Sand + Kies Union GmbH Berlin Brandenburg (SKBB)

Sand + Kies Union Berlin Brandenburg (SKBB) automates order taking and planning with VAS

Sand + Kies Union GmbH Berlin Brandenburg (SKBB), a leading supplier of sand and gravel products in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, completely redefined its central logistics and planning processes with the introduction of VAS Cloud Logistics.

In addition to optimizing usability, the primary goals of the company, which is part of Eurovia Germany, included more efficient order entry and better networking of all parties involved in the workflows. This was achieved with the help of the VAS Cloud Logistics solution from Axians IAS. The solution enabled a seamless connection between customers, freight forwarders, the SKBB dispatch team and the company’s eleven own delivery plants, which were already using the VAS Yard Management plant logistics solution.

Integration with the existing ERP and CRM systems has created a reliable and always up-to-date database for scheduling. At the same time, the error rate in order processing has been significantly reduced. A modern online customer portal also ensures greater transparency and efficiency – both internally and for customers. Freight forwarders and production plants automatically receive all relevant information for upcoming deliveries.

Challenges of manual order taking and planning

Before the introduction of VAS Cloud Logistics, scheduling at SKBB was characterized by analog processes. Incoming orders were placed by phone or email, which then had to be manually transferred to a separate platform. This led to several problems. Manual entries were often prone to errors and led to incorrect entries and data inconsistencies. In addition, the duplication of work considerably increased the time required, which significantly slowed down order processing.

There was also a lack of flexibility, as changes could only be made by employees with considerable effort. Finally, the lack of a connection to the yard management or ERP systems meant that fast and smooth data exchange could not be guaranteed.

All of these inefficiencies made it difficult to respond appropriately to market requirements such as short-term changes in the supply chain or transportation problems. In addition, the connection to freight forwarders was inadequate. In view of the approximately 4,000 monthly deliveries in the eleven plants, there was therefore considerable potential for improvement for the customer.

Goals: Efficiency, integration and usability

Axians IAS and SKBB defined a list of requirements in order to optimize the order entry and connection of all stakeholders. Three central objectives were formulated for the project:

Optimization of order scheduling

Automating order planning and processing for faster and more precise workflows.

Seamless integration

Connecting existing ERP and CRM systems for centralized data management.

Digitization of customer interactions

Implementing an online portal for the direct and user-friendly order entry.

In addition, the new solution needed to be flexible enough to support future expansions such as mobile orders or paperless processes in the logistics workflow. The modular and scalable approach chosen by Axians IAS and SKBB was an essential factor in the project’s success.

A strong partner for digital transformation

SKBB opted for Axians IAS – a long-established provider in the fields of yard management and central logistics processes in the bulk goods industry – to implement this ambitious project. An important criterion in choosing Axians IAS was its technical and consulting expertise and its ability to translate complex requirements into solutions that are optimally tailored to the respective requirements.

The VAS Cloud Logistics solution developed by Axians IAS is impressive:

Modularity: Customized adaptation to individual requirements.
Integration capability: Seamless connection of external systems at the customer.
User-friendliness: Easy operation for internal and external users.
Consulting & service: Intensive customer support throughout the entire project.
Scalability: The solution can be expanded to include additional tools such as the VAS Mobile App for even faster data exchange and order updates.

In order to maintain efficient processes, regular coordination and optimization of the system is carried out in close cooperation with the customer, even after the go-live. In addition, further steps are jointly defined and scheduled. This also included connecting end customers to the online customer portal in 2024.

With the VAS Cloud Logistics solution from Axians IAS, we have taken our order entry and planning workflow to a new level of automation and user-friendliness. Reduced effort, lower error rates, and significantly simplified integration between customers and carriers have greatly increased the efficiency of our logistics processes.

Rene Below

Managing Director Sand + Kies Union GmbH Berlin Brandenburg (SKBB)

Structured planning and precise execution

The success of the project is based on systematic planning and implementation. SKBB’s requirements and the strategic objectives of the project were defined in the initial workshops. Based on these specifications, Axians IAS developed a detailed implementation concept that took all technical, logistical and operational aspects into account.

The course of the project:

Workshops and concept development: Identification of optimization potential and definition of a clear project plan.
Proof of concept: Validation of the functions on a demo system to ensure suitability for practical use.
Data migration: Integration of existing master data from ERP and CRM systems.
Implementation and go-live: Iterative introduction with regular feedback loops and adjustments to specific requirements.

Even after the successful go-live, Axians IAS remains a reliable partner and supports SKBB in the continuous optimization of the solution. This also includes the implementation of further automation steps in logistics, such as the introduction of a central delivery data portal.

Advantages of a cloud-based scheduling solution

Thanks to the implementation of VAS Cloud Logistics, SKBB was able to achieve sustainable improvements in all areas of its logistics, both economically and operationally. The optimization of resource utilization and transport costs has led to reduced operating costs, while the automated processes save time and minimize errors. The resulting increase in efficiency is complemented by greater flexibility, as the accelerated data exchange enables all players to react quickly to current changes in the supply chain.

The benefits of the solution are also felt comprehensively in the operational area: thanks to centralized data management, all relevant information is now integrated in one system and immediately available if required. In addition, the real-time overview of the status of orders and deliveries leads to a significantly higher level of transparency. Finally, all users benefit from the intuitive user interfaces, which helps to improve the customer experience.

Referenz SKBB - Automatisierung der Auftragserfassung und Disposition mit VAS - VAS Cloud Logistics Auftragsplanung - Axians IAS

Outlook on sustainability and innovation

The project at Sand + Kies Union GmbH Berlin Brandenburg (SKBB) is a pioneering example of digitalization in logistics. Future expansions such as the complete digital integration of customers and freight forwarders, mobile ordering options and a paperless logistics process are already being planned. The collaboration with Axians IAS and the introduction of VAS Cloud Logistics have shown how technological innovations can not only increase efficiency, but also create the basis for sustainable success in a dynamic industry.

Referenz SKBB - Automatisierung der Auftragserfassung und Disposition mit VAS -Disponent beim Nutzen der Software - Axians IAS

Conclusion

With the introduction of VAS Cloud Logistics, SKBB has taken an important step in the further development of its logistics processes. The efficiency of the processes has been significantly increased. This was achieved by better integrating all stakeholders and switching from analog processes to digital solutions. In this way, disruptive factors such as high time expenditure and susceptibility to errors were minimized, while the exchange of information was increased. The interplay of modern technology, structured project management and clearly defined objectives at SKBB clearly demonstrates how digital transformation can be successfully implemented in bulk goods logistics.

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