In order to clarify the topic "connection to the Enterprise Resource Planning system" (ERP) for future users of Agriplace, we had a detailed conversation with Stefan Kusenberg, IT manager at KÖLLA GmbH & Co. KG. In the attached summary of this conversation, Stefan reports on the challenges that led the company to use Agriplace, what solutions our platform offers the company and what results KÖLLA is already seeing.
Challenge
Before we discovered Agriplace, KÖLLA was using an individually programmed solution based on MySQL, in which our QA could upload and maintain certificates, questionnaires and other documents. A search function existed, but not in a particularly useful and convenient form for us. The main problem was that the SQL database was operated in a completely independent way from our ERP system and there was no synchronisation between the two systems. However, it is precisely the certificates that we need in the ERP system, which is why many processes had to be carried out twice and, above all, manually up to now. Therefore, we were looking for an integrated solution that contains all collected supplier documents and connects both systems with each other.
Before joining Agriplace, it was extremely difficult to keep track of all certifications of the respective suppliers in order to be able to fulfil customer requirements. In the end, quality management had to download certificates individually, like GlobalG.A.P., add data and import them again. Another problem was that our ERP system did not allow us to view supply chain structures in detail. This ended up being a very complicated process due to our complex and international supplier and customer base.
In the past, our quality management had to manually block and unblock various suppliers to ensure specific customer requirements. This approach was time consuming as we had to manually manage all suppliers and their data such as certifications.
KÖLLA is very focused on meeting specific customer requirements. Therefore, we needed a solution that would allow us to easily decide between our different suppliers while maintaining a clear overview of their data.
Solution
We were looking for a solution that would allow KÖLLA's ERP system to still be the leading link in our processes. It was also a requirement to be able to connect the ERP system to a database that would allow us to check records more quickly when an order was received.
It was our goal to be able to create records such as supplier and producer data in our ERP system and then synchronise them with a supporting platform with database connections. Furthermore, it was important for us to get a better insight into the supply chain structure.
KÖLLA was looking for a partner to realise a pilot project of digitalisation and automation. Agriplace introduced itself as a young, committed and dynamic company.
Agriplace enables the automated capture and management of supplier documents and provides clear insight into the entire supply chain in order to be able to meet customer requirements at any time. With live feeds from databases such as GlobalG.A.P., users are always up to date if risks arise in supply chains.
Thanks to the database connections and the effortless exchange with suppliers, the cloud-based platform Agriplace was the ideal solution for us.
Result
For the future of KÖLLA, implementing Agriplace was absolutely the right decision. Data that was previously laboriously managed manually is now digitally captured by Agriplace. The data can be accessed at any time and is synchronised with our ERP system in real time. As a result, KÖLLA now achieves enormous time savings in the management of suppliers and their data.
Furthermore, Agriplace’s interface allows us to tap into a data pool such as GlobalG.A.P.. Furthermore, Agriplace helps us keep an overview of all supply chain actors, which is very helpful for example for the IFS certifications or Chain of Custody.
Finally, work steps that previously had to be carried out by hand are now automated. This means that important decision-making processes can now also be simplified, which takes a lot of pressure off quality management. As a result, the QM team no longer has to manually block and unblock suppliers.
Agriplace also allows us to work more efficiently in procurement, as the platform allows us to keep a good overview of the certifications of different suppliers. This helps significantly to meet specific customer requirements. This way of working ensures that each customer only receives the correctly certified goods they require.
Tips for companies seeking an API connection
The concept phase is the most important preparation for the API connection to Agriplace. The QM team should take the lead here, as they best understand the complexity of the requirements and can therefore structure the concept phase most efficiently.