Elma Schmidbauer shares experiences from ERP system implementation

Munich – Manufacturing firm Elma Schmidbauer has successfully completed the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The company recently shared key experiences and lessons learned from the project, which spanned over two years and aimed to enhance operational transparency and efficiency.

The implementation project began in 2015 with the selection of the ERP system, culminating in a successful go-live in October 2018. The duration of the rollout was influenced by the company's high requirements and extensive use of the system, with approximately 90% of proALPHA's core modules being deployed. Furthermore, the company secured its largest single order in its history during this critical phase, necessitating careful prioritization.

Elma Schmidbauer's project managers highlighted the crucial role of a dedicated key user team. A core team of eight members, supported by 30 key users from various departments, ensured early and consistent employee involvement. This strategy was instrumental in mitigating apprehension towards the new system and facilitating a smooth transition. The company also prioritized adherence to standard system functionalities to maintain update capabilities, adapting some internal processes accordingly.

Post-implementation, the company reports significant improvements in workflow transparency and efficiency. While optimization efforts are ongoing, Elma Schmidbauer notes a substantial reduction in system customizations compared to their previous, highly individualized setup. Future considerations include earlier integration of additional modules, such as Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), and optimizing material flow through enhanced integration with their Product Data Management (PDM) system.