Laser-sharp results

Trotec, the world's leading manufacturer of laser systems in Wels, relies on efficient transportation processes. Together with INFORMATICS, the SAP Transportation Management module was introduced, taking the entire process to a new level.

The introduction of SAP Transportation Management (TM) - included in the basic module of the SAP licence as a pure Fiori functionality - has enabled the digitalization and automation of processes, from transport planning to freight cost control. "Previously, the process was characterized by paper-based and individual working methods. Collaboration between departments such as transport planning, warehouse and customer service was not very transparent and there was no central platform for transport data and status tracking," explains SAP Logistics Senior Consultant Walter Jamnig.

The transformation to digitalized transport planning was implemented in two phases. Phase one concerned the basic functions of SAP TM.

"Transport data from customer orders is automatically transferred and managed centrally. The transport planner can easily compile freight orders - whether for road, air or sea freight." All departments access a central platform. This means that the current status of transports and warehouse movements can be called up at any time. "Communication with the freight forwarders has also been automated: as soon as an order reaches a certain status, notifications are sent directly via the system."

Milestone in corporate logistics

Phase two involved automated freight invoicing and cost control. Special transport requests were automated - the system now obtains and processes offers directly. Efficient invoice verification was also implemented. Incoming invoices are digitally recorded, checked and automatically posted. The time spent on manual checks and approvals has been massively reduced.

And finally, transport costs were automated and allocated to individual customer orders, thus facilitating cost control in controlling. "With this expansion, Trotec was not only able to further streamline processes, but also significantly improve financial transparency."

The system has been in use since September 1, 2024 and took around six months to introduce. The results are impressive: Paperless processes and automation ensure a significant increase in efficiency. "With the gradual introduction of SAP Transportation Management, Trotec has fully digitalized its logistics processes and geared them towards the future. The solution has become a milestone in corporate logistics."