Press Report
In times of increasing cross-company globalisation, businesses need to expand their IT in order to manage B2B processes. Companies that rely exclusively on their own ERP systems in worldwide chains are selling themselves short.
(Computer Zeitung 04.2008) Business-to-business information and communication structures can hardly be realised by the direct networking of existing ERP systems. The adaptation and adjustment that is necessary in order to realistically map the complexity of cross-company logistics processes is far too daunting a task. The interfaces between supply chain partners that this demands are barely manageable. Because of incompatibilities and inadequately defined accountability for processes, either in whole or in part, this is a really challenging route to go down.
In particular where complex logistics processes are concerned, software solutions specially designed for supply chain execution are increasingly finding acceptance. Not only are these able to network all suppliers efficiently, but they offer additional functions for transport, freight cost and loading device management. By virtue of their interface architecture, solutions of this kind can add logistics functions to existing ERP systems and thus assist in synchronising the flow of information and material.
If a transport order is generated in the lead ERP system, the web-based logistics software solution will access all the data relevant to that order via a standardised interface. On the basis of the master data and routing data from the various logistics providers, it is possible to generate transport documents and service provider labels. After the transport has been allocated, it is also possible to transmit status reports on the consignment back to the lead ERP system for further processing. In the area of freight cost management, the capacity for comprehensive and automated checking of freight invoices through virtually instant reconciliation with the actual transportation is enough in itself to effect cost savings of up to five percent.