PROJECTS

AIR-CONDITIONING MANUFACTURERS

The customers of air-conditioning manufacturers include computer centres, e.g. for international Internet traders, banks or insurance companies. Systems must comply with local requirements, directives and certification regulations. The corporate groups are active worldwide, often have their own global standards and therefore expect consistent equipment concepts and a consistent image for the company in the marketplace. This in turn forces manufacturers to standardise and consolidate their products, processes and IT systems.

Client: Manufacturer of air-conditioning systems > 2,000 employees

Branch: Apparatus engineering, air-conditioning manufacturers

Topic: Configuration of parts lists, product configuration, variant management

Situation: The German company headquarters develops and produces for markets beyond Europe as well, including Asia, Africa and South America. The subsidiary in the USA develops and produces primarily for the North American market. Therefore, the two locations have different markets, customers and requirements, which has resulted in the development of different products, processes and IT systems (design/calculations, offer management, ERP, etc.).

In light of the product variance required and, at the same time, the desired harmonisation of the IT systems and sales and service processes, the management posed the question of to what extent a uniform IT system environment is possible at both locations in the future.

Brief: Following exact clarification of the objectives and tasks, an analysis and concept phase followed in Germany which focused on market/customers, products (product variance), processes from enquiry to service and IT systems (CAD, design/calculations, CRM, ERP, etc.).

Based on that, a questionnaire was compiled in preparation for a survey in the USA. The analysis and concept phase in the USA could therefore be prepared efficiently and carried out very soon afterwards in a similar form.

Following that, both locations were compared in detail in terms of identical and non-identical criteria. After the report had been agreed with the specialist departments on both sides, the results were presented to the management.

Result: The report includes statements on:

• The areas in which the product variance of the equipment in Germany and the USA differ and where they are comparable or identical.
• Where there is potential in terms of identical parts/reuse owing to different designs (grouping suppliers).
• To what extent can experience be exploited in both directions for CRM/offer management and ERP.
• Whether harmonisation of the offer and ERP environments and processes is advisable.
• Whether standardised products can be offered, built and sold in the future – worldwide, irrespective of location.