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Tie bar manufacturer ASDO optimises variant management using VlexPlus
Anker Schroeder ASDO GmbH, founded in 1920, is a globally successful third and fourth generation family-run business. With a total staff of 100 employees, ANKER SCHROEDER today ranks among the leading manufacturers of heavy anchoring components used in harbour facilities, bridges, halls, stadium roofs and other large scale constructions worldwide, such as the Berlin main station, the Hanover fair convention centre or the 1 500 meter long Bosporus bridge in Istanbul. The comprehensive manufacturing range extends from heavy duty special bolts and shackles via tension bars and compression struts up to anchors for sheet pilewalls.
The ERP system used up to then was technically outdated – the underlying software architecture was no longer maintained. The ERP solution furthermore hardly allowed for adaptation or effective representation of new processes and could no longer meet process or other requirements in terms of ergonomics.
Since continuing corporate growth outstripped the prospects of the existing system, Anker Schroeder Management decided to retire the old system and introduce a state-of-the-art, flexibly adaptable and future-proof ERP all-in-one solution. ASDO was not in favour of own or individual programming, since their past experiences made in this field were unfavourable.
After a comprehensive selection process in 2010, VLEXsoftware gmbh with its variant ERP VlexPlus based on state-of-the-art Web technology finally came out tops in competition against, among other, internationally leading ERP producers. The state-of-the-art browser architecture of VlexPlus, with its simple external access and simultaneously offering numerous options for extension or system integration, was an important criterion in the decision right from the onset, especially with a view to sustained performance into the future.
“The cost advantages compared to competitive products, the good references available in the sector, the project team's pragmatic approach and the profound variant competency ultimately tipped the scales in the selection process”, says Anker Schroeder Managing Director, Daniel Schroeder. “The mid-size VLEXsoftware+consulting gmbh company profile also contributed to our decision. We were keen on a partnership on equal terms.”
ASDO is a manufacturer of small batches and variants, seldom producing products more than once. This means that variant configuration and management constitute pivotal arguments throughout the quotation and job handling processes. Using VlexPlus it is not necessary to create a separate master for each variant in the system, but only a basic product from which all variants are ultimately created according to specific customer requirements.
Since procured products are generally also variants, ASDO can conveniently initiate procurement via the configurator. The introduction of VlexPlus also replaced past chaotic warehouse management with the introduction of new warehouse logistics. ASDO has since been able to document material movements "live" and to significantly simplify calculation and quotation processes.
