Transforming back office processes using custom and standard software
Initial
situation
Our client, igefa, is a specialised retailer and supplier that offers a wide range of products across Europe in the areas of hygiene, cleaning, healthcare, occupational safety and hotel and catering supplies. In 2022, igefa made the strategic decision to relaunch its e-commerce sales for B2C and small and medium-sized B2B customers. This approach included a new, standardised ERP system to replace the old inventory management system and completely new back-office processes.
DURATION
May 2023 – Today
TEAM
5 Developers
1 Team Coach
INDUSTRY
E-commerce, Hygiene
SCOPE
- Integration of the logistics service provider (incl. stock reconciliation)
- Integration of the tax consultancy system
- Integration of the CRM software
- Integration of the new online shop
- Customised development of a system for fast product data maintenance
Our
approach
Fast system integration and connection of data sources
Our team started with a technical analysis of the back-office processes, and discussed what functionality the ERP system can map as well as where integration into the system landscape must be ensured through customised development. The fast access to the logistics service provider and the tax consultancy system were critical here. Many ERP interfaces did not provide the data that our client required or were not compatible with the IT systems used.
Another critical business process, the highly automated compilation and preparation of product data for the web shop, was customised by our team as a small, self-developed tool between the product data sources and the ERP system.
Solution &
results
A functional and flexible solution
Our solution-orientated approach enabled our client to meet all the necessary requirements and deadlines. The combination of standard software with customised software ensured a functional, tidy and easily expandable system landscape. The team also supported other product teams by providing them with the required data, e.g. stock information or e-mail addresses for newsletters. The team proactively coordinated and communicated whenever necessary and was able to find favourable solutions for the overall project and the teams involved.
Christoph Linß
Head of igefa E-Commerce, igefa E-Commerce GmbH & Co. KG
