Case Study: Voss Edelstahlhandel – Consistent Digitalization Strategy Brings Success for Steel Trading
How Voss Edelstahlhandel became a pioneer for digitalization in steel trading with OXID eShop and Commerce Grid – with VossOnline, VossConnect and VossEDI
Zusammenfassung
Ein Überblick über die wichtigsten Aspekte dieser Case Study
Ausgangssituation
Voss Edelstahlhandel has been a competent partner in specialist trade for over 40 years. Management recognized early that an online shop alone would not be enough and pursued a consistent digitalization strategy.
Herausforderung
Digitalization of the entire procurement process in steel trading – from real-time price and availability information to customer portal to connection to customers' ERP systems.
Lösung
Three digital solutions based on OXID eShop with Commerce Grid (cgrd GmbH): VossOnline (shop and customer portal), VossConnect (interface to ERP system) and VossEDI (digital document exchange).
Ergebnis
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.
Über unseren Kunden
Branche
Steel Trading / B2B Wholesale
Standort
Ennepetal, Germany
Größe
Over 40 years in specialist trade
Unternehmensprofil
Being a competent partner and supporter for specialist trade has been the philosophy of Voss Edelstahlhandel GmbH & Co. KG for 40 years. What began with the digitalization of sales through an online shop is today increasingly developing into the digitalization of the entire procurement process in steel trading.
Die Herausforderung
For managing directors Markus Fischer and Thorsten Studemund, it was clear early on that a shop alone would not be enough. Digitalization had to encompass the entire procurement process in steel trading.
A traditional online shop 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 with consistent 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.
Ergebnisse auf einen Blick
Die wichtigsten Fakten und Kennzahlen des Projekts
Shop & 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 in an analog way. 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."