- Central control tool for strategic purchasing
- Dashboards enable simple analyses
- Amortization already in the first half of the year
Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB AG) relies on the browser-based purchasing control system WebCIS from SoftconCIS, a specialist in purchasing control. The solution is the central control tool for purchasing: It supports operational purchasing activities, generates management reports, and forms the basis for strategic, goal-oriented work. The SoftconCIS system identifies material cost drivers and maverick buying, highlights potential savings and bottlenecks or surpluses in the use of framework agreements, and brings transparency to the data.
“We were looking for a solution that would provide us with immediate support in purchasing, could be expanded into a comprehensive controlling tool, and would still be easy for users to use. Manageable costs, fast implementation options with integration into SAP and, if necessary, other systems, as well as external hosting were also key requirements. For us, WebCIS from SoftconCIS was the only option,“ says Nadja Lichtmaneker, Head of Purchasing at SSB AG. ”We particularly like the extensive functions already available in the basic version and the simple, intuitive usability. We were able to set up standard reports as well as quick, flexible evaluations with ease,” explains Lichtmaneker.
WebCIS primarily serves as a strategic control tool. With this solution, all developments relevant to purchasing can be displayed and analyzed—and countermeasures can be initiated directly if necessary. It also provides management with a graphical representation of the contribution of purchasing to the company’s success, even with low repeat purchases. In addition, it delivers logistics evaluations and maintains qualitative aspects throughout the entire order-to-pay process.
The system offers more than 250 ready-made analyses and key figures that can be customized within seconds. Purchasers can access the dashboards via the WebCIS portal. “Operationally, we use a product group and a supplier dashboard, and strategically, we use the product group dashboard. In addition, we use the purchasing manager and management dashboards – all tailored to our operational and strategic requirements. The dashboards provide key figures and diagrams with all the information at a glance,“ explains Lichtmaneker. ”Our two favorites are the product group and purchasing manager dashboards.” The product group dashboard provides information on price developments, the biggest price drivers and reductions, the automation rate, ABC analysis, and changes in the active segment – which is particularly important for SSB AG as a non-manufacturing company focusing on track construction and maintenance, train operations, and repairs. The purchasing manager cockpit contains an ABC analysis of suppliers, purchasing and order values, order items with changes from the previous year, and an overview of maverick buying and the shares in the sourcing process – i.e., single sourcing and degree of automation.
“We mainly work with the dashboards, but we also use the total spend and purchasing analysis modules.” Total Spend Analysis enables special evaluations, for example to take a closer look at maverick buying from the perspectives of materials management and finance. Complete transparency down to the document level allows concrete approaches to be derived to reduce maverick buying immediately. An analysis shows whether the measures taken are effective or whether adjustments are necessary. By checking payment terms, SSB AG gains qualitative insights into internal processes and supplier behavior.
Purchasing analysis can be used to benchmark suppliers, identify cost drivers, prepare negotiations, evaluate purchasing groups, review the use of framework agreements, and measure and improve the cost development of suppliers, material groups, and parts. This enables purchasers to optimally plan and control operational measures for their goals.
“Across a wide range of industries and company sizes, other purchasing managers with many years of experience recommended SoftconCIS,” says Lichtmaneker. After a short test phase, SSB AG opted for the browser-based purchasing control system from SoftconCIS. “The system enabled us to achieve quick wins and identified inaccurate data. According to our calculations, the solution will pay for itself in the first half of the year.” The head of purchasing sums it up: “WebCIS – the right tool – with the right people – simply convincing!”
