meet the growing demands for flexibility and scalability.
AEB software for integrated transportation management
In order to modernize logistics processes and integrate the services of the logistics service provider, GEA decided in spring 2013 to implement the AEB software in the area of new machine and spare parts shipping. The software was implemented at various locations by the beginning of 2014 and offers GEA a comprehensive platform for the efficient management of global shipments. With the solution, the packing data can now be directly entered online into the AEB software, allowing plant manufacturers to provide this information without manual input from GEA employees. "This saves time and prevents errors," says Ulrich Tyrell, Head of Commercial Order Processing for New Machines. With the hosted solution in AEB's data center, GEA no longer has to worry about maintenance and updates and benefits from always up-to-date compliance requirements. In addition, spare parts warehouses in Cologne and Singapore have been integrated into the solution, enabling the company to guarantee smooth order processing and rapid responses to customer inquiries. For customers in Asia and Australia, the warehouse in Singapore enables prompt supply, while customers in Europe and other parts of the world are served from the warehouse in Cologne.
Result
Increased efficiency, cost reduction, and improved customer service
With the introduction of the AEB software, GEA was able to achieve significant efficiency gains and cost reductions. IT-supported transport planning enables employees to reserve capacities at an early stage and consolidate shipments, which avoids bottlenecks, especially towards the end of the year, and leads to savings in freight costs. An essential benefit of the new solution is the increased transparency and service quality: Customers can now track the delivery status independently and access important documents, which speeds up the customs clearance processes. The electronic “Proof of Delivery” saves GEA employees the time-consuming process of manually logging on to various parcel service websites and printing out tracking data. Overall, the separation of the ERP and logistics systems has significantly improved the data quality and reliability of GEA's export processes, and the company is now able to efficiently manage even complex requirements for global spare parts logistics.
“This saves time and prevents errors.”
Ulrich Tyrell, Head of Commercial Order Processing for New Machines, GEA Westfalia Separator Group
About GEA Westfalia Separator Group
The GEA Westfalia Separator Group develops methods and processes for the mechanical purification and separation of liquids and liquid mixtures for industries such as dairy and food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, maritime, and environmental technology.