Specialist for surface technologies J. Wagner GmbH modernizes its processes for purchase requisitions - DATAGROUP solution ensures automation, higher data quality and traceability.
Every order in the company is usually preceded by a request. If the department has a specific requirement, the person concerned triggers a purchase requisition, which is then checked by the MRP controller, account controller and supervisor. The term for this in the SAP environment: BANF (written out: purchase requisition). J. Wagner GmbH previously mapped this process (upstream of the actual order) with a Lotus Notes solution. The data was transferred manually from SAP to Notes.
Incorrect entries of master data were a frequent problem, in addition to the often long waiting times for approvals. The lack of common master data, such as the product group, also often led to further manual rework at Wagner. The surface technology specialist employs 1,600 people worldwide in 16 operating companies, at nine production sites on three continents and in nine international sales and service companies.
Many of them regularly have to deal with purchase requisitions and should be able to use a globally applicable software solution in future. For its intranet, J. Wagner. GmbH uses Microsoft SharePoint Online- so why not also use the collaboration solution for approval processes in purchasing? DATAGROUP has been developing solutions for MS SharePoint since version 2010, including the use of Nintex Workflow for process automation.
As a certified Nintex partner, DATAGROUP can therefore optimally map business processes in automated workflows - capabilities from which Wagner now also benefits: The company commissioned DATAGROUP's Ulm office to develop a new solution based on SharePoint Online.
This should use the necessary master data from SAP and create approved applications as BANFs in SAP. Approvers, such as cost center managers, were to be contacted automatically based on value and additional approvers could also be added during the process.
Only correct data in the request process
"With the new solution, the required master data from SAP is synchronized cyclically with SharePoint Online," explains Andreas Hensler, Consultant Digital Transformation and Project Manager at J. Wagner GmbH. DATAGROUP has also designed new user interface components for the application. They further improve the usability of the SharePoint environment and support users during data entry. The result: only correct data flows into the request process. Once the request has been fully recorded, the workflow determines the necessary persons and starts the approval process. By using Nintex components, approvals can also be granted or denied with a simple "yes" or "no" e-mail. If approval is granted, the purchase requisition is created in SAP and can be processed directly. The new system is already in practical use at the two locations in Markdorf and Minneapolis; J. Wagner GmbH is currently expanding it independently to three additional locations, with the prospect of further growth.
About J. Wagner GmbH
For industrial applications, J. Wagner GmbH offers innovative systems for coating with wet and powder coatings as well as sealants and adhesives. Craftsmen use the company's equipment with various technologies such as airless for applying paints, varnishes and plaster. WAGNER has developed a wide range of renovation products for DIY enthusiasts.
