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Webinar recording: Digitization project along the supply chain for SMEs: How Ströbel ensures efficiency and transparency along the supply chain

published on
27.11.2024

The digitalization of processes is often a challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but offers considerable potential for increasing efficiency, transparency and competitiveness. In the latest Tacto webinar, Caroline Rügerl and Roland Rüssmann shed light on how the Ströbel company made the leap into the digital world with the help of Tacto software.

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‍Background: Who is Ströbel?

Ströbel is a medium-sized company based in Germany that offers packaging solutions for the food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. With around 65 employees and an annual turnover of around 15 million euros, Ströbel operates as an SME that focuses on both production and trade. The company faces the challenge of making its supply chain sustainable and transparent while at the same time meeting the requirements of the Supply Chain Act and sustainability standards.

Challenges in purchasing: manual processes and a lack of transparency

Purchasing at Ströbel was organized traditionally, with no clear separation between operational and strategic purchasing. Many processes were handled manually, which led to a lot of time being spent and inefficiencies. There was also a lack of transparency in the supply chain in order to meet the growing demands for sustainability and efficiency. Buyers were faced with an unstable market environment: Supply bottlenecks and wildly fluctuating raw material prices made planning difficult.

The decision to introduce digital processes resulted from the need to reduce manual processes and to be able to react more flexibly to market changes. Roland Rüssmann explained in the webinar that Ströbel took a step-by-step approach to digitalization. The Tacto software played a central role in modernizing the internal processes in purchasing. Tacto offers a modular platform that is specifically tailored to the needs of SMEs in the area of purchasing and the supply chain. It enables processes to be automated, supplier relationships to be managed efficiently and data to be presented transparently.

Ströbel's digitization project: phases and milestones

Ströbel opted for a phased introduction of Tacto's digital tools. Starting with the analysis of existing data and the development of automated supplier management, a particular focus was placed on the implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs). These helped to better evaluate supplier performance, prioritize suppliers according to importance and identify risks in the supply chain at an early stage.

Another milestone was the automation of supplier selection and evaluation. Thanks to digitalization, Ströbel was able to systematically compare prices, track price developments and make strategic decisions. The negotiating power with suppliers was strengthened as a solid database was available for well-founded discussions.

Automation and increased efficiency

A key objective was to relieve buyers of time-consuming, manual tasks. The introduction of digital processes enabled orders to be automated, requests to suppliers to be sent digitally and compliance requirements to be managed more efficiently. These changes led to a significant increase in efficiency and better control over the entire supply chain. In addition, the digital tools enabled a more flexible response to market changes - a decisive advantage in times of fluctuating commodity prices and uncertain supply chains.

The added value of Tacto: sustainability and future-proofing

The introduction of the Tacto software enabled Ströbel not only to increase efficiency in purchasing, but also to better control sustainability along the entire supply chain. With a clear overview of suppliers, certifications and sustainable materials, Ströbel was able to meet customers' growing demands for environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

It has also been shown that modern, digital working methods are a decisive factor in the competition for skilled workers. Young employees expect modern companies to use digital tools. By introducing these technologies, Ströbel is positioning itself as an attractive employer.

Conclusion: A successful step into the future

The digitalization project at Ströbel impressively demonstrates how even smaller companies can make their processes more efficient and meet the requirements of the modern economy by using the right software solutions. In Tacto, Ströbel has found a partner that offers solutions specially tailored to the needs of SMEs and helps them to successfully master the challenges of digitalization.

If you would also like to digitize your purchasing processes and make them future-proof, Tacto is your competent partner. Contact us today to find out more about our customized solutions!

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