Voss Edelstahlhandel: A rigorous digitalization strategy pays off in steel trading
How Voss Edelstahlhandel became a pioneer for digitalization in steel trading with OXID eShop and Commerce Grid – with VossOnline, VossConnect and VossEDI
At a glance
The key points of this case study
Situation
Voss Edelstahlhandel has been a reliable partner to specialist dealers for over 40 years. Management recognized early that an online store alone would not be enough and pursued a rigorous digitalization strategy.
Challenge
Digitalization of the entire procurement process in steel trading – from real-time price and availability information and a customer portal to connecting customers' ERP systems.
Solution
Three digital solutions based on OXID eShop with Commerce Grid (cgrd GmbH): VossOnline (store and customer portal), VossConnect (interface to ERP system) and VossEDI (digital document exchange).
Result
Since July 2020, a digital customer portal as the centerpiece of the digitalization strategy – with measurable efficiency benefits for customers and significantly strengthened customer loyalty.
About the customer
Industry
Steel trading / B2B wholesale
Location
Ennepetal, Germany
Company size
Over 40 years serving specialist dealers
Company profile
For 40 years, Voss Edelstahlhandel GmbH & Co. KG has positioned itself as a reliable partner to specialist dealers. What began with digitalizing sales through an online store is increasingly evolving into the digitalization of the entire procurement process in steel trading.
The challenge
For managing directors Markus Fischer and Thorsten Studemund, it was clear early on that an online store alone would not be enough. Digitalization had to encompass the entire procurement process in steel trading.
A traditional online store is not enough in B2B steel trading – the entire procurement process must be digitalized
Customers need real-time information on product availability and individual prices for their own calculations
Connection to customers' ERP systems for seamless processes
Digital document exchange and simplification of bureaucratic processes
The solution: three digital pillars based on OXID eShop
Continuous development that makes full use of new technical possibilities – implemented with Commerce Grid by cgrd GmbH
VossOnline – customer portal
Centerpiece of the digitalization strategy since July 2020. The customer decides which service functions, online tools and instruments from the online toolbox best fit their work environment – including the ability to assign their own article numbers and match codes.
VossConnect – system integration
Interface to the customer's ERP system for seamlessly connected systems. Fast access to information and efficient processes – essential for B2B customers.
VossEDI – digital document exchange
Simplification of bureaucratic processes through digital document exchange. Management of diverse documents and online quotation and order processes.
Commerce Grid (cgrd)
The technical foundation is OXID eShop with Commerce Grid, a solution by OXID partner cgrd GmbH in Hamburg. Real-time information on product availability, shipment tracking, pricing and customer-specific conditions.
Results at a glance
Key project facts and figures
Store & customer portal
Real-time prices, availability, shipment tracking and self-service
ERP integration
Seamless interface to the customer's ERP system
Digital document exchange
Simplification of bureaucratic processes and document management
Technical foundation
OXID eShop with Commerce Grid by OXID partner cgrd GmbH
“In the beginning, everyone said that online sales would lose customer loyalty. However, the opposite is the case. With our digital tools – especially VossOnline – we can now offer our customers a service that would never be possible offline. The customer-specific access to real-time information such as availability and prices brings our customers measurable efficiency benefits. And that significantly increases customer loyalty.”
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