SAP Quality Award for Uhlmann Pac-Systeme

Processes simplified, productivity increased

Laupheim/Falkenberg, June 29, 2023 // How do you manage to migrate a 3-shift logistics operation with complex processes in a confined space to SAP EWM S/4HANA and optimize the processes in parallel? Together with its partner IGZ from Falkenberg, Uhlmann Pac-Systeme had to deal with exactly this and a multitude of other questions. The SAP Quality Award, which the packaging specialist based in Laupheim received together with IGZ in the "Business Transformation" category, proves that this can be done successfully. This is already the second SAP Quality Award for IGZ.

Matthias Fischer, Project Manager Logistics at Uhlmann Pac-Systeme, is "proud that the jury gave us this award in 2023. We are convinced that we have achieved an impressive result with the SAP S/4 EWM migration implemented at our main site in Laupheim." After all, the intralogistics conversion was mastered during ongoing three-shift operations. A highly complex project in which quality and adherence to schedules convinced the jury - not a matter of course on the market. "The fact that our customer Uhlmann was able to score all along the line here with us as implementation and realization partner makes us very happy," says the overall project manager and deputy IGZ division manager Sven Schmidt. Uhlmann Pac-Systeme is the world's leading system supplier for the packaging of pharmaceuticals in blisters, bottles and cartons.

Processes simplified, productivity increased, costs saved

The highlights of the now award-winning migration project include the automation of error-prone and time-consuming manual bookings in warehouse logistics, which have been reduced by around 80 percent. This project thus represents a true milestone for Uhlmann in the direction of digitization and at the same time makes a significant contribution to the future security of the SAP systems. For example, the IGZ best practice "Pick-by-Motion" (PbM) based on gesture control is now being used, as well as picking carts in which Apple iPhones are used as MDE devices in conjunction with ProGlove glove scanners. Analogous to PbM, these also support the "hands-free" principle during picking.

Integration into existing, complex structures

"Introducing a new warehouse management system during ongoing operations is like performing a brain transplant on a body in motion," notes Matthias Fischer of Uhlmann Pac-Systeme. "Such a project requires not only forward-looking planning, but also continuous risk management." This also applied to the implementation of partly completely new greenfield structures in times of the pandemic. In particular, the three-shift operation and numerous special processes had to be taken into account, which also had to be specified in detail as well as involving full-scale cross-checks, tests and training. "We are all the more pleased that we met the agreed go-live date despite all the imponderables, which was also an indicator of success from the jury's point of view," emphasizes Sven Schmidt from IGZ. However, this was also thanks to a top team spirit and the high motivation of everyone involved, both from Uhlmann and from IGZ.

On track for success with teamwork

Matthias Fischer shares this assessment: "All the targets were met, also with regard to the budget and IT security at the highest level. This project is a great example of what teamwork can achieve. We look forward to the next, joint successes!" This was the second SAP Quality Award for the SAP engineers from Falkenberg. IGZ had already received this trophy with the travel retailer Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG from Hamburg in 2014.