Expanding the system and replacing the old daytime express business software went off without a hitch: “We were simply able to adapt a lot of functionality from the nighttime express spare parts business, which has been running on best4log-x since 2009,” explains Simone Engels, IT Manager at LPR.
In the medium term, LPR plans to replace all company IT solutions with best4log-x, thus operating just one integrated software platform across the entire group of companies. Engels is convinced that “best4log-x provides the best way to do this. The solution is an ideal match for our particular requirements, and its modular structure allows for easy expansion.”
best4log-x is suited to LPR’s broad range of services. “We deliver used and replacement parts throughout Germany, perform on-site repairs, provide disposal services, and administer all subprocesses transparently and reliably, up to 1000 times a day,” explains Engels. When printers don’t print or PC screens go dark, LPR is ready to help by providing logistics or technical services. Trained LPR couriers exchange defective parts or equipment in just a few hours if necessary. best4log-x helps the company keep track of both service trips and parts. If the technical couriers are not up to the task, LPR can call on more than 200 trained service technicians. LPR is thus able to service products throughout their life cycle, and can even handle certified disposal.
“To be able to do this, we clearly need highly detailed information about the recipient, the delivery time, and the delivery address, as well as information about the on-site service level agreement,” says Engels. It is possible to access a wide variety of information, including the customer’s idle times, exact directions leading right to the office door, or the equipment defects reported by the customer. “best4log-x provides all this information, and changes are also quick, reliable, and automated” explains Engels. This functionality comes in handy when a replacement courier has to step in to handle a customer’s toner replacement, or if the end customer postpones a scheduled installation appointment. Scanned information such as serial numbers, installation locations, and signed acknowledgments of receipt also flow automatically into the ERP software. “The need for manual intervention and the associated risk of errors have decreased significantly,” confirms Engels. The system manages all this while at the same time providing customized, real-time information as needed.
With all these demands, the hardware and software must be of the highest quality. This is another reason why LPR has once again opted for the best4log-x SAP logistics software and arvato Systems as its implementation partner. best4log-x is the first complete ERP solution designed for logistics service providers. It ensures easy access to all logistics and commercial processes, including contract management, transport scheduling, billing, customer service, and warehouse logistics. Alongside the traditional transport processes, it also provides tracking and tracing and value-added services.
The same is true for reporting. Logistics specialists today use best4log-x to generate a wide variety of reports and analyses for both internal and external use. LPR is thus able to document activities reliably and on a daily basis, such as which employee installed what kind of equipment and replacement parts for a particular end customer. “This information is not only essential for warranty purposes, our customers are also asking for it,” adds Hartmut Jadallah, Marketing Manager at LPR. Collecting this type of information used to involve a great deal of manual effort, but with the arvato Systems solution, it’s now as easy as clicking a button.
arvato Systems targets its SAP-based best4log-x software solution package toward medium-sized transport and logistics service providers, providing a full range of services from design to implementation and operation. best4log-x is developed and marketed jointly by arvato Systems, dbh Logistics IT AG, Quentia AG and Weber Data Service.
About LPR GmbH
LPR GmbH is a logistics and service specialist providing complete pre-sales and after-sales supply chain solutions to service-intensive industries. LPR conducts both nighttime and daytime express logistics operations and provides repair services using a central repair center and an extensive on-site network. LPR also provides disposal, exchange, and (emergency) warehousing services, as well as hotline and helpdesk support. Headquartered in Neuss, Germany, the LPR Group has over 500 employees. With 26 locations in Germany and its own call center, the LPR Group is able to coordinate and fully handle a comprehensive range of service and logistics processes.