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Prodware supports medical compression garments expert SIGVARIS with the implementation of cloud-based ERP solution

10. Februar 2017

Comprehensive transparency meets maximum flexibility

Prodware supports medical compression garments expert SIGVARIS with the implementation of cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP solution.

Hamburg, February 10, 2017 – Global applicability, flexibility, data transparency and process efficiency: These are the central requirements that SIGVARIS have in regard to ERP software. For this global market leader in the manufacturing of medical compression garments Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations is their chosen solution. With the support of this cloud-based and globally used ERP solution, the Swiss company, which is represented in more than 70 countries with 1.500 employees, will drive forward its business strategy, which is based on innovation and growth. Prodware Deutschland AG, one of the largest Microsoft Dynamics partners, is proud to help SIGVARIS implementing their ERP project.

The IT strategy of SIGVARIS consists of different streams. In addition to central tasks such as Unified Communication and Collaboration, the reorganisation of company-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is the most important over the coming years. The focus is on aligning the global SIGVARIS objectives with regional market requirements. Dynamics 365 for Operations acts as a control centre in the cloud, to address Group-wide requirements, to make processes more efficient and to leverage synergies. Daniel Straub, CFO, explains: “We want to see more flexibility for future growth in ever-changing markets. This growth comes from mergers and acquisitions as well as new channels. At the same time, it is important for us to maintain and improve overall business transparency with better integration between customers, processes and an optimised supply chain.

On the safe side in the long term

Dynamics 365 is an innovative ERP solution that meets current and future requirements. This ERP project is designed to coordinate global objectives and local requirements, consolidate financial reporting and enable business analysis. Competitive strength and revenues should be boosted. SIGVARIS chose a two-stage selection process to find the right solution: With the support of Deloitte Consulting, they analysed possible cloud-based ERP solutions with regard to their suitability and fit for SIGVARIS as well as modernity and future-oriented technology. Based on these criteria, SIGVARIS selected Dynamics 365 for Operations (formerly Dynamics AX). In a second selection phase they evaluated the appropriate implementation partner for this multi-year international ERP project. SIGVARIS chose Prodware Deutschland AG. Léon Smits, Head of Corporate IT at SIGVARIS Group, explains: “Prodware and SIGVARIS are similar in size and structure, which gives Prodware a good sense of our requirements. In addition, this Microsoft Dynamics partner impressed us with their professional competence and international presence. “

The approach: flexibility by simplification

The newly formulated IT strategy of SIGVARIS, aims to modernise their entire IT landscape. The focus on cloud solutions, especially SaaS, is one of the defined strategic lines of approach. In order to implement the plan, IT complexity is to be reduced through the use of service-based application platforms. As a result, business objectives and requirements can be better covered and costs reduced. A major focus is on agility and a well-founded cost-benefit ratio of IT spending. With Dynamics 365 for Operations, all important business applications can be efficiently combined and streamlined. Through the use of the solution, new business process as a service (BPaaS) can be established, as well as structured and unstructured processes and applications can be easily connected. By using the familiar Microsoft user interface, SIGVARIS expects shorter training times and thus cost savings as well as higher user acceptance compared to other ERP solutions. Other benefits include the powerful Business Intelligence (BI) and statistical features through the Power BI and Cortana Intelligence integration and visualisation of information on different mobile devices (Windows, IOS, Android).

Alfons Hollah, Account Manager at Prodware, explains “The worldwide unification of the IT landscape based on the cloud-based Dynamics 365 for Operations solution from Microsoft and the associated replacement of various ERP solutions used for many years, such as SAP, make up the charm of this project. We are pleased to be able to accompany SIGVARIS on their journey. The integrated collaboration between Dynamics and Microsoft Office will provide optimal support for the users in their daily work.” Andreas Schönenberger, Group CEO, adds: “The ERP initiative is of the utmost importance to the SIGVARIS Group. Even if this project is a major challenge for the entire company, I am sure that together with Prodware, we will be able to optimise our systems and processes as well as future prospects for SIGVARIS. “

About SIGVARIS

The Swiss Group SIGVARIS has its headquarters in Switzerland and is the global market leader in the manufacture of medical compression garments. It employs over 1.500 people and has its own production plants in Switzerland, France, Poland, the US and Brazil. SIGVARIS is close to its customers, having subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, England, Italy, Canada, China, Australia, Mexico and a branch in the United Arab Emirates as well as distributors in more than 70 countries on all continents. The Group pursues an international growth strategy on the solid foundation of more than 150 years of success. www.sigvaris.com