Customer
ifm electronic gmbh
Industry
Industrial Machinery
Key technologies
Go-live
06/2020
Country
China, Switzerland, North America
German sensor producer, ifm electronic gmbh, needed a solution to label parcels and integrate international carriers for worldwide shipping. With Westernacher eXpress, ifm overcame language barriers in communication and connected Chinese carriers to an SAP system hosted in Germany. Westernacher implemented its intelligent shipping solution for ifm in China, Switzerland and North America, seamlessly integrating it into SAP EWM with local language support. With Westernacher’s support, ifm is preparing its supply chain for the future.
ifm electronic gmbh is a German company that produces position sensors, sensors for motion and safety technology. Founded in 1969, ifm operates in over 70 countries worldwide with more than 8000 employees. Ifm’s products are designed to improve efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes. Currently, ifm ships its products to 180 countries around the world.
Founded in
1969
operates in
>70
countries
employees
>800
ships its products to
180
countries
In order to meet its substantial need for worldwide shipping, ifm needed a solution to label parcels and seamlessly integrate international carriers. “We want to have an internationally-oriented partner, and we found the right one in Westernacher,” said Rainer Christiansmeyer, SAP EWM Consultant, ifm.
There were two primary challenges that ifm had to overcome. Firstly, they faced a language barrier when communicating with carriers in China. Secondly, they needed to connect Chinese carriers to an SAP system hosted in Germany.
With Westernacher eXpress, an SAP-certified solution that enables complete shipping management from within the SAP system, ifm managed to overcome the challenges mentioned above. Westernacher Consulting successfully implemented the parcel labeling software for ifm in China, Switzerland and North America. Our global presence and support allow us to implement Westernacher eXpress locally in the language of the respective country, ensuring smooth integration into the existing system. “We’re very satisfied with the solution,” said Christiansmeyer.
Smooth collaboration and seamless integration.
The collaboration between ifm and Westernacher was outstanding from start to finish, with transparent communication and open discussions throughout. From the development stage and adjustments to the go-live phase and support after implementation, the Westernacher and ifm teams worked closely and smoothly together to ensure a successful outcome.
Westernacher eXpress transforms the way your organization communicates by adapting to different roles for maximum transparency. It allows for flexible integration and a smooth connection to all supply chain processes, making it easy to create manifest files and loading lists.
It’s fully integrated but doesn’t interfere with our SAP EWM system and any process that we have set up. It’s really easy to work with eXpress.
Ina Korten, SAP EWM Consultant, ifm electronic
Westernacher eXpress offers all the essential logistics capabilities required for seamless integration with your transportation partners, enabling you to produce labels according to carriers’ specifications. With automated pick-up of track & trace information and a powerful suite for connecting CEP service providers, Westernacher eXpress makes your shipping more intelligent and future-proof.
We still have 20 other countries, mostly in Asia, where we intend to install assets from Westernacher, a strategic partner in the SAP rollout process.
Rainer Christiansmeyer, SAP EWM Consultant, ifm electronic
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