Case Study Scalable ERP System Supports Even Rapid Growth
Trailer Dynamics implements PSIpenta/ERP before the start of series production – and in record time.
Trailer Dynamics has successfully implemented the PSIpenta ERP system before the start of production of its innovative eTrailer systems – in just 32 instead of the planned 62 project days. The system provides the basis for efficient business processes and rapid growth.
About Trailer Dynamics
Trailer Dynamics develops innovative, electrified drivelines for semi-trailer towing vehicles that can significantly reduce diesel and CO₂ emissions in heavy-duty transportation. By installing the manufacturer-independent eTrailer systems in their vehicles, logistics companies can save up to 40% on fuel costs, while the range of battery-electric semi-trailer trucks is increased by more than 500 kilometers. Even before the start of series production, the company has received pre-orders from many well-known logistics companies.
Challenges
Trailer Dynamics deliberately wanted to implement a scalable ERP system even before the start of production in order to establish clean processes along an industry standard with a still manageable amount of data. The system should support customer-related series production, but also production based on orders, for example, to be able to pre-produce certain assemblies. In addition, PDM and PLM systems play an important role at the manufacturer, and these must be seamlessly integrated. The company is also preparing for rapid growth – both nationally and internationally – and is therefore required to create efficient organizational structures. Last but not least, Trailer Dynamics is faced with the task of training employees who have no experience in a production context and in handling the corresponding industry software.
Production Characteristics
- Combination of customized and made-to-order production
- Integration of PDM and PLM systems
- Rapid growth in a national and international context
- Training of employees without a production background
Aims of Trailer Dynamics
Trailer Dynamics wanted to implement an ERP solution that would enable the company to efficiently design and control its automotive processes along a proven system standard. At the same time, the system should support future growth and, thanks to its ease of use, optimally support even inexperienced users.
The Main Objectives
- Design of optimized processes along an industry standard
- High scalability in a national and international context
- Ensuring cross-departmental data transparency
- Fast ERP implementation
- Establishment of an easy-to-use system
Approach
With PSIpenta/ERP, Trailer Dynamics, together with experienced PSI consultants, has introduced a high-performance system that supports all of the manufacturer's current and future requirements in the standard version.
Realization
Trailer Dynamics startete mit einem Prozess- und Systemdesign und definierte mit Hilfe der von der PSI bereitgestellten Best-Practice-Prozesse wesentliche Basisgeschäftsabläufe entlang des Standards – u. a. im Materialeinkauf, in der Warenannahme und Buchhaltung.
Result
Transparent Business Processes
Thanks to a clear strategy and the intensive collaboration between Trailer Dynamics and the PSI consultants, the ERP system was implemented in just 32 project days instead of the planned 62. As a result, the implementation project also remained under budget. In addition, the first positive effects were already apparent a few weeks after the go-live – especially in the form of cross-departmental data transparency. Which goods have been received? What has been paid for and what has not? Which processes are over or under budget? All this information can be obtained at the push of a button and requires neither time-consuming checking of lists nor clarifying phone calls.
Conclusion
Trailer Dynamics has proven that introducing an ERP system before the start of production is a good idea. The decision to use a proven industry solution for the automotive sector has paid off. After a smooth implementation and successful initial user training, the manufacturer is well prepared to process the many pre-orders after the start of production, as well as for further growth.
