Nuclos Open Source ERP in use at Rhenus Logistics
System for warehouse and trade fair logistics based on the ERP modular system
Sauerlach, December 3, 2015 – Rhenus AL Ingolstadt GmbH, part of the globally operating Rhenus Group, has opted for Nuclos Open Source ERP(www.nuclos.de). Rhenus manages the trade fair logistics for a major German car manufacturer and supplies the group’s trade fair and event appearances worldwide with suitable furniture and technical equipment. The logistics service provider implemented a flexible platform based on Nuclos, on which all processes and data are mapped and external partners are connected. As a result, Rhenus benefits from a high level of process transparency and data quality as well as time and cost savings. This means that trade fair times, orders, stand plans, the status and movement of around 340,000 items, approval processes, damage recording, processing and parts list management can be recorded, checked and processed centrally. External partners such as stand builders, service providers or suppliers have access to relevant information – also web-based via the new Nuclos web client – and can therefore act quickly and in a targeted manner.
Special requirements of trade fair logistics
In trade fair logistics, storage units are dispatched, returned, repaired if necessary and used again for an event. It is important to keep track of where which items are currently located and when they will be available again, for example after a repair. It was not possible for Rhenus to map the relevant processes and status information and to adapt them in the event of changes with the static system that was previously used, or this would have been very time-consuming and costly. Standard warehouse management and store systems were unable or only insufficiently able to represent important criteria of the logistics service provider with regard to returns, maintenance and damage management.
Convincing flexibility
Nuclos, on the other hand, offers generic mechanisms that make it very easy to implement individual requirements, define and iteratively adapt processes and change them if necessary. For example, Rhenus was able to digitally map and automate the entire claims processing process from recording and rectification to invoicing, including documentation and approval workflows. This saves a lot of time and ensures a high level of transparency for the partners involved and for settling claims. In a further expansion stage, the integration of mobile devices with cameras is planned in order to further optimize damage documentation and processing in line with an Industry 4.0/smart factory concept.
“We were initially skeptical about an open source system,” says Thomas Zerhau, Branch Manager and Nuclos Project Manager at Rhenus AL Ingolstadt GmbH. “However, advantages such as the clear user interface, a high level of user-friendliness and the flexibility of the software very quickly convinced both the management and our colleagues in the office. In addition, the experts from Novabit immediately understood our requirements and provided us with optimum support during implementation.”
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